Drywall Water Damage Repairs

By Steven Panzullo
Water damage to drywall is a common result of plumbing and roofing leaks, but is a home project that should take priority. When trying to spot water damage, look for discoloration, bulging, sagging, and cracks. Water can easily drip and run along interior pipes, so look for damage on both the walls and ceilings, and do not be surprised if you find damage further away from the leak. If you are aware of water damage, it is important to address the problem immediately; once drywall is wet, it is the ideal environment for mold and mildew and can quickly complicate even a small project.

If the only damage found is small cracks, the water damage may be a relatively easy fix. Ready-mixed spackling compounds are ideal for this situation and are easily applied with a putty knife. A strip of fiberglass mesh tape can provide a structural patch to the area to which the putty can be applied. A larger repair requires more structural work.

The first step in repairing larger portions of water damaged drywall is to remove all of the compromised material. Depending on the level of damage, the drywall may already be crumbling or a jigsaw or drywall handsaw may be needed to cut away the damage. As the material is removed, be on the look-out for signs (and smells) of mold and mildew. Any drywall with mold or mildew cannot be saved and all other surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned.

Before repairs begin, it is also important to let the damaged area completely dry. To maximize air flow to the area, it is best to use a high-intensity fan and, when possible, a dehumidifier. The area should dry for at least twelve hours to ensure that the leak has been fixed and that the area is moisture free.

Water damaged drywall can be repaired with a patch - a replacement piece of drywall that is carefully fitted and blended into the existing wall to be unnoticeable. Water-resistant drywall is now available and is the best option when repairing a water damaged area. A new piece of drywall is cut and fit into the opening.

If it is a large hole, a plywood backer board will be necessary. The backer board should be fastened onto the studs to provide a structure to hold the new piece of drywall. The drywall patch should be fastened (screws or nails) into the hole. The joints (edges) of the patch should be taped using paper or fiberglass drywall tape and covered with drywall mud. Once the mud is cured (24 hours), the joints should be sanded to ensure the wall surface is flat and smooth for painting. Any imperfections in the patch or joints will still be visible when painted, so attention to detail is essential throughout this part of the process.

While it is easy to overlook water damaged drywall through the more pressing project of finding and fixing a plumbing or roofing leak, it is not a problem that will go away on its own. The time and money it may cost to fix is well worth it when compared to the potential structural and health consequences.

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