There are some situations where water can be a real problem. If water saturates your drywall or ceiling, it can make them look damaged, or if there is enough water, it can cause actual damage. Walls and ceilings can be repaired as long as you know to do so. This repair guide can give you step by step instructions on how to improve your home if you are facing water damage.
Step One: Find the Leak
The location of some leaks is visible. They may show visible signs of damage. Ceiling drywall may crumble under the weight of the water. There are sometimes when you may notice coffee-colored stains that tend to get bigger as time goes on.
Before you fix anything, you are going to need to find the source of the leak. This can be aggregating but if you do not know where the problem is you cannot fix it. If the roof is leaking or if there is a leaky pipe it can be hard to find the exact location of the problem. Water can travel far and can cause a lot of damage. You will need to investigate the source of your leak. If the drywall is damaged, it should be removed so that you can find the source of the leak and dry out the area.
If there is mold present, you can take precautions to remove this on your own. You need to put on safety gloves, safety goggles, and a mask, so you do not breathe in any mold spores.
If there is a great deal of damage that has been done by the water you may need to call in a professional drywall contractor to find the leak and repair the damage.
Step 2: Remove Damaged Dry Wall
Before removing the drywall put a tarp or a cloth down to catch all of the debris and dust that is going to come from the drywall. This will make the cleanup process more manageable.
Before starting the drywall removal check and see how much damage is done. If the drywall is damaged by the water, it will begin to sag or crumble. Use the claw end of the hammer to remove the damaged area. A wrecking bar can also be used. If the panels are only stained, you may be able to get away with cutting out the damaged section. When cutting out the damage use, a keyhole saw to cut out a square or a rectangle. You can then use another piece of drywall to patch up this open area.
Step 3: Make the Repairs
If you are patching up an area, you need to measure a square or a rectangle to cover the area that you cut out. When measuring out the drywall be to make that it is two inches longer and two inches wider than your measurement. Put the replacement piece on the drywall. The backside should be facing up. Once this is done measure an inch from all four edges and draw a line around it. This should be right under the hole. Use a straight edge knife or a utility knife and cut the back side of the paper of the drywall. Do not cut the front facing layer. Use a putty knife and remove the backside layer as well as the thickness of gypsum. Do not tear the front side of the paper.
If the hole is more significant than six inches and is up to one foot, there is a different process you will need to do to patch up the mess. Use a drill to make two holes in the piece that is going to be used as a replacement. Put a piece of string through each hold and tie both ends to the middle part of a stick. Keep eight inches of line between the board and the stick. The stick side will be the front. The purpose of this board is to hold the piece in place. To apply pressure twist the twice at the rear of the board. Add a coat of cement around the edges. Put this patch over the hole so the glue can hold to the area around the hole. Twist the string to increase pressure and keep it firmly in place. This will allow the board to stay put until it dries.
If you are repairing a hole that is less than six inches put some joint compound around the hole. Put the patch piece around the hole. Using a putty knife put the paper edges down. Feather the edges and then allow it to try. Sand this area lightly then apply a second layer of compound.
If the hole is between six and twelve inches, allow the cement to dry before using the joint compound. Soothe out the area and then let it dry.
When the area is dry sand the rough spots with a fine grit sandpaper or a sanding block.
If the damage is more significant than 12 inches, you may need to replace the entire panel. This will depend on where the damage is located. If the space that needs to be replaced will leave exposed joints or studs, you may be able to screw in a security patch. If not you may need to replace the entire piece of drywall.
To replace an entire sheet of drywall remove the damaged area right down to the stud. Remove the screws as well. If the old drywall is damaged, it will often crumble.
Measure the height and the width of the area that needs to be replaced. If there is an irregular pattern, you may need to cut it out with a putty knife. Line up the new panel with the sets and secure them in place with new studs. Cover the seams with joint tape. Apply the joint compound over this tape. Allow it to dry then sand it smooth.
Step 4: Prime Then Paint
Use a primer/ sealer with a paintbrush or roller. Be sure to cover the entire wall surface.
Using the premium interior paint cover this area. Paint a six-foot section utilizing a W stroke. Move the brush from right to left and then back from left to right.
To make sure the coverage is even going from the bottom to the top of the wall. Use one direction strokes that overlap each other.
Using a small angular paintbrush get the areas where the roller cannot see such as the corners.
If needed apply a second coat of paint in the same manner. If you allow the paint to dry between coats, you will get a better result.
Step 5: The Cleanup
A shop vacuum can be used to clean up most of the dirt and debris. Pick up the traps and close up the paint cans. Dispose of applied paint as according to the directions. Rinse off the paint brushes with warm water. Allow them to dry before storing. Remove any painter’s tape. The longer it is left on the wall, the harder it is to remove.
Good job!! Now you know how to perform a home drywall repair, ceiling repair, and fix water damaged walls.
This post was created by the Vancouver drywall repair of www.drywallvancouver.ca
Drywall Vancouver
82 E 37th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5W 1E2
(604) 229 – 3691