How long does drywall take to dry after water damage?

Author: Lester Gutmann  |  Last update: Friday, February 6, 2026

Drying drywall usually takes between 3 to 5 days. But, it depends on how bad the damage is and the drying techniques used. It's very important to keep track of the moisture levels. Tools like moisture meters, dehumidifiers, and air movers really help when fixing water damage yourself.

How long does it take for drywall to dry after water damage?

After your drywall has sustained water damage, it's important to know how long it will take for the drywall to dry out before you can restore it. Water damage can take three to four days to dry after a flood completely. If the flooding is severe, it may take longer than that.

How quickly does mold grow in wet drywall?

mildew and mold will develop within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Even worse, it will continue to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the source of moisture, and effectively deal with the mold problem. Use the diagram on the facing page to assess the extent of mold in your home.

Does drywall need to be replaced after water damage?

Yes, wet ceiling drywall typically needs to be replaced. When drywall gets wet, it can lose its structural integrity, become moldy, and may not dry out properly. Here are some key points to consider:

Is drywall ruined if it gets wet once?

Yes, wet drywall typically needs to be replaced. When drywall becomes wet, it can absorb moisture, leading to several issues: Mold Growth: Wet drywall can promote mold and mildew growth, which can pose health risks and lead to further damage.

How To Repair a Water Damaged Ceiling After a Leak - Water Damaged Plasterboard / Drywall

How to tell if drywall is moldy?

Be aware of signs that drywalls are moist such as:
  1. Water stains.
  2. Dark rings.
  3. Discoloration.
  4. Deterioration like peeling, bubbling, or cracking of the paint or wallpaper.

Can drywall dry by itself?

The answer is yes, but it requires prompt action, proper drying methods, and preventive measures. By understanding the factors that affect drywall drying, following the necessary steps, and knowing when to seek professional help, you can effectively manage water damage and ensure the longevity of your home's drywall.

What does water damage behind drywall look like?

Look for discoloration, which often shows up as streaks from the ceiling. These streaks are usually brown and mean water has gotten into the walls. Mold is another clear sign of damage. It looks like black, green, or white spots and loves damp places.

How to dry out damp walls fast?

Accelerate drying by opening windows and doors. Use fans to move air around the damp walls. Dehumidifiers can help remove moisture from the air, which indirectly removes it from the walls, too. To speed up evaporation, remove molding and baseboards to prevent moisture from entering behind them.

Will a one-time water leak cause mold?

A single water leak can lead to mold growth if not fixed quickly. Mold loves moist places and can start growing in 24 to 48 hours. Even small water damage can cause mold to grow. It's key to fix water damage fast to lower the water leak mold risk.

How long does it take for walls to dry out after a leak?

Unless the walls are extremely dirty, we suggest that you avoid using heavy chemicals or bleach. How long does it take for walls to dry out after a leak? Once again, you're looking at anywhere from a few days to at least a couple of weeks.

How to dry a wet drywall ceiling?

The regular fans you use at home will work in most cases, but they may take a long time to dry the ceiling. It would be best to use high-volume fans alongside a structural drying dehumidifier. This will help you get the wet ceiling dry within a few hours.

Will mold always grow on wet drywall?

No mold doesn't always grow after a leak. If the temperature isn't right or if the leak is properly dealt with quickly, there's a chance that mold spores won't be able to take root or grow.

Can I paint over water damaged drywall?

Are unsightly water stains building up? If so, you might be wondering if you can just paint over them. Well, as long as the drywall is not structurally damaged, you're in luck. With proper cleaning and repair, adding a fresh coat of paint will make your walls like-new without breaking the bank.

How to dry inside walls after water damage?

The best way to dry wet drywall is to dry it from the inside out. This can be done by using a fan or a dehumidifier. Use a moisture meter to check the moisture levels. Once you have started drying the drywall, checking the moisture levels with a moisture meter is important.

Can water damaged drywall be saved?

If you are fortunate with the placement and extent of the flood damage, then there is a chance that you will not have to replace the drywall at all and will simply have to clean up the flood water and do a few steps to dry out the drywall once more.

Who to call for drywall water damage?

A licensed and insured contractor should be able to help you. You will most likely need a few different service professionals- a plumber or roofer to assure the water source is discovered and repaired, drywall or plaster repair and depending on the extenet, perhaps even an electrician if wiring was impacted.

Can you tell if there is mold behind drywall?

Your sense of smell is the first line of defense against mold. You can often smell mold before you can see it. If you notice a musty smell in your home, there's a good chance you have mold. If you think you have a mold problem, get on your hands and knees and smell the electrical outlets.

Will drywall dry out after a leak?

Especially if the drywall's been soaked, it will take incredibly long to dry out completely. This is why it often takes longer to restore flood damage compared to mild water damage after a pipe leak.

Is water damage covered by insurance?

Under most standard home insurance policies, if water damage occurs suddenly or accidentally from a source inside your home, such as a busted pipe, it will likely be covered by your homeowners insurance. If the water comes from outside your home, it will not be covered by your standard policy.

How many days does it take for drywall to dry?

Regularly check the dehumidifier's collection well, and reposition the air movers as necessary throughout the process to be sure to get everything. Use your moisture meter to track your progress. It takes around 3-5 days to completely dry wet drywall, so patience is key, but you should be seeing consistent progress.

What is drywall ghosting?

Ghosting happens when mildly damp, warm, and possibly sooty interior air condenses on the sections of walls and ceiling that are colder because part of the wood frame is uninsulated. This results in black sooty stains on your walls and ceilings that follow the patterns of your home's framing.

Is it OK for drywall to get a little wet?

Drywall, or gypsum board or Sheetrock®, is a common building material used to create interior walls and ceilings. While it is relatively resilient, it is not impervious to water damage. Exposure to water can compromise its integrity over time and cause drywall damage.

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