Updated at: 19-08-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Average cost to repair water-damaged drywall

Below is a table detailing the costs associated with necessary repairs.

The raw supplies for fixing drywall water damage might cost anywhere from $0.45 to $0.65. With labor included, the price ranges from $1.5 to $3.5 per square foot. The labor required to fix drywall is typically the most costly aspect of the job. To cut costs, most homeowners choose to handle the jobs themselves.

The following table is a breakdown of how much it will cost to repair the drywall in each room.

Submerged drywall The cost of a room and the price per square foot

Cost to Repair water damaged ceiling

The average cost to repair water damage to a ceiling is $342.50 ($285 – $400) per patch. The average cost of goods is around $16, ranging from $15 to $17. This cost could change based on factors such as the specific location, the scope of the work to be done, the type of finish chosen, and the existing state of the material.

How to Repair Water Damaged Drywall

If your ceiling has been damaged by water, you should investigate the source first to see if there are any plumbing issues. When you repair the ceiling, you don’t want it to get damaged again anytime soon. Before attempting to address the problem, check for leaky pipes and ensure the entire ceiling is watertight.

You should first make sure the plumbing is in good working order before attempting to repair the water damage to the ceiling. The last thing you want to do is repair the ceiling only to have to do it again soon. Therefore, prior to attempting to fix the problem, all leaking pipes should be repaired and the entire ceiling should be secured against water damage.

Cost to Repair water damaged Drywall per Square foot

When estimating the cost to restore drywall, several factors must be considered. The average cost to repair drywall that has been damaged by water is $2.5 per square foot, with a range of $1.5 to $3.5. Since the project’s components are inexpensive, the majority of the repair expense will go toward labor.

There are two common pricing structures for contractors: flat rate and hourly. Finding a repair contractor with set pricing rather than hourly rates is ideal. A fixed fee is guaranteed regardless of how long it takes to complete, barring unforeseen complications.

Cost of complete Drywall Replacement

It’s not just the price of materials and labor to replace drywall that needs to be considered. Prices for drywall replacement typically run between $1.5 and $3.5 per square foot. This estimate also includes demolition expenditures of $0.40 to $0.50 per square foot.

The average cost to fix drywall in a 300 square foot room is $943 to $1169. The price will vary depending on factors such as the size and complexity of your project, as well as your location.

Cost of Pro vs DIY Drywall water damage Repair

The drywall is more difficult to restore if there is substantial damage. To a certain extent, you can handle simple repairs on your own. If you need extensive work done, like replacing drywall, it’s best to call a pro.

DIY Cost

The good news is that drywall water damage restoration is doable by anyone with even rudimentary skills. A small hole can be repaired with a kit that costs $10 to $30.

The cost of drywall and other building materials for substantial DIY restoration projects is around $50. The last touches on your workshop setup will run you $14 per day for a sander, $36 per week for a sawhorse, and $70 to $80 for a spiral saw. Mud, tape, and screws will also be needed to complete the task. The normal price range for materials and supplies is $200-$500.

Once you have the necessary tools, you’ll need a helper or a drywall lift to move the drywall into place. The drywall is heavy, and if you try to lift it, you can injure your back. Lighter sheets are preferable for do-it-yourself applications due to their portability.

Self-repair can save a lot of money, but it also carries the risk of injury. The job could end up taking longer than intended, and it might not have a polished finish. As a corollary, the delicate nature of water damage restoration makes it essential to use experts. Water-damaged drywall can support mold colonization as soon as the first day following a leak.

DIY material expenses

Professional cost

If you don’t have much time or you’re not confident in your DIY skills, it’s best to hire a pro.

You won’t be let down by the regional drywall companies if you take the time to do your research and make an informed decision. However, the cost of hiring a professional is typically more than that of doing the work on your own. Since labor often accounts for around a quarter of a project’s overall cost, it’s no surprise that many homeowners choose to do their own fixes.

Depending on where in the country you live, you should expect to pay between $75 and $350 for professional help. The cost might be anything from $60 to $70 per hour, depending on how extensive the work is.

Some independent freelancers charge between $50 and $65 per hour, whereas most experts have set rates. It doesn’t matter how big or small the project is, working with fixed costs is always the best alternative. Additional fees may be incurred if the duration of the work exceeds the original estimate. As a corollary, the amount of time invested can be substantial.

