6 Steps to Repair Water Damaged Drywall
You get home from work to find your bathroom and laundry area sitting in 6 inches of water. Your first thought is probably to get the water out! But while it has been sitting there, it has been seeping into the fixtures and walls. That means that as soon as you get the water out, you must look at what repairs are needed.
The walls and ceilings of most homes are made of drywall or plaster, which when wet, gets damaged easily. Discoloration, sagging, or bubbling are common signs you have damage to your drywall. Thoroughly repairing the area will prevent problems down the road. With water damage, it’s important to find the source of the water and prevent further damage.
1. ASSESS WATER DAMAGE
Remove water: Once you have removed the water from the area, if there is any water remaining, you should check how extensive the damage is. Some water damage is more dangerous than others depending on the source of the water.
Sanitize areas that have been exposed to contaminated water. Remember, the sooner you repair the damage, the more likely you are to prevent further problems, such as the spread of mold.
Check the moisture level: Test the drywall to see the extent of the damage by checking if it is level, not sagging or caving in. Drywall loses its integrity quickly when it becomes too wet. With an awl or back of a hammer, try pressing into the drywall.
If it can be compressed more than 1/8th of an inch, it needs to dry. If it compresses more than a quarter inch, you must replace the drywall. If the drywall is merely damp and does not compress, you can carefully dry the drywall with a fan or blow dryer until it is completely dry.
At this point, if the repair looks too daunting, you can call an expert for a repair estimate. If, however, you feel confident, you can repair the area yourself.
2. PREPARE TO REPAIR THE AREA
Gather the following items:Tools: flexible knives (3, 6, and 8 inches wide), a utility knife, a drywall saw, a screwdriver, sandpaper and a hammer. You may need a drill if you need to put screws into studs.
Materials: a drop cloth, drywall, drywall compound, mesh tape (for more extensive repairs), paper tape, drywall nails and screws.
3. REMOVE DAMAGE
Check the area for signs of water: Studs and insulation must be dry. Removing moisture inside the walls prevents mold from growing and spreading. Mold and mildew can worsen asthma or allergy symptoms.Most wall surfaces let some moisture pass in and out so putting a powerful fan near the wall can dry the paint and drywall. If the insulation and studs are wet, you can drill holes in the wall to allow more air inside. Or you can remove a section of the drywall, replace wet insulation, and dry the studs fully using a fan.
As a note, insulation loses its R-value when it becomes overly moist. Also, water that is contaminated, such as sewer water, requires more care because bacteria in the water can spread. If there is bacteria, use alcohol or a bleach and water solution to sanitize.
Mark and cut out the damage: Any water damaged area needs to be checked carefully. If the drywall needs to be replaced, mark a square area larger than the damage. A square is easier to repair than other shapes because you can fit the new piece of drywall in and even out the edges more easily.
Next, carefully cut out the square of drywall, making sure to leave the edges as clean as possible, using a drywall saw. Be sure to avoid cutting through studs and electrical wires!
4. REPLACE DRYWALL
Put a patch in: The next step in the repair process is to patch the hole. Cut a piece of drywall to fit the open space exactly. To secure the drywall in place, make sure you have a section of stud behind the patch. If there is nothing solid to support the new drywall, attach a piece of wood to the nearest stud.Fit the drywall carefully into place, making sure the edges fit as tightly as possible. If you leave too large a gap, it will be more difficult to make the repair look seamless. Next, carefully cover the seams with mesh tape.
5. REPAIR THE AREA
Apply drywall compound: To make the area smooth and match the surrounding wall, you will want to apply drywall compound or mud in thin, even layers. To do so, apply a layer of mud with a flat knife or putty knife, then smooth it out so the mud is thin and even.Continue to add layers, first in one direction, then the other, letting it dry in between each coat, until the patch is well covered but the compound is fairly even with the wall.
At this point, the compound does not need to be perfectly even and smooth. When the area is dry, lightly sand it with 120 grit sandpaper in a large circular motion until the area is even and feels smooth to the touch. If the compound layer is too thin, you can apply a few more coats. Sand again if needed.
Before repainting the area, it is a good idea to cover the patch with a primer or shellac coat to seal the drywall compound.
6. REPAINT
Paint: Clean the repaired area well to remove any remaining dust or bits of tape, drywall or mud. Paint the area to match the wall. Blend the paint with the wall so that you have a great looking finished product.As with any home repair project, you can always get help. It’s easy for a home repair project to get out of hand. Once you see the area is too difficult to repair on your own, such as problems with overly wet drywall or significant water damage, it’s best to call an expert.
Source : restorationlocal