Your home can be seriously damaged by water, especially if the walls are wet. The result is that the drywall begins to weaken. Your walls could fall apart if they are exposed to too much water or left untreated for too long. You must dry them quickly to save them. If they are damaged beyond repair, you will need to replace them. Here are some signs that wet drywall can cause.
What are the signs of drywall water damage?
There are many signs that water damage walls can be seen, including water spots and peeling paint.
- Water spots or stains – A yellow-brown stain usually indicates a slow leakage or inconsistency. These stains usually radiate from a central area, with the darkest areas in the middle.
- Coloration – Walls can appear darker but can also be lighter depending upon the paint color.
- Peeling Wallpaper or Paint – Water can cause wallpaper or paint to become brittle or peel.
- Bubbles – When water seeps from behind, bubbles are common in wallpaper or paint.
- Sagging or crumbling walls – Walls that are exposed to more water can buckle, sag or even collapse. Most cases, the only way to fix the problem is to replace the drywall.
Is it necessary to replace wet drywall?
Drywall does not always have to be replaced. If you act quickly, you may be able to dry out your walls and save them. There are a few things that can be done to save your walls.
- How Much Water Is Involved The more water involved, you will be less likely to save wetdrywall.
- When You Can Get Rid of the Water The longer the water remains, the more likely it will need to be replaced.
- How Fast You Can Dry It Even if you dry the water off, walls can remain wet for days. You must dry your walls quickly to avoid further damage.
How to Repair Drywall Damaged by Water
Drywall water damage repair involves removing water and throwing away any damaged items. Then, clean up the mess. These are the steps to repair water damage walls.
Average Time: 5 Days
Estimated cost: $ 900
Supplies Required
Towels Bucket Soap Bleach Baking soda Spray bottle Drywall Drywall screws
You will need tools
Pump Vacuum for wet and dry Fans with high volumes Structural drying dehumidifier Use a paintbrush or a roller Putty knife
How to Repair Water Damaged Walls
1. Stop water from soaking into walls
You must stop water from getting into your walls before you can repair wetdrywall. To stop water from leaking or bursting pipes, turn off the water shutoff valve. There isn’t anything you can do to stop flooding.
The next step is to get rid of the water as fast as possible. The best way to quickly get rid of water is with a pump. A rental company can rent a water pump if you don’t own one.
You can use a dry-dry vacuum instead of a pump. It won’t work quite as fast, and could cause more damage. Be sure to empty the shop vacuum regularly, or it could overflow onto the floor.
You can also use towels or a bucket to remove the water. No matter what method you use, the goal is to get rid of as much water as possible as quickly as possible. You can’t save walls if it takes longer.
2. Throw Away Damaged Drywall
Throw away any items that are too damaged to be saved once the water has dried. You can throw away personal items and even parts of the wall. It’s best to remove drywall that is cracked, crumbling, or sagging. It can be dried if it is only damp.
Cut drywall that has been damaged by water at least 2 inches above the waterline. Additionally, you may need to replace damaged ceilings, flooring and cabinets, as well as damaged studs.
3. Dry Water Damaged Walls
You will need to dry the water-damaged walls as soon as possible. High-volume fans or dehumidifiers that are designed for structural drying will speed up drying times.
While regular house fans work, drying takes longer. You can rent equipment at your local rental agency if you have any questions.
The fans will keep going until your house is dry. This will normally take between 12 to 24 hours if you have the right fans. With house fans, however, this could take up to five days.
4. Disinfect and Deodorize
After they have dried, disinfect the area and deodorize it. Mix one cup bleach to a gallon water. You can then wipe them with a rag, or spray them with water. Let them dry on the air.
Open windows to let fresh air circulate through the house. Sprinkle baking soda on the area and allow it to sit for at least 24 hours. You can then vacuum it up the next morning.
5. Repair Damaged Walls
Water damage drywall must be repaired. With just drywall mud, you can repair cracks and gaps smaller than a quarter inch wide. To strengthen cracks larger than a quarter-inch wide, you can use drywall tape.
You should replace any cracks that are larger than one inch. Use drywall screws to attach the new drywall to the studs.
Begin with a thin layer, then tape the seam. Then add more mud. To smoothen your wall, you may need to sand and add more mud.
6. Paint or Hang New Wallpaper
Finally, you are able to paint or hang new wallpaper. To get the best results, apply a few layers first of stain-blocking primer. This will prevent the wall from getting too much paint on it and also cover any water stains.
You will likely need at least two coats, even if you have primer. Each coat should be blended into the walls. Paint the entire wall with one coat to ensure uniform color.
You can paint over water stains if you don’t have to remove wet drywall. You will need to first scrape off any loose material using a putty knives. You can also use bleach to protect the area from mold.
Use drywall mud to smoothen the wall. Let it dry overnight. After it has dried overnight, give it a light sanding. Finally, wipe off any dust with a dry, clean rag. Before applying the topcoat, you should first apply a stain-blocking primer.
Remove any damaged paper before you hang new wallpaper. Follow the instructions for wallpaper glue.