When compared to a less experienced staff of fewer than six people, the work of a skilled expert can be completed in half the time. In other words, if the rates per hour are not fixed, the total cost of the project may go up even if it would have been cheaper to complete if the rates were.

In spite of the fact that employing experts raises the project’s overall cost, you can rest assured that it will be completed successfully and on time. And because they have the experience and training to execute the work properly, specialists can make your house look like it was just built.

Signs of water damage in Drywalls

Whether or not your drywall has been affected by water can be determined by feeling its texture. Some of the most common signs of mold growth in the basement are a musty or stale stench, paint that is peeling or flaking, walls that have sagged or become swelled, and visible mold.

Plasterboard must be replaced after experiencing Category 3 water damage. This is because there is always the chance that sewage or external flooding will contaminate your drywall, turning it into a potentially lethal hazard.

20 Tips for Working with Drywall

Use Setting Compound for Big Holes

Small cracks and dents in the wall can be patched with spackle, while larger, deeper holes in the drywall should be repaired with joint compound. These are available in a powder form, and their setting times range from 5 to 90 minutes. The complex begins to harden after the water is added and continues to do so after the specified amount of time has passed. The five-minute variant allows for immediate reapplication of the powder due to its small 5-pound packaging and rapid hardening time. Setting-type compounds are more challenging to sand than regular patching materials, so be sure to fill the hole flush to the surface. To find setting-type compounds, look in any store that sells drywall taping materials.

Make a Dent for the Patching Compound

It’s not uncommon for a little ridge of old paint or drywall to remain visible after removing a nail, drywall anchor, or picture hanger. Making a dent over the hole and filling it in is the fix. The depression can be made with the rounded end of the handle, often made of hard plastic or metal, on most high-quality putty knives. Other options are the rounded end of a screwdriver handle or the handle of a utility knife. If you have good aim, you can use your denting tool like a hammer by pressing the handle against the hole and twisting it while exerting pressure to the surface.

Cover Cracks with Repair Spray

When nails, anchors, or picture hangers are removed, they may leave behind a small ridge in the surrounding paint or plaster that is difficult to conceal with patching material. Fill in the indentation you made over the hole. Many premium putty knives have a dent-making end on the handle. A screwdriver’s rounded tip or the utility knife’s grip can likewise be used for this purpose. Dent the surface by hammering on the denting tool’s handle while pressing it against the hole and twisting it ever-so-slightly.

Water Damaged Drywall- Repair or Replace? - Damage Buddy

Rent a Drywall Lift for Ceiling Work

Raftering a ceiling requires the use of lifts. It’s worth the cost per day to avoid back pain when installing a ceiling.

Drywall lifts can be easily carried in a medium-sized car once they are dismantled into their three individual parts. After reassembly, you should turn the handle up and down several times to test its functionality. A drywall sheet is lifted and secured by one end to a support hook, with the finished side facing down. You can then put the opposite end of the sheet onto the second hook. The front edge of the drywall can pop off the hook if it is handled abruptly or jerkily.

The sheet should be horizontally positioned and fastened in place. To finish, the elevator should be rolled to a spot where its intended use can be described in broad terms. In contrast to manually lifting the drywall into place, lifts are both sturdy and flexible. Turn the knob till it is as tight as it can go. It’s possible that a ladder will be required to properly install the sheet. Ensure that at least eight screws are in place before letting the lift down.

Eliminate as Many Drywall Butt Joints as You Can

To hide the intersection of two non-tapered drywall ends, known as “butt joints,” a hump of joint compound must be built up that is both thin and wide. Time and effort are needed to complete this successfully. If you’re just getting started finishing drywall, it’s best to avoid butt joints.

Using long enough sheets of drywall to cover the full wall or ceiling eliminates the need for butt joints. Therefore, only the tapered joints will be finished. Drywall sheets are available in standard lengths of 8 feet, 12 feet, and even 14 feet from specialized producers.

When the length of the ceiling is more than 14 feet, butt joints are required. On the other side, if you build a wall 14 feet long, you won’t need any butt joints. Hang the sheets vertically instead of horizontally. Multiple tapered joints, but not butt joints, can be concealed in this manner. It takes more time to hang drywall vertically than horizontally because you have to make sure the tapered edges line up with the centers of the studs. To begin, determine the width of the first sheet and make a cut such that the center of one of the studs is flush with the cut edge. Therefore, the sheet’s edges must be flush with the studs. When you find studs that aren’t in the right spots, nail 2x2s to them. Typically, drywall sheets are sold in lengths of 10 feet, so you’ll need to get those from a source if you have 9-foot ceilings.

Mini Drywall Saw

Just grab a jigsaw blade and some old wood to make a makeshift drywall saw. It is useful for cutting around electrical boxes and other obstacles.

Solo Drywall Hanging

Putting up the final sheet of drywall can be difficult if you’re working alone. Construct a simple bracket between 1 and 2 feet from either end of the sheet using a pair of 16d nails to facilitate the work. Simply lower them 48-1/2 inches from the ceiling and sink them 1 inch into the studs. Raise the sheet and prop its bottom edge against the wall studs. One hand can be used to push the sheet up against the ceiling, while the other can be used to tack it into place using drywall nails that have already been started.

Fill a Row of Holes with One Swipe

This method is useful for patching gaps that are close together, as those left by a shelf standard or a row of photographs. Follow the steps in the images below to apply the compound using a 6-inch wide putty knife.

Skim-Coat Areas with Lots of Dings or Holes

Don’t stress over repairing every dent and scratch in the mudroom floor caused by scuff marks left by boots, hockey sticks, and golf club bags. If you need to cover a greater area, a wider tape knife, like a 6-inch putty knife, is a better choice. If you want the best results, use “topping” or “all-purpose” joint compound.

Water added to joint compound makes it easier to apply. Spread it about the pan with your 6-inch knife and then add a couple cups. Apply the joint compound in a thin coat. The next step is to scrape out the excess, leaving enough to fill the mold’s cavities. It’s easy to apply and dries quickly, even if you need to use two or three thin applications. After the final paint coat has dried, sand the wall.

Smooching Drywall

Avoid the hassle of measuring and creating a cutout for an electrical box in drywall by instead cutting the panel at the “kiss marks” left on the back. The drywall must be positioned and pressed into place. Minutes are all it takes, and it works every time.

Protect Drywall With a Mud Ring

Use mud rings, also known as drywall brackets or low-voltage “old-work” brackets, to protect the drywall from harm when drilling with flexible bits or cranking glow rods. Two screws are all that’s needed for assembly. After wiring has been completed, the wall plate can be attached to the mud ring using screws. Mud rings are only safe for use with low voltage lines, such as those used in communications and television. Protect the drywall while fishing wires for a standard gang box by using a mud ring. The ring of muck should then be cleaned away. There are nine more pointers for those who want to wire their own homes.

Prime and Texture Wall Patches to Avoid a Blotchy Finish

One of the most typical issues with painting walls is the uneven appearance of the new paint. Even while the hue is consistent, the glossiness is not. This typically happens over the areas where you used filler or drywall compound to repair holes and cracks. Flashing occurs when paint is absorbed by porous fillers, leaving the surface looking drab. When these drab areas are illuminated, they stand out like sore thumbs. In addition, the smooth area is easily noticeable since it stands in stark contrast to the somewhat uneven texture of the surrounding wall. Flashing and textural variances can be concealed with just one coat of priming before painting the walls. If the repair isn’t sealed with primer, the paint will soak into the wood and look flat. If you want a seamless look, use a roller to prime and lightly feather the edges to blend. Select a roller with a nap thickness that corresponds to the wall texture around it (3/8 inch for smooth walls and 1/2 inch for textured walls). Find out which revolutionary painting tools impressed our reviewers.

Seal Exposed Drywall Paper Before Patching

Newly painted walls may have an uneven appearance. There is uniformity of tone but not of sheen. As a result of using filler or drywall compound to repair cracks and holes, this can occur. Flashing occurs when porous fillers cause paint to lose its sheen. When light is reflected off of them, it makes them stand out like a sore thumb. When compared to the rough surface of the wall, the smooth areas stand out all the more. A thin coat of primer is all that’s needed before painting a wall, and it prevents the paint from peeling and cracking. Priming the damaged area ensures that the paint will not absorb into the surface and look dull. Apply primer with a roller and blend the edges so they blend in with the texture. Use a roller with a nap of 3/8 inches for smooth walls and a roller with a nap of 1/2 inches for textured walls. In addition, read about the top painting supplies chosen by our staff.

