From Plat to Place
The Step By Step Home Construction Site
Step 40 - More Damage Tricks
Repairing Drywall Water Damage
There are times when you thought your house was perfectly constructed and you have dedicated your time taking care of it. But in reality, a structure starts to dilapidate the moment construction is finished. Paints fade, pipe leaks, wires become faulty, drains clog, roofs leak, metals begin to rust, door hinges squeak, smells appear on deposits and cracks on floors and walls. This is due to weather conditions, the house settling and unforeseen accidents inflicted upon the structure. Your walls are the most common place in your house that endures such damage. To repair this, you should know how to fix drywall water damage.
At least one time in any homeowner's life they are going to encounter some sort of drywall water damage. A water leak in the plumbing that may have progressively gotten worse or continuous rain that may have led to flooding or damage to the roof could be possible causes. Water damaged walls or ceilings need to be taken seriously because allowing this will most likely lead to mold, further causing greater problems that are not entirely limited to the aesthetic kind. This will require professional intervention that will most definitely cost more than you originally anticipated.
Things We Learned Along The Way
How to Repair Drywall Ceiling Water Damage
Repairing Drywall Water Damage
How to Repair a Sagging Drywall Ceiling
Whether the damage is located on the ceiling or on the walls, repairing drywall water damage is something you can undertake on your own. If the area that needs repairing is relatively small or limited it should be an easier undertaking. When you are about to proceed with your repairs, make sure that the area you are working in is well-ventilated and that you have a fan that can help air out and dry the affected areas. Other things you will need for the repair are drywall, drywall screws, a screwdriver or an electric drill, drywall tape, joint compound, and a spackle knife.
Repairing water damage in drywall may seem too complicated and difficult at first for some homeowners. In reality, however, it is simple to do and most people can actually do it on their own. Although it may take several hours to complete, it will result to a seamlessly flat wall - if done the right way. It will also save you some money which you would otherwise use to pay for contractors.
Follow these steps for repairing water damaged drywall:
1. Cut out the wet drywall and air everything out, making sure that you do not leave any wet spots on the inside of the wall. Do not rush the drying process and take the time to look for any other areas along your water damaged wall. You will need to cut them out as well. Allow at least 24 hours of drying time before repairing the damaged drywall.
2. Measure all the damaged walls so you know how much sheetrock you need to buy. Always get more sheetrock then you need to allow for mistakes in measuring and cutting. Using the new drywall, remember to measure the new pieces out accurately.
3. Using your drywall screws and your screwdriver or electric drill, begin to secure the new drywall. Your drywall screws should be slightly more embedded into the wall as compared to just being flush.
4. Use the drywall tape to cover the areas where your new drywall meets your existing drywall. This also needs to be smoothed out before you can begin painting the new drywall areas.
5. Apply some joint compound with your spackle knife and make sure that you have a smooth surface. After allowing ample drying time, apply the final skim coat of compound covering all affected areas.
6. You can use sandpaper to get rid of any bumps that may appear. If you sand an area too much, you will need to apply some joint compound once again.
7. Use primer/sealer paint on all areas of spackle and any water stains on the existing walls.
After completing the above procedures to patch the water damaged drywall, the patch should hardly be noticeable. All you have to do now is prime it and paint the area using the same paint that has been applied throughout the room. You will find out that it is not really too difficult once you try to do it yourself. However, you must be careful every step of the way so as to avoid doing more damage to your drywall. Also, always use safety goggles to protect your eyes from accidental pokes and debris while working. If you have the proper tools and materials necessary to get the job done, it can be a successful and gratifying task,
It is important to note, however, where the source of the water damage is coming from so that the problem can be fixed immediately. You can keep repairing drywall water damage and replacing your drywall, but if you do not fix the source of the problem, you will continue having to shell out money.