Water-damaged drywall: repair it or replace it?

A brown ring on the ceiling or a bubble in the paint does not always mean the drywall is ruined. But wet drywall that stays wet does not get better on its own. Here is how to decide.

First, stop the water

No repair lasts if the leak is still there. Find and fix the source first: a roof leak, a pipe, a bathroom above, a window. Then let the area dry completely.

When you can keep the board

• The stain is small and the drywall is still hard when you press it.
• It got wet once, briefly, and dried within a day or two.
• There is no smell and no visible mold.

In that case the fix is a stain-blocking primer and paint, sometimes with a light skim coat.

When it has to come out

• The board is soft, crumbles or the paper peels.
• The ceiling sags between joists.
• There is mold, a musty smell or the area stayed wet for days.
• The insulation behind it is wet.

Then the damaged section is cut back to dry, solid board, the framing is checked, and new drywall is installed, taped and finished to match the rest of the wall or ceiling.

Insurance

If the damage comes from a sudden event, like a burst pipe, take photos before anything is removed and call your insurance. We can give you a written estimate to send them.