Whether you have experienced a basement flooding, dripping roof, or dripping pipes in your home, it is important to repair or replace water damaged drywall before mold and mildew sets in. Gypsum, the mineral that makes up most of the drive, is porous and highly absorbent, meaning it loses its structural integrity as it comes into contact with water.
Identify leak
To begin addressing a water-damaged wall or roof in your home, you must identify the source of the water. It is possible to travel far from the water leakage site and cause damage elsewhere in unexpected areas. If you are not sure where the leak is, contact a licensed plumber to help you. Without identifying the source of the water, the problem would later recur.
Assess damage
Depending on the amount of water present and the duration of saturation, you may be able to repair water damage. The heavily saturated drywall will crumble to sag or touch and must be completely replaced. If the drywall is still securely fastened to the studs and the water-damaged area is small, you may be able to remove a small portion of the wall and patch it.
Remove wet drive
When dealing with wet drywall, remember to wear safety goggles and masks. If you are dealing with a basement flood situation, use a laser level or other device to mark the 6 inches above the waterline around the room. If you are repairing a small area, mark a square or rectangle around the water damaged area to be cut. Spread a tarpaulin to catch dust and debris.
Use a sharp utility knife to cut the line. Remove the baseboard trim and then remove the wet drywall. You may also need to remove wet insulation. If you find that the insulation is wet even above the line you cut, then more drywall will have to be removed.
Before replacing the drywall, allow the area at least 48 hours to dry completely. Fans and dehumidifiers are helpful in this process. In the meantime, contact a licensed electrician to determine the extent of electrical damage to the outlets and switches in the walls and whether they need to be replaced.
Replace damaged insulation and drywall
After the electrician has completely dried and closed the affected areas, you can replace the insulation and drywall. If you are not experienced with drywall, you can contact a licensed contractor to finish this step.