Water damage is one of the most destructive and costly problems homeowners and business owners can experience. It is often caused by sudden burst pipes, heavy rain, appliance leaks, or floods. This is especially true for Texas residents, as almost all major cities are susceptible to hurricanes that come from the Gulf Coast. In fact, in 2017, over 200,000 single-family homes in disaster-declared Texas counties were flooded by Hurricane Harvey.
No matter the cause, water can lead to structural damage, including your home’s interior walls and ceilings. This blog post will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to repair minor water damage on these parts of your property, as well as when to call professionals.
Steps on How to Address Water Damage on Walls and Ceiling
Note that this is only applicable to minor issues, as fixing more severe water damage is best left to restoration professionals.
Step #1: Assess the Severity of the Damage
First and foremost, you must evaluate how serious the damage is since this determines whether or not you should continue with your DIY project. If large amounts of pooled water are on the floor or a major leak has significantly compromised ceilings or walls, it’s best to call expert water restoration services.
Here are signs of a minor issue that requires an easy fix:
- The damage consists of discoloration or stains but no cracks on the walls or ceilings
- Only a small portion of the wall or ceiling is affected by peeling or flaking paint
- There is no pooled water on the floor
- Mildew spots can be seen on the wall or ceiling, but there isn’t a strong, musty odor
Step #2: Identify and Fix the Source of the Leak
Determine the source of the water leak and address it before repairing water damage on your walls and ceiling. Fixing the water damage and excess moisture is useless if the leak isn’t addressed.
Below are two possible reasons for water leaks on your ceilings and walls that you should look into:
- Plumbing issues like leaking pipes or shower
- Roof problems, such as a hole or overflowing gutters
When water damage has occurred on your walls or ceilings, you need to remove the drywall to locate the source of a leak. Once removed, inspect the area behind the drywall to check for any hidden water leaks, and if so, fix them. If there is mold growth, treat it with homemade solutions with materials you can find in your pantry, such as:
- 1 part bleach and 3 parts water
- White vinegar and water
- Lemon
Note: If the mold infestation is severe, you may need to replace your drywall.
Step #3: Remove the Water-Damaged Drywall
Drywalls are sheets of panels made from compressed gypsum that are thermal and fire-resistant. They are used in most homes as an inexpensive way of achieving a smooth and even wall finish. For ceilings, drywalls can be used to provide a seamless transition between the ceiling and walls.
In case of water damage, remove all compromised drywall with a hammer’s claw end, a wrecking bar, or by hand. If drywalls have water stains but are not structurally damaged, you may repair them by cutting out the damaged portion. Otherwise, you may need to replace them.
When cutting, use a keyhole saw to cut into a square or rectangular shape, then make a patch with another piece of the drywall.
Step#4. Do the Repairs
Measure the square or rectangular area of the wall you cut from step #3. Use these dimensions to cut a patch to replace the damaged piece of the drywall you removed. Make sure it is 2” longer and 2” wider than the hole.
To make the exact fit of the replacement piece:
- Lay the cut patch on a flat surface with the backside facing up.
- Measure 1” from all four edges and draw a line using a pencil. This forms the shape of the hole you made. Then cut through the backside.
- Next, create two small holes through the piece of replacement piece and feed a piece of string through and tie both ends to the middle of a stick. The stick will be used to hold the patch in place, and the “stick side” of the board will be the front.
- Twist the stick to apply pressure to the rear side of the board to steady it in the hole.
- Apply a smooth coat of cement adhesives around the edges.
- Insert the patch piece into the hole and position it properly so that the cement adhesive firmly grips the solid area around the hole’s rear.
- Turn the stick clockwise while twisting the string and increasing pressure against the patch board at the hole’s rear. This secures the board until the adhesive dries.
If the hole is small, which is often up to 6”, apply a thin layer of joint compound around it, then place the patch. Sand the edges of the compound and allow it to dry before applying a second layer. For holes between 6” and 12,” let the cement adhesive dry thoroughly then fill the area with joint compound. Smooth out and let it dry again before sanding off any high spots with sandpaper or a sanding block.
Warning: For very serious structural damage, you need to call professionals to do the repairs, as they are experienced and knowledgeable with specialized tools and materials.
Step #5: Prime and Paint
After repairing, it’s time to prime and paint the area. Primer helps improve the adhesion and provides a smooth base for painting.
Here are special reminders when priming and painting:
- Choose a water-based primer and paint that is specifically formulated for your walls or ceilings.
- Use two coats of paint on the repaired area to ensure complete coverage. If the area to be painted is textured, use a roller with a thick nap.
- After applying the final coat of paint, wait at least 24 hours before touching up any imperfections.
The Bottom Line
Dealing with water damage can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With these tips, the right tools and supplies, time, and patience, you can repair the damage yourself without too much stress or effort. But if you don’t have time or are unsure of your skills, the damage is severe, or there is serious mold and mildew growth, it’s best to leave the job to a reputable water damage restoration company.