Water damage can be caused by leaks in roofing and plumbing, stormy weather, flooding, or other issues. You should immediately address a water-stained wall if you find it. Mold can quickly grow in favorable conditions, which can cause more cost and other health problems.
Identify the water damage
First, identify the extent of the damage. While you might be able repair some of the damage with the right tools, it is possible to damage drywall sections severely with the help of a water restoration professional.
- To check drywall’s moisture, touch it to feel if it is firm but not wet. You might be able save the wall if there are no bubbles and there is only a water stain.
- If the wall feels soft and bends when you press it, it has likely soaked the entire wall and caused damage to the gypsum core.
- You should check to make sure the wall is still attached with the fasteners.
- You might have to remove any unpleasant odors from the water mains. Sewer water might be responsible for the water damage.
Once you have determined the extent of the water damage, you can start to fix it.
Mild Water Damage
You need to dry walls with mild water damage. Walls that are stained and moist (not soft or bubbly) should be dried first. You can move furniture that is positioned against the affected area to expose it to the air. To remove moisture from drywall, use fans or dehumidifiers. This could take several days depending on how severe the damage is and how large the area affected.
Only after the wall has completely dried can you begin to repair the damage. Make sure you remove any mold from the wall immediately. To remove any debris, sand the surface until it is usable. Once the surface has been cleaned of mold and dust, you can apply caulk or spackle to it and allow it to dry. You will need to use shellac, and then apply primer. This should repair your drywall.
For severe water damage…
Dry-walls that have suffered severe water damage should be removed and replaced. You might need to hire a professional water damage restoration company. You should locate the area of the wall that is spongy if you plan to do it yourself. Mark the affected area and then carefully remove it. Before replacing the wall, ensure that it is dry.
