How to repair a water damaged wall (2023)

Drywall is porous, which means it can retain moisture even after the visible threat of water has passed. In the event of flooding, overflowing bathtubs orfind broken pipethat result in a large amount of water coming into contact with your walls, you can safely assume that the affected drywall is either damaged or prone to mold, mildew, or crumbling if not handled properly.

For more subtle leaks or water damage, you may not realize there's a problem at first. Signs that your walls have water damage include cracked paint or bubbling wallpaper, soft-to-the-touch drywall, a musty smell, and water rings or stains (usually light brown). Slower water damage can occur when a pipe is slowly leaking, doors or windows are poorly sealed, or even gutters are clogged.

Water damaged walls can range from a light stain to serious structural damage. Therefore, the steps to repair water damage vary. This guide covers a common scenario where there is heavy centered damage and some minor cosmetic damage around the location.

• workday: 2+ active hours (if experienced)
• skill level: Intermediary
• Projects: $ 50+

Repairing small sections of water-damaged drywall requires you to cut away the damaged drywall and paint the repaired wall. While not physically strenuous, it is recommended to wear suitable protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves and a dust mask. Note that ifrecognize black mold, can be toxic and remediation is best left to professionals.

Tool

• Fan
• dehumidifier
• throw away the clothes
• brush
• Hammer
• key saw
• utility knife
• straight edge
• Serra
• pierce
• Spatula
• color tray
• role

materials

• bleaching
• measuring tape
• Drywall patch or sheet
• 1 inch by 3 inches scrap wood
• drywall screws
• drywall tape
• common connection
• fine sandpaper
• wall texture spray
• primer
• Expert

After repairing the source that caused the water damage, dry the affected wall thoroughly to limit deterioration. To do this, drain the residual water near the wall. Then point a surface fan at the wall and plug in a dehumidifier nearby. Open the doors and windows in the room to facilitate air circulation. On average, it takes three full days for wet drywall to dry completely. This can vary depending on the extent of water and moisture damage in the area.

After drying, clean any part of the wall that looks structurally sound. To do this, place the cloth face down and gently scrub the wall with a dry brush to remove any loose paint flakes or shavings. If there is mildew, you can apply a bleach and water solution and let it sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing and drying the wall.

1. Remove affected part of drywall

If a water-damaged section of drywall needs replacing, try to keep the cuts in the corners straight and straight. For small sections, drywall patches are easier to manage and install. If you need to replace a larger section, you may need to purchase an entire sheet of drywall, which can be difficult to manage on your own.

Clean up badly damaged drywall by using the jigsaw to cut a rectangular shape around the area. You can remove drywall by hand or with the back of a hammer. If you are able to keep the damaged drywall intact when you remove it, you can use this piece as a template to cut out replacement drywall.

2. Place a piece of drywall on the wall

If you have the damaged drywall to use as a template, place it over the new drywall and use a box cutter to trim the new section of drywall. If not, use the tape measure to find the dimensions of the space you need to fill. Using the straight edge to ensure the sides are straight and the corners straight, trim the new drywall to fit the hole.

It's better to cut about an inch short than to have a patch that needs to be pressed into the gap.

3. Install new drywall

For holes over 4 inches wide that are not on a stud, cut the 1-inch-by-3-inch piece of wood to a length about 2 inches longer than the height of the gap. Insert the cut piece of wood into the hole and use the drywall drill and screws to secure the piece above and below the hole.

Place the plaster patch over the hole. If the patch is too tight in one spot, carefully cut it off. Using the drill and drywall screws, attach the patch to the wood or studs by countersinking the screws about an inch from the perimeter of the drywall.

Apply drywall tape to the seams around the new patch. Use the putty knife to spread a thin layer of the compound over the adhesive. Let dry and repeat 2-3 times.

4. Paint to match surrounding wall

If your wall is textured, find a suitable texture spray and apply according to the manufacturer's instructions. When fully dry, paint the replaced patch and any remaining stained drywall to match the rest of the wall.

While repairing water damaged walls can be a simple task, there are instances when it is betterfind a professional contractor. If left untreated, water-damaged drywall is susceptible to mold and mildew. Black mold, in particular, can be dangerous if proper personal protective equipment is not installed.

If the affected area requires replacing an entire sheet or more of drywall, it can be difficult to repair it yourself. It also takes a certain artistry and skill to get perfect drywall repairs. If you want a seamless replacement, an experienced professional might be your best bet.