How to Repair Water Stains and Water-Damaged Drywall

How you repair water-damaged drywall depends on what the water did to it. If the drywall is dry and firm with only a stain, it can be sealed with a stain-blocking primer and repainted. If it's soft, sagging, crumbling or was wet for a long time, the damaged section is cut out and replaced. Either way, the leak gets fixed first.

Step 1: Stop the leak and dry the area

Find and fix the source, whether it's the roof, a plumbing line, a window or the AC drain. Then dry the area completely. Drywall that stays wet for more than a day or two can start growing mold.

Step 2: Check whether the drywall can be saved

• Stain only: the drywall is dry, firm and flat, with a brown or yellow ring. This can be sealed and painted.
• Damaged drywall: it's soft when you press it, sagging, bubbling, crumbling or has visible mold. That section needs to be replaced.

Repairing a water stain

Water stains bleed through regular paint, even after several coats. Seal the stain with an oil-based or shellac-based stain-blocking primer first, let it dry, then paint the whole ceiling or wall so the color and sheen match. On a popcorn ceiling, see covering stains on a popcorn ceiling.

Replacing water-damaged drywall

The damaged drywall is cut out back to firm, dry material, and the framing and insulation behind it are checked and dried. A new piece is fastened in, taped and finished with joint compound, then textured to match the surrounding wall or ceiling. Primer and paint finish the repair so it blends in. See how drywall patches are done.

Water damage repair in Orlando

Once the leak is fixed and the area is dry, New Ceilings repairs stained ceilings and replaces water-damaged drywall across Orlando and Central Florida, then matches the texture and paint. Every job starts with a free written quote. See water damage repair.