What to do with water damaged drywall?

Author: Nathanael Quigley  |  Last update: Monday, August 4, 2025

If drywall panels only show water stains but aren't structurally compromised, they may be repairable by cutting out the damaged portion. When cutting out around the damaged area, use a keyhole saw to cut the hole into a square or rectangular shape. You can then make a patch with another piece of drywall for the repair.

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:

Can I just paint over water damaged drywall?

If the drywall is intact and dry then yea you can paint over it. They make primer specifically for that. Prime then paint. Would be easier than replacing rock.

How to fix water damage in drywall?

How to Repair Water-Damaged Drywall
  • 1. Remove Flaking Paint Start by removing the loose and flaking paint.
  • 2. Sand the Wall Use a piece of sandpaper to even out any remaining irregularities in the damaged drywall.
  • 3. Apply Joint Compound
  • 4. Sand the Dry Compound
  • 5. Prime Before Painting

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.

DIY Water Damaged Drywall Ceiling Repair: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

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.

What does rotted drywall look like?

Signs of Water Damaged Drywall

Look for discoloration on the wall, often with streaks from the ceiling. Also, drywall that swells and changes color can show up as soft, bubbly spots. Mold and drywall damage often go hand in hand. Seeing mold, especially at corners and edges, means there's moisture in the wall.

How much drywall do I need to remove after water damage?

If the water level was less than 2½ feet, the wall material should be removed to a height of 4 feet to facilitate reinstallation of full sheets of drywall.

Can I remove moldy drywall myself?

According to the EPA, homeowners can remove mold on drywall under 10 square feet, but larger areas may require professional assistance.

Can I mud over water damaged drywall?

With the damage scraped away and drywall sealed, you'll have a clean surface to patch with drywall mud. Apply in thin layers and allow each to dry thoroughly before sanding and applying the next coat.

Can you spackle over water damaged drywall?

If the area of damage is very small, you may be able to use Spackle. Otherwise, we recommend sticking with joint compound.

What does water damage behind drywall look like?

What Does Wet Drywall Look Like? Wet drywall can be invisible—which makes it all that more important to know how to detect it. Other times, wet drywall can leave a grease or coffee-colored stain, mold, or visible structural damage such as cracks or peeling paint.

Does bubbling paint mean water damage?

There are two main causes of it: heat and moisture. Painted walls too close to a stove or improperly insulated fireplace may bubble as the paint pulls away from the wall. However, it's a much more common sign of water damage.

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.

Does drywall with mold need to be replaced?

If you find mold on your drywall, you'll most likely need to get it replaced.

Does homeowners insurance cover mold?

Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.

What's the difference between drywall and sheetrock?

One key difference between the two is that sheetrock is a brand name of drywall made by the United States Gypsum Corporation. Another difference lies in their production process; sheetrock has a slightly denser core than drywall due to the addition of a small amount of wood fiber to the gypsum core.

What to do if sheetrock gets wet?

Repairing Moisture-Damaged Drywall
  1. Identify the source of the moisture. Before you can start repairing the drywall, you need to identify the source of the moisture and fix it. ...
  2. Remove any damaged drywall. ...
  3. Dry out the impacted area out. ...
  4. Call your local PatchMaster for professional drywall repair.

How long does it take for mold to grow on 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.

How to know if drywall needs to be replaced after water damage?

Moisture meters are an inexpensive tool that you can buy on Amazon or at the department store for only $25. If you get a reading over 1% (outside of the green zone) on your meter, then this suggests that the drywall has reached the point of needing replacement.

What to do if wall has water damage?

Steps To Repairing Water Damage
  1. Clean The Area. Before you start a project like this, give the water damaged area a good clean. ...
  2. Clear And Scrape Any Flaking In The Area. ...
  3. Cover Water Damaged Area With A Peel-Stop / Sealer Binder. ...
  4. Apply Filler. ...
  5. Sand Surface. ...
  6. Apply Water-based Primer / Sealer. ...
  7. Apply Paint.

Does drywall have to be replaced if it gets wet?

Extent of Water Exposure

Minor exposure can be remedied through proper drying techniques. However, if the drywall has been soaked or submerged, especially for a prolonged period, replacement is often the best option. Prolonged water exposure can weaken the structural integrity of the drywall.

What if mold is behind drywall?

Mold inside your walls is a sure sign of moisture intrusion. Mold also leads to the deterioration of insulation, studs, and drywall. Some types of mold can be hazardous to your health. 1 And for anyone thinking of selling their home, mold in the walls will undoubtedly show up on the inspection report.

How to tell if water damage is new or old?

A newer spot will be wet but your drywall or ceiling will still be strong, while an older spot will be mushy and squishy since your material would have absorbed a fair amount of water. Look for Rings: If you see a darker spot with zero rings around it, this indicates that the damage generated by water is new.

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