Water Damage Drywall Repair in Grand Rapids, MI

Water Damage Drywall Repair in Grand Rapids

Water damage drywall repair means finding the leak, drying the wall, cutting out ruined drywall, and putting back new drywall that matches. Stains, bubbling paint, soft spots and sagging drywall are all signs of water damage.

Fix the source first. Then call (616) 677-8849 to be matched with a local drywall provider who handles water damaged drywall.

Common causes of water damaged drywall in Grand Rapids

• Ice dams. Snow melts, refreezes at the eaves, and pushes water into the ceiling drywall.
• Roof and flashing leaks around chimneys, vents and skylights.
• Bathroom leaks from tubs, showers and toilet seals into the ceiling below.
• Frozen pipes that split in outside walls during a cold snap.
• Basement water wicking up finished basement drywall.
• Appliance leaks from a water heater, washer, dishwasher or fridge line.

How Water Damaged Drywall Is Repaired

1. Stop the water. Roofer, plumber or a fix for the ice dam first.
2. Measure moisture. A moisture meter shows how far the water spread inside the drywall.
3. Cut out the wet drywall. Usually a clean line above the wet area, often 2 feet or more on a flooded wall.
4. Dry the cavity. Fans and dehumidifiers dry the studs and insulation. Wet insulation is replaced.
5. Replace the drywall. New drywall is hung, taped, finished and textured to match.
6. Seal and paint. A stain-blocking primer keeps old water marks from bleeding through.

Note: if new wiring, piping or insulation goes into the open wall as part of the fix, the City of Grand Rapids says a remodel must be inspected before drywall covers it. Ask the provider if your job needs it.

Water Stain on the Drywall Ceiling?

A water stain on a drywall ceiling does not always mean the drywall must come down. If the stain is dry, the drywall is firm when you press it gently, and the leak is fixed, a stain-blocking primer and ceiling paint may be enough.

Replace the ceiling drywall if it sags, feels soft, has a bulge of water, or the paper is peeling. A bulging ceiling can hold a lot of water and should be handled quickly and carefully. See ceiling drywall repair for more.

Water Damage Drywall Repair Cost

Water damage drywall repair costs more than a simple patch because the drywall has to come out, dry and go back in. HomeGuide puts ceiling drywall repair at about $350 to $1,500 or more and notes some pros charge about $3 to $8 per square foot for larger drywall repairs. Mold removal and new insulation are extra if needed.

Those are national figures. A local provider quotes the actual job after seeing how far the water went. More on the drywall repair cost page.

Older homes add one step. In houses built before 1978, ask about lead paint before any painted drywall or plaster is cut (EPA).

Common Questions