Whether it is damaged plumbing, a leaking roof, or countless other causes, there is a very high chance in any homeowner’s life that they will be faced with water-damaged drywall. When this happens, the best way to deal with it is nearly always to call in restoration professionals; however, in some cases, the damage may be minor enough for a homeowner to deal with it on their own. If this is the case, then here are steps a homeowner can take to deal with water-damaged drywall.
Solve the Cause of Moisture
The first step to solving any moisture damage issue is to ensure that the cause of the moisture intrusion is solved. In some cases, this may be obvious such as in the case of a burst pipe. However, in many cases, this may be far more subtle, but no matter how difficult it is to find, it is crucial to prevent any future leaks, or any repairs will be ruined.
In order to repair damaged stretches of drywall, you will need to remove a section of drywall anyway, so it is often easiest to start by removing a small stretch of the water-damaged wall to start with. By cutting a hole, a few inches across, you will often be able to easily find a leaking pipe or another source of the leak and repair it.
Replace Damaged Drywall
To start with, determine how much drywall you will need to replace. If the wall is sagging by greater than 3/8 of an inch, then it is wise to replace the entire damaged sheet. However, if it is sagging by less than this amount, you can generally cut out any damaged sections and replace them individually.
If you choose to replace a section, it is easiest to trim a piece to size and use four drywall clips around the hole to hold the piece. Then use drywall screws to secure the piece into place. Once in place, apply a thorough coat of joint compound and use a piece of fine sandpaper or a sanding sponge to achieve a smooth surface.
Prevent Mold Growth
Drywall is highly porous, and once it becomes moist, it makes it an ideal haven for mold growth. Once repairs have been made, it is crucial to prevent mold growth. Once it permeates a surface, it can be nearly impossible for a homeowner to address mold issues on their own. However, if the leak was minor, a diluted solution of bleach can potentially kill the mold without damaging the drywall surface.
Re-Paint
Once repaired, cleaned, and completely dry, the drywall surface can now be primed and painted. Begin by preparing the surface. Remove any remaining peeling paint using a paint scraper, followed by using progressively finer grit sandpaper until the surface is completely smooth. Then apply primer and paint to restore the wall to its original appearance.
Final Thoughts
Repairing drywall that has suffered from minor water damage is a difficult job but not outside the reach of a typical homeowner. However, it is important to remember that more serious water damage has to be addressed by a professional equipped to handle more serious remediation. Otherwise, mold and more severe damage can arise.
Contact Us
If you have suffered water damage, RestorePro is your one-stop shop for professional water damage restoration. We are certified professionals ready to restore your home or business to its original condition. Contact us today at 1-800-847-0114 or connect with us on Facebook.
