Water damaged drywall can be a very serious problem. Not only that it will make the drywall look ugly, but it can also weaken it and develop molds, which can cause serious health problems. If you have a water damaged drywall, then it is very likely that you have leaks in your home caused by flooding or piping leaks. It can also be caused by leaks on your roof.
It is very important that you get this kind of problem repaired immediately. So, just what can you do in order for you to fix water-damaged drywall?
First of all, you have to remember that you need to know where the leak is coming from. You have to make sure that you fix the leak first before you continue on in fixing the drywall. Besides, nothing can be more frustrating than having the drywall fixed only to get it water damaged again by the same leak.
You have to keep in mind that in most cases, the leak will not really come from the wall but it can come from the ceiling where the water can travel down to the damaged part of the wall. So, try to look closely for clues as to where the water came from and get the leak fixed first before you continue on with the repairs for the water damaged drywall.
After getting the leak repaired, the next step is to cut a hole in to the wet drywall. This will be able to get air to circulate inside the wall and dry it thoroughly. You can use a strong fan to help with the circulation as well as a dehumidifier in order to reduce the moisture content inside the wall and room where the water damaged drywall is located.
You have to keep in mind that it is very important for you to monitor the drying process closely. If you dont let the drying process complete properly, then mold may begin to develop in as little as 24 to 48 hours. This can make your project more difficult to do as molds can be very difficult to remove and you will need a mold restoration professional for this kind of job.
After the wall is dry and you are absolutely sure that there are no more leaks, you can now replace the drywall and damaged studs. For larger holes, you can use plywood for backers. The next step is to place the patch of water resistant drywall on to the backer board. Then, you will need to place joint compound over the joints and allow it to dry. After it dries, you can sand the joint down for a smooth finish.
The last step is to tape the joint where the drywall comes together with the existing wall. For this, you will want to use a drywall tape. After the edges are already smooth and dry, you can now paint it in order for it to match the entire wall.
With these tips, you will be able to easily repair water damaged drywall. With patience and the proper techniques, you will be able to get rid of water damaged drywall with professional results that will make it look as if the damage wasnt even there.