12 Jul Outstanding Tips On Repairing Water Damage Drywall
Nearly every homeowner has experienced water damage from a storm or a leaky pipe. Water damage can be very destructive, especially when it comes into contact with drywall. Worse, untreated water-damaged drywall can cause mold problems and collapse.
Are you able to repair damaged drywall from water? Let’s look at the causes, the signs, and how to repair damaged drywall in your home.
DRYWALL WATER DAMAGE
Water damage to drywall is similar to other types of damage. It can be caused by sudden water exposure. These are the most common causes for drywall water damage:
- Plumbing Leaks – Plumbing leaks can be difficult to spot and can surprise homeowners. Water damage to drywall can be caused by leaking pipes near showers and faucets, ruptured hose lines from appliances, faulty air conditioning units, or broken hot water tanks. It’s important to inspect your plumbing system as part of your home maintenance routine to identify potential hazards.
- Foundation or Structural Problems: Drywall water damage is often caused by foundation and structural problems. Water can cause damage to your home’s ‘bones’, whether they are the roof, walls or foundation.
- Floodwaters, Storms and Other Severe Weather can cause damage to drywall. If your home is unable to efficiently drain water away or your gutters or downspouts are clogged or cannot keep up with the falling rain, water can enter your home and cause damage to drywall. It is a good idea to clean your gutters at least once a year, especially in the spring and summer when leaves and other debris can get stuck.
It is important to immediately address any damage to drywall caused by a water leak, foundation failure or storm, and to prevent further damage or mold growth.
Although many homeowners can tackle this task by themselves, a professional Long Beach water damage restoration company can quickly and efficiently repair the damaged drywall and help to identify the source.
SIGNS of WATER DAMAGE TO DRYWALL
Are you unsure if your drywall has been damaged by water? If you are familiar with the signs, it is easy to spot them. Here are some signs that water-damaged or damaged drywall can be identified to prevent you from having extensive damage in your home or office.
- Discoloration/Fading: If you see patches of discoloration, fading, or water stains on your ceiling or walls, this is a prime indication you have water damage. It may seem tempting to paint over the discoloration but this does not address the root cause of the water damage. Before you attempt any repairs, locate the source of the water damage and fix it.
- Peeling Wallpaper or Paint: Water evaporates through drywall and can lift wallpaper and paint off. You should be concerned if you notice small areas of peeling wallpaper or paint in your home.
- Musty Odor: Water damage is likely to be the cause of a musty, moldy smell in your home. Mold can grow when drywall materials such as plywood, wood pulp, or gypsum are wet. Mold can pose a danger to homeowners. If you notice a moldy odor or a musty smell, contact a professional mold remediation company immediately.
- Saggy Drywall – Sagging drywall can be a sign that it has been water damaged. It is firm and rigid when it is dry. Drywall can sag and droop when it gets wet.
Are you seeing any of these signs? A water leak is likely. You may be able repair small areas of wet drywall yourself. How do you repair damaged drywall from water?
STEPS TO REPAIR DRYWALL DAMAGED WATER
Wet drywall repair is easy if you’re comfortable doing minor DIY projects. Make sure you have all the necessary protective gear and materials before you start.
- Locate the Leak. First, identify the reason the drywall has been damaged. Once you have identified the problem, you should fix it before you do any other work. It’s almost impossible to avoid the source and fix the problem.
- Drywall Damage: After you have identified the problem and repaired it, you can remove the damaged drywall. Use a utility knife to remove the affected area. Even if the insulation isn’t wet, remove it from the hole. You can assume that the insulation was also wet if the drywall was wet.
- Remove Mold: Mold requires a moist, cool environment to thrive and food sources like wood and drywall to grow. Before you patch up any damaged drywall, make sure to address any mold issues.
- Repair Damaged Drywall You will need to measure the hole in order to determine how big a sheet of drywall you should cut. Use drywall screws to attach the new piece of drywall to the area that is damaged.
- Seal the area and paint: This is the final step of the process. Use drywall mud to fill the seams and sandpaper for blending the new and old areas. After everything has dried, prime the area with drywall mud and apply paint. You may need to paint the entire wall or ceiling in order to achieve uniform color throughout the space.