Repairing water damage to drywall Restoring your drywall
It's really frustrating if the water damages our drywall. Not only does this leave traces of ugly water stains on the wall, but it can also cause mold growth, which can be very dangerous for your health. Drywall molds are black molds that can hugely affect your overall well-being. In fact, it can cause respiratory diseases, such as bleeding from the lungs and other serious health problems.
Water damage to drywall is usually the result of leaks on the roof and plumbing. This may seem harmless, but this type of damage to your home is a project that you must take seriously and prioritize. If you are trying to detect water damage on your drywall, you can simply look for bulge, sag, discoloration and cracks. These things indicate water damage on your drywall.
Remember that water can easily drip and flow along the inner pipes. It is therefore very important that you look for damage on ceilings and walls. Also, keep in mind that you should not be surprised to find damage that is far from leaking.
If you find only small cracks, the water damage can be very easy to repair. All you have to do is get a premixed 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 sealant can be applied. However, if you notice much more damage than just a crack, then you will need to do more structural work.
The first step in repairing large amounts 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 has soaked. In fact, the drywall can already crumble. Otherwise, you may need to use a jigsaw or drywall hand saw to cut the damaged part of the wall. Always be on the lookout for mold and mildew. If you find mold and mildew stuck on drywall, this part of the drywall can not be saved and should be removed immediately. In addition, all surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned.
After removing the damaged part, you must first let the area dry completely before starting to repair the holes. If possible, use a powerful fan and dehumidifier to allow air to circulate and reduce the moisture content of the air. Allow to dry for at least 12 hours. In addition, you must ensure that the leak has been corrected and that the area where you are going to make 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 installed and integrated into the existing wall to make it invisible. Water-resistant drywall is available today and is the best type of drywall you can use to repair or replace drywall that is damaged by water.
For larger holes, you will need a plywood backing board in order to have a location to fix the replacement gypsum. After fixing the patch, the next step is to apply fiberglass gypsum tape covered with gypsum mud. Once the sludge has hardened, the next step is to sand the joints to a smooth, flat finish and prepare for painting.
