In general, you need to replace water-damaged drywall. Only for minor damage and no signs of swelling, you could let it dry. Water will quickly soak into the drywall and cause it to lose structural integrity, show stains, signs of swelling, mold growth, and warping over time. Keep in mind that it can take a short while before the damage is visible.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n In this blog post, I will further explain if you need to replace water-damaged drywall. What are the signs of drywall water damage, what about mold, what if the bottom got wet, and can a drywall ceiling be saved?<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the drywall has been exposed to water for any period of time, it likely has water damage. You may notice the damage immediately, or it may take some time. Water can quickly soak into the drywall and cause it to show stains, signs of swelling, mold growth, and warping. Once the drywall has been damaged by water, it won\u2019t be usable. You can\u2019t cover it with paint or hide it with trim. The entire section that was exposed to water will need to be replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the most common water damage signs on drywall that I have seen during my repairs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will notice that some of the drywall feels soggy or wet. It may be damp or soft. Even after the drywall dries, these spots will remain soggy and will not hold up to everyday use. In some cases, the wet areas of drywall can fall apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your drywall will change colors once it\u2019s exposed to water. In most cases, the wall will look brown or black. You may notice streaks and lines where the water leaked down or was absorbed up into the drywall. The worse the damage, the darker the color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If there is wallpaper or paint on the drywall, you may notice that it appears to be damaged. The wallpaper can bubble and peel, and the paint can soften and chip. This can occur immediately after the flood or leak, or it may take some time to appear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Water can seep into your drywall and start to break it down pretty quickly. You may notice it starts to slump or looks crooked. You might see spots crumbling or chipping away. If there is a leak that you can\u2019t see, it could leave water behind the drywall, where it continues to break down the structure before you even see it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mold grows in damp and moist areas. If you see mold starting to grow on your drywall, it could be a sign that there is water damage. The water damage may not be apparent, but it could be on the back of the drywall or hidden inside. You will need to have the mold removed and possibly replace the drywall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all signs of drywall water damage are seen. If you notice a musty or wet smell when you walk into a room, it could mean you have a leak somewhere. The water can get trapped in the drywall and start to cause a bad smell. It can sometimes be hard to find the source of the scent, but if you are careful, you can track it down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.waterandmoistureexpert.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Do-You-Need-To-Replace-Water-Damaged-Drywall.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/a>Do you need to replace Water Damaged Drywall?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>\u25cf Water Damaged Drywall Signs: Soggy Spots<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>\u25cf Water Damaged Drywall Signs: Discoloration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>\u25cf Water Damaged Drywall Signs: Wallpaper Or Paint Damage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>\u25cf Water Damaged Drywall Signs: Structural Damage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>\u25cf Water Damaged Drywall Signs: Mold Growth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>\u25cf Water Damaged Drywall Signs: Bad Odor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n