So whether you’re cleaning up from a leak in your attic or a flood, you need to repair water damaged drywall as soon as possible. Drywall compound can be bought pre-mixed or in a powder(also known as "setting type") that is mixed with water. First, make sure that the joint compound is completely dry as it would contain a lot of moisture. One thing that trips up homeowners is the belief that things are either wet or dry. Make sure to remove the damaged drywall in a neat manner and in a shape that will be easy to patch. However, if the drywall gets soft and smushy, then it’s very likely the gypsum will crumble and the paper will separate when the area dries. Minor damage and stains can easily be repaired. Whether it happens in your ceiling because of a leaky roof, condensation from your central air conditioning, or flooding, repairing water-damaged drywall can cause you anxiety and aggravation, especially if you’ve never done it before. Dried joint compound absorbs a lot of moisture. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); More helpful painting tips, techniques and how-to articles can be found by following these links: Pantone 2016 Color of the Year ◊ Keep in mind, that water damaged drywall can often come with other problems, such as mold. Are you a restoration company looking for more business? How to Clean Up Your Basement after a Flood, The Benefits of Advanced Drying Techniques. 1. The pre-mixed will take longer to dry, shrinks more and may crack as it dries. Then, paint the wall with a primer to help seal the area. Drywall is actually a panel of gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate) that is sandwiched between two types of paper (one is a light-colored facer, the other the darker backer). Water rot can cause serious damage to drywall, molding and electrical outlets. Once the drywall had been attached, you will then have to tape it, apply mud, and then sand it down smooth after it has had time to dry. In addition, if the drywall water damage was caused by sewage backup, consult certified professionals for repairs. To repair water damaged drywall may not be that hard. Cut them with a utility knife. Let’s take the water stain in the picture above. How To Paint Aluminum or Vinyl Siding ◊ Several paints will seal drywall and are labeled for this purpose. Put four drywall clips around the hole and secure each one with a drywall screw. Oftentimes on ceilings and walls you will notice that there are ripples or blisters in the paint. Apply the first coat of joint compound or “mud.” The secret behind mudding is to cover the joint and use the mud to blend in the repair with the rest of the wall. Make sure to remove the damaged drywall in a neat manner and in a shape that will be easy to patch. Here is a video showing how to replace drywall (please ignore the fact there is mold. Inspect damaged materials for mold and mildew. The photo below shows how the stain was sealed over prior to applying the first coat of mud. Be careful not to over-tighten. If you don’t, please understand that you’ll be agitating mold spores and sending them into the air and there are significant health risks associated with that type of exposure). Depending on the extent of the water damage, you may also need to remove damaged wall studs, flooring, cabinets, and ceilings. Here is a list of links to the articles: