Drywall Rescue: How To Dry Drywall After Water Damage
You never suspected anything was amiss — until the day you spy the water stain on the wall behind the toilet.
You crouch down to investigate, only to discover a narrow strip of water below the stain, right where the wall meets the baseboard.
Ugh. This can’t be good.
You’ve got to get this wet drywall taken care of — and fast — before you have an expensive restoration project on your hands. How do you dry drywall after water damage?
In this article, the professionals at Benson Drywall tell you what to do (and what not to do) when drying drywall and answer your questions about drywall and water damage so you can keep your home dry, healthy, and mold-free.
Table of Contents
How To Dry Drywall After Water Damage in 7 Steps
#1: Provide Access to the Damaged Wall
- Furniture
- Paintings
- Floor rugs
- Decorative items; and
- Anything else that might get in the way of the restoration process
This allows you to have optimal space and full access to the area, as well as preventing damage to your belongings.
If you have fixed cabinets in the damaged area that can’t be removed, empty them of their contents and prop the doors open.#2: Evaluate the Damage
Sometimes the damage is easy to spot, such as wet walls — but if the drywall is wet below the surface, the damage can be considerably more difficult to see.
Complete a visual inspection to assess the general location of the water damage, but use a moisture meter to gauge the full extent of the problem. A moisture meter reading that’s out of the meter’s green zone or above 1 percent indicates compromised drywall material.
The professionals at Benson Drywall are experienced in water damage inspections and drywall restoration and have the tools you need to get an accurate view of the issue. Contact us today for an estimate.
#3: Remove the Baseboards and Molding
When water compromises drywall, it can seep through into the gaps between the drywall and molding or baseboards. This can not only cause substantial damage but can also lead to mold growth.
- Gather the needed tools, including a utility knife, pry bar, and hammer.
- Use a utility knife to score the caulking or paint between the wall and the molding or baseboard to prevent any additional damage to the walls.
- Use the pry bar to gently wiggle the molding or baseboard away from the wall. Apply gentle pressure at intervals along the length of the trim to gradually detach it, using a hammer to lightly tap the pry bar if extra leverage is needed.
- Thoroughly inspect the now-exposed drywall for signs of dampness or mold. If you notice an issue, address it immediately to prevent further damage, including structural issues and potential health hazards associated with mold.
#4: Drain the Water Within the Walls
Depending on the severity of the water damage, the walls may contain a substantial amount of standing water.
To determine if standing water is present, use a drill to carefully create a small hole in the wall two inches from the ground. If water comes out of the hole, you have water in the wall.
If this occurs, drill additional holes along the wall to allow the water to drain. However, before you begin drilling more holes, you should use a stud finder to locate the studs within your wall.
When you’re creating drainage holes, you’ll want to keep the following tips in mind:- Drill a hole every two inches off the ground.
- Space the holes between 16 and 24 inches apart to allow for the most effective drainage.
#5: Remove the Wet Drywall
Removing the damaged areas is a crucial step in drying your drywall after water damage.
Follow these steps for the most effective way to remove wet drywall:- With a utility knife, score a line around the damaged area to cleanly separate the affected section from the intact drywall.
- Before cutting or pulling out the wet drywall, check for electrical wiring or plumbing that may be present behind the wall.
- Carefully snap the wet drywall along the scored line to remove it. If you’re dealing with larger sections, you may need to use a pry bar to remove the sections.
- Once the water-damaged drywall is removed, begin measuring, cutting, and installing new drywall sections.
#6: Dry and Dehumidify the Room
Insulated Walls
If you have paper-backed fiberglass insulation, an inner-wall drying system can be used.
However, if the insulation is foil-backed fiberglass, blown-in cellulose, or a Styrofoam material, it can’t be successfully dried.
If those types of insulation are present, the damaged portion of the wall and the insulation will need to be removed to allow optimal drying and mold prevention.Non-Insulated Walls
Non-insulated walls can sometimes be dried without holes or removing the baseboard — a professional can advise you on the best course of action. The drywall professionals will likely place high-capacity air movers along the wall at 10 to 14-foot intervals. Air movers help remove moisture from the surface of the drywall by causing it to evaporate quickly.
They may also install one or more low-grain refrigerant dehumidifiers inside the damp wall. This advanced drying equipment lowers humidity levels to encourage drying and prevent mold growth.
It’s likely that the restoration professional will drill small holes above the sill plate and force air into the wall cavity to create an inner-wall drying system.
If your outer or inner wall has a moisture barrier, you’ll follow an alternate drying route, since moisture barriers inhibit the removal of moisture from the wall material. Barriers include glossy or enamel paint and vinyl wall coverings. If these are present, your technician will perforate or remove them, so moisture can escape and the walls can dry.#7: Replace the Damaged Drywall
Use the moisture meter once again to ensure your drywall is completely dry.
Once it’s completely moisture-free, you can safely paint over affected areas with a thin coat of oil- or alcohol- based primer. Feather the primer into the unaffected surrounding areas and allow it to dry.
Follow up with a fresh coat of paint.
What Not To Do for Drywall After Water Damage
We’ve covered how to dry drywall after water damage, but here are a few things you absolutely don’t want to do as you’re working through the processes of restoring your walls:
- Don’t paint over wet drywall since it will prevent the paint from adhering properly and can lead to mold growth.
- Don’t overlook hidden areas of damage, such as spots behind walls or within the drywall itself. Enlist the services of a drywall professional to conduct a thorough inspection before beginning the drying process.
- Don’t use heat to dry the drywall, since it can cause irreversible damage and make the area more likely to mold.
- Don’t use overly powerful dehumidifiers or fans, since they can damage the drywall.
- Don’t ignore wet insulation. In some cases, it can slow the drying process and lead to further damage, so it should be replaced if necessary.
Do you need advice about how to handle water-damaged drywall? The experts at Benson Drywall know their stuff and are happy to provide you with an estimate.
Commonly Asked Questions About Drywall and Water Damage
How Long Does It Take for Drywall To Dry After Water Damage?
How Do You Dry Wet Drywall Fast?
The fastest way to dry drywall after water damage is to focus on maximizing air circulation and removing moisture from both the wall and the air. Use fans and dehumidifiers to provide additional ventilation by opening doors and windows.
For the most effective drying methods, call the professionals, like the experts at Benson Drywall.Can You Save Drywall If It Gets Wet?
Sometimes, but ultimately it depends on the extent and duration of the water exposure and damage.
Brief, minor water exposure may be salvageable with proper drying techniques. However, if the drywall is soaked, has been submerged for a prolonged period, or shows signs of significant damage such as warping, crumbling, or mold, replacement is likely needed.Can Drywall Dry Out Without Mold?
Generally, it takes time for mold to grow on wet drywall, but it nearly always occurs when the drywall remains wet for 48 hours or more.
To prevent mold, take immediate action by drying the area or replacing the drywall to keep mold from thriving.
Benson Drywall: Portland’s Drywall Installation and Repair Experts
At Benson Drywall, we specialize in … you guessed it … drywall.
We’re known for delivering unparalleled quality and the highest level of customer service. Through years of experience and local knowledge, our team of professionals sets the standard for excellence in the drywall industry by:- Continually refining our skills
- Embracing innovative techniques
- Maintaining a client-centered approach
From repairing water-damaged drywall to new builds to removing and replacing your outdated popcorn ceiling, Benson Drywall can handle the job with professionalism and perfection.
Contact our team today for your free estimate.