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repair water-damaged drywall

Here’s How Experts Repair Water-Damaged Drywall

Written by Jesse Higgins on . Posted in Blog.

Despite the dry climate, water damage is a common occurrence in Tucson homes and businesses. Flash floods and monsoons can result in rapid surface runoff, roof leaks, or both. Further, no region on the planet is immune to pipe leaks, burst pipes, appliance malfunctions, and plumbing failures.

Any of these situations can lead to water-damaged drywall, making it necessary to find an expert to do drywall repair in Tucson.

The good news is that drywall damaged by water can indeed be repaired. The trick is finding an expert who can do the job right, making your space look as good as new.

Why Repairing Damaged Drywall Is Important

Water-damaged walls aren’t just an eyesore, they’re also a safety hazard. Ignoring drywall damage can cause further damage, compromising the structural integrity of the building. Continued exposure to the water ultimately weakens the drywall, leading to sagging, warping, and even collapse.

As you can imagine, this can have detrimental effects on property values and lead to costly repairs in the long term.

In addition to the potential for catastrophic structural damage, property owners are also at risk of exposing their families and customers to mold. The presence of mold has a detrimental effect on indoor air quality, and about 20% of people have mold allergies. Prolonged mold exposure is linked to a variety of health conditions, including asthma, sinusitis, and severe infections.   

Other hazards could also exist when damaged drywall is neglected. For example, water-damaged drywall that is near electrical wiring can cause short circuits and fires.

10 Steps Experts Take To Repair Water-Damaged Drywall

Any time there is an incident involving water that causes damage to drywall, there’s a step-by-step process that should be followed to repair any damage. Our team of experts recommends the following procedure:

  1. Ensure proper safety. Safety is always a top priority at Goodwin & Sons Painting. We start by checking for electrical hazards and turning off power around affected areas.
     
  2. Assess the damage. Before any work begins, we do a thorough inspection of the damaged drywall and the surrounding areas. We specifically look for signs of peeling paint, swelling, warping, and softness.
     
  3. Remove damaged drywall. When only a portion of the wall is damaged, we can cut away the damaged drywall using the appropriate tools. We work carefully to cut along the edges of any affected areas, creating clean lines for easy (and seamless) replacement.
     
  4. Inspect insulation and structural elements. After cutting away portions of damaged drywall, we have better access to inspect the insulation and other underlying structures. If the insulation is wet, for example, we may recommend having it replaced.
     
  5. Dry the affected areas. If any areas are still wet, we will make sure to dry them thoroughly. This may involve the use of fans, dehumidifiers, or opening windows to allow for air circulation.
     
  6. Engage in mold remediation. Whenever water damage is present, mold is always a risk. Depending on what we find, we may treat the area with a mold inhibitor or collaborate with a team to handle professional mold remediation.
     
  7. Replace (or repair) drywall. The choice to repair a hole in the drywall or replace it with a full sheet is dependent on the size of the hole we cut when we removed the affected area. Smaller holes or cracks can often be repaired with a patch or joint compound.
     
  8. Apply joint compound. To ensure a seamless look after the repair, we apply joint compound. We employ a feathering technique to blend the edges of the surrounding wall.
     
  9. Paint the wall. After the joint compound is dry, we’ll do a final sanding of the area, prime the wall, and then apply paint in your color choice to ensure an even color and texture.
     
  10. Perform a final inspection. Once everything has been repaired, we inspect the area again to ensure that there are no further signs of damage.

Preventing future issues is important, and it can save you the heartache of having to call drywall experts repeatedly to your home or office. We will work with you to identify and address the source of any water damage.

Contact an Expert for Drywall Repair Services

Repairing or replacing water-damaged drywall can be a big job, and it can be a difficult project to take on by yourself, especially when you add on the task of interior painting. If you’re dealing with additional challenges like popcorn ceiling crack repair or nail pops in your drywall, seeking professional assistance may ensure a more comprehensive and effective solution.

If you want your walls to look as perfect as possible, trust the professionals at Goodwin & Sons Painting to repair water-damaged drywall. We also handle stucco crack repairs. You can call us at (520) 990-2445 or contact us online to request an estimate.