How to Repair Water-Damaged Drywall

If you’ve ever experienced water damage in your home, you know how stressful and disruptive it can be. Water has a way of seeping into even the smallest cracks and crevices, leading to hidden and long-term issues. Drywall is especially vulnerable. When drywall becomes wet or saturated, prompt repair is essential to prevent further damage. Read on to learn with us about how water damaged drywall should be addressed.

Water damaged drywall can lead to several problems, including cracks, holes, mold and mildew growth, and warping or swelling of the material. The severity and location of the water intrusion will determine whether the drywall can be partially repaired or needs to be completely replaced.

Signs of Water Damaged Drywall

There are several common signs that indicate drywall has been affected by water. One of the most noticeable is discoloration or visible water stains on walls or ceilings.

Another warning sign is the presence of mold or mildew. Areas with higher moisture levels are susceptible. Be sure to inspect walls closely, including any wallpaper, for unusual spots, bubbling, or peeling.

In some cases, water damage may also be evident on nearby flooring. Moisture can travel upward from the ground or subfloor, so any cracks, soft spots, or gaps in flooring should be carefully examined.

Important Considerations Before Repair

If drywall has been damaged due to overhead flooding, there is a risk that the ceiling could become unstable or collapse. For this reason, personal safety should always be the top priority. When dealing with ceiling drywall water damage, it’s best to have the structure evaluated by a professional restoration company, such as PuroClean.

If the water damaged drywall was caused by sewage backup, immediately consult certified professionals for repairs. This kind of job involves safety protocols and biohazard cleanup services that are often beyond the capacity of typical homeowners.

Before fixing the water damaged drywall, locate the water source. Extract the standing water and dry the area. The longer the water sits, the greater the damage to your drywall will be.

How to Repair Water Damaged Drywall

If water damaged drywall isn’t repaired, these problems can only get worse. The good news is that Repairing water damaged drywall is often a manageable task when addressed promptly. Below are the steps to take in repairing water damaged drywall.

Clear the Area
Begin by removing any water-soaked furniture and damaged building materials from the space. Wet carpeting and padding should be removed or at least pulled back to allow the subfloor to properly dry and prevent trapped moisture.

Take Proper Safety Precautions
Before removing the water damaged drywall, put on appropriate safety gear, including respiratory protection. Some older drywall joint compounds may contain asbestos, which can become hazardous when disturbed. Turn off power at the circuit breaker and remove any electrical outlets or fixtures in the affected area before opening the wall. If outlets were exposed to water, they should be removed and discarded.

Remove Damaged Materials
Determine how much drywall needs to be removed. If water reached less than two-and-a-half feet high, cut out the drywall to a height of four feet to allow for easier installation of full replacement sheets. If the water level exceeded two-and-a-half feet, remove the drywall up to eight feet or to the ceiling line. If the water level is unknown, carefully inspect the drywall for signs of saturation or damage.

Any drywall that is cracked, crumbling, sagging, or heavily saturated should be removed. Drywall that is only slightly damp may be salvageable if the water source was clean, such as from a broken supply line. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may also need to remove affected wall studs, flooring, cabinets, or ceiling materials.

Once the damaged sections have been identified, the next step is to cut out and remove the compromised drywall.

How to Cut Water Damaged Drywall 

1. Mark a straight line along the wall with chalk.
2. Cut along the chalk line one-half or three-quarters of the way through the thickness of the drywall. Use a utility knife.
3. Loosen and remove the damaged portion carefully. To make that easier, knock a small hole in the damaged drywall using a hammer. Use the hole as a handle to gently pull back the drywall.
4. Once you cut out and remove the drywall, take out all the insulation (fiberglass, mineral wool, cellulose, wood fiberboard, etc.). Even if it doesn’t seem wet, it likely is. If it’s foam plastic insulation, you can leave it in place and allow it to dry.

Once the water damaged drywall is removed, start drying the area around and inside the wall. Use high-efficiency blowers and dehumidifiers and open the windows and doors. Use fans to increase airflow behind walls and leave them running for at least two days so the studs and flooring can completely dry. Avoid punching holes in walls. This practice doesn’t help the wall dry faster. Plus, it makes it harder to repair your drywall.

Use a chemical sanitizer to prevent mold and bacteria from forming between walls. Avoid bleach, as it doesn’t prevent mold from growing. To remove severe odors, use an ozone machine and leave it running for at least eight hours. Vacate the area while the ozone machine is running.

How to Replace Water Damaged Drywall 

Now it’s time to hang new drywall. First, measure the size of the hole to help you know how much to cut out from a new sheet of drywall. Put four drywall clips around the hole and secure each one with a drywall screw.

Then, insert the drywall pieces and secure them to drywall clips. Don’t over-tighten the drywall screws. Use drywall tape and joint compound to blend it in with the existing drywall. Finally, sand the area several times for a smooth wall surface.

Painting the restored drywall is the final step. First, make sure that the joint compound is completely dry, as it would contain a lot of moisture. Then, paint the wall with a primer to help seal the area. After that, paint the entire wall to ensure the color is uniform throughout.

For Professional Drywall Water Damage Repair, Call PuroClean!

As you’ve read, the procedures of how to repair water-damaged drywall are complicated and time-consuming. Everything needs to be done in a timely manner using the right techniques and tools. 

Don’t risk further damage by taking on the task of drywall water damage repair yourself. For professional drywall water damage restoration, call us at 219-800-7876. We use professional equipment, such as heavy-duty air movers, commercial dehumidifiers, moisture meters, and high-volume water extractors to quickly and efficiently dry and repair your drywall and the surrounding damp areas.