Repairing Drywall Water Damage - Restoring Your Drywall
It’s really frustrating if water damages our
drywall. Not only that it leaves ugly water stain marks on the wall
but it can also cause mold to develop, which can be very dangerous
to your health. Drywall molds are black molds that can cause a lot
of harm on your overall well-being. In fact, it can cause
respiratory illnesses, such as bleeding of the lungs and other
serious health conditions.
Water damage to drywall is commonly the result of roofing and
plumbing leaks. It may seem harmless but this kind of damage to your
home is a project that you should take seriously and prioritize. If
you are trying to spot water damage on your drywall, you can simply
look for bulging, sagging, discoloration, and cracks. These things
indicate water damage on your drywall.
You need to keep in mind that water can easily drip and run along
interior pipes. So, it is very important that you should look for
damage on both the ceilings and the walls. Also, you should keep in
mind that you shouldn’t be surprised to find damage that is far away
from the leak.
If you only find small cracks, the water damage can be very easy to
fix. All you need to do is get a ready mixed spackling compound and
apply it on the crack with a putty knife. You can also apply a strip
of fiberglass mesh tape, which can strengthen the area where the
putty can be applied. However, if you find a much larger damage than
a simple crack, then you will be required to do more structural
work.
The first step in repairing large portions of water damage in your
drywall is to remove all the materials that have been affected. Cut
the area of the drywall where the water soaked. In fact, the drywall
may already be crumbling. If not, you may need to use a jigsaw or a
drywall handsaw to cut away the damaged part of the wall. Always be
on the lookout for molds and mildew. If you find molds and mildew
clinging on the drywall, then this part of the drywall cannot be
saved and should be removed immediately. Also, all the surfaces
should be thoroughly cleaned.
After removing the damaged part, you first have to let the area dry
completely before you start patching in the holes. Use a high
powered fan and a dehumidifier if possible to let air circulate and
reduce the moisture content in the air. Allow to dry for at least 12
hours. Also, you have to make sure that the leak has been fixed and
that the area where you are going to do the repairs is moisture
free.
When the area is already completely dry, the next step is to replace
the damaged part with a piece of drywall that is fitted and blended
in to the existing wall in order for it to become unnoticeable.
There are water resistant drywalls available today and this is
basically the best type of drywall that you can use for repairing or
replacing water damaged drywall.
For larger holes, you will need a plywood backer board in order to
have a place to fasten the replacement drywall. After securing the
patch, the next step is to applying fiberglass drywall tape and
covered with drywall mud. After the mud has cured, the next step is
to sand the joints in order to ensure a flat and smooth finish and
get it ready for painting.
These are the basics of repairing a water damaged drywall. As you
can see, it is relatively easy to repair water damaged drywall.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
Innovative Air Products located in historical Exeter, NH. We are a 2nd
generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
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