Water has the propensity to cause massive property damage. Flooding from a storm, appliance malfunction, burst pipe, or water line leak can all allow water to seep into vulnerable areas. Your ceiling and drywall are especially susceptible to water damage. Drywall water damage needs repair quickly before the damage can worsen or spread to other areas.
Here’s how you can repair water-damaged drywall.
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Common Signs of Drywall Water Damage
If you suspect you have water damage in your business or home, look out for these signs.
- Softened drywall
- Bubbling (on the ceiling or drywall)
- Discoloration
- Water stains
- Mold growth
How To Repair Water Leaks & Drywall
Once you’ve confirmed the ceiling or drywall is water damaged, it’s time to make repairs.
Find the Source of the Leak
Before making any repairs, you need to identify the source of the water leak. Skipping this crucial step could send you into a continuous water damage and repair cycle. It can be a leaky roof, cracked pipe, or plumbing issues. No matter what the source is, you need to find it and stop it before moving on.
Remove Water Damaged Drywall
Not sure how to locate the source? One of the best ways to find out is to remove the water-damaged section of the drywall. From there, you can investigate further. To do this, remove the affected sections with the claw end of a hammer or a wrecking bar.
As you remove the drywall, you may notice mold growth depending on how long the problem went unchecked. If you see black mold and don’t feel comfortable handling such hazardous material—contact a professional for mold removal.
Repair the Water Leak
If you’re good with your hands and know how to repair water leaks, now is the time. Start by drying up any water around the drywall. Then begin making repairs to the source of the leak.
Understandably, you may not have the tools or training to repair a roof, water line, or appliance. For that, you should call a professional water damage restoration company.
Replace With New Drywall
With the damaged drywall completely removed, you can begin measuring the new drywall for a perfect fit. Take out any drywall screws that were anchoring the old sheets to the studs. The new section might be oddly shaped. If this is the case, use a utility knife, or drywall saw to cut a patch based on your measurements. Line up the new panel with the studs and secure it using drywall screws and a power driver.
Then you’ll need to use joint tape to cover up the seams where the panels meet. Apply joint compound over the tape with a putty knife and let it dry for the manufacturer’s specified time. Once it’s dry, sand the compound with fine-grit sandpaper until the seams are flush with the drywall panels.
How To Dry Water Damage On Drywall & Ceilings
When it comes time to dry the water-damaged drywall or ceiling, use a dehumidifier and keep the area closed off. Ensure no windows are open while the dehumidifier is going.
If you don’t have a dehumidifier, you can create air circulation using fans with the window slightly open. You can also try a shop vacuum if you have access to one.
Read More: Water Bubble in Ceiling: What to do Before the Pros Arrive
When Should You Hire a Pro For Water Damage Repair
If any of this seems too much for you to handle, call a professional water damage specialist. While some projects may seem like no big deal to you, your efforts may lead to worsening damage. This is especially true if you do not locate, stop, or repair the leak in the first place.
Expert Water Damage Restoration in Idaho
Finding out your home or business has suffered water damage is stressful. What can be even more stressful is not knowing how to react. Stopping the leak, making repairs, and getting your property back into working order may be too much for you to handle alone. Luckily you don’t have to. CTR offers 24/7 emergency water damage repair and restoration. Our certified technicians have been helping communities in Idaho for nearly 25 years. Using advanced equipment, our team can dry, clean, and restore your property back to its pre-loss condition. Call us any time of day, any day of the week, or contact us online.