Use Stick-On Patches for Midsize Holes

Multiple methods exist for repairing a hole of this size. The simplest and most quickly effective solution is to use these adhesive mesh patches. You may find them in a range of sizes at any store selling paint, hardware, or home decor. Make sure the wall is clean and sand it down so it has some “teeth” before putting the patch. Apply two or three thin coats of joint compound over the patch to seal it in. The first layer can be applied more quickly if a setting compound is used.

You Can Spray on Wall Texture

How to Repair Water-Damaged Drywall | Direct Energy

Numerous techniques exist for repairing a hole roughly the size of a doorknob. Stick-on mesh patches like these are the simplest and quickest solution. In stores like those for paint, hardware, and housewares, you can find a wide range of sizes. Walls need to be cleaned and sanded to introduce some “teeth” before repairs can be applied. The patch should be sealed by applying two or three thin layers of joint compound over it. To hasten the procedure, the first layer can be made with a substance that sets quickly.

Use a Raking Light When Patching Walls

Paint walls by placing a strong light where its beam will rake across the surface. All defects will be more readily apparent, and fixing them will be less of a hassle. As a bonus, it will show exactly where you need to apply filler and smooth out any rough spots. If your freshly painted walls look smooth in raking light, you can rest assured that they will look fantastic.

How to Wash Drywall

Washing dishes, floors, bathroom surfaces and many other parts of your home seem like common maintenance tasks. But these aren’t the only places that get dirty in your house. It’s not uncommon to have to do some wall washing every now and again. Many residential walls are built of drywall, so it can be difficult to choose the best course of action. Even if paint or wallpaper covers the exposed drywall, it can still be damaged and must be washed with care to avoid unnecessary repairs.

Washing Drywall

  1. It may seem like routine upkeep to clean the dishes, the floor, the counters in the bathroom, and other such locations around your home. Still, they aren’t the only unclean spots in your home. It’s not uncommon to have to perform some wall washing every now and again. Many residential walls are built of drywall, therefore it can be difficult to know the best approach to taking care of this project. Drywall that isn’t covered by paint or wallpaper still needs to be washed carefully to prevent damage that would require costly repairs.
  2. Dishwashing, floor cleaning, and scrubbing the surfaces in the bathroom all seem like routine housekeeping chores. However, they are hardly the only unclean spots in your home. It’s normal to have to wash the walls every so often. Given that drywall is commonly used in residential construction, knowing the best way to go about this may seem like a daunting challenge at first. Drywall can be harmed even if it is covered by paint or wallpaper, therefore it is important to wash it carefully to prevent costly repairs.
  3. Soak the cellulose sponge in the solution of your choice and squeeze out as much water as possible. It’s important to only use a slightly damp sponge so as to prevent water from leaking through the wall.
  4. If you want spotless walls, use a damp cellulose sponge to scrub them from ceiling to floor. In this case, you can start at the top of the wall and make your way down. You can use this technique to dry the sponge as you move down the wall. If water is left on the wall, it could cause damage to the drywall. It’s best to let the walls dry out naturally. Only use enough water to keep it damp for a few minutes.

Should I Repair or Replace water-damaged drywall?

Depending on the extent of the water damage, drywall that has been wet can be repaired or replaced. Small amounts of water damage, such as that caused by dripping pipes, can be fixed by simply repairing the drywall. If the damage is severe enough, the drywall may no longer be structurally sound. Drywall replacement is required here. Category 3 water damage, such as that caused by a burst sewage line or flood, necessitates the replacement of drywall.

Can wet drywall be saved?

You can save wet drywall if the water damage isn’t too bad. Drywall sheets will absorb moisture if they are submerged in water for an extended period of time. As soon as you see water damage to the drywall, get to work drying it out as quickly as possible before further damage occurs. Wallboard that has been exposed to water will lose its structural integrity and must be thrown away.

FAQs

Yes, damp drywall can be salvaged if the damage is minimal. Drywall sheets will eventually grow damp if they are constantly in contact with water. Drying out the drywall as soon as you notice water damage is essential to preventing further destruction. Since drywall that has been exposed to water loses its structural integrity and becomes weak, it can’t be saved once it gets wet.

It is recommended to engage a professional painter who has worked on projects similar to yours if you don’t have the time or skills to do it yourself. To keep the stain from permeating the walls, use a primer.

When drywall becomes wet, it loses its structural integrity and begins to sag, bulge, and even collapse. Plasterboard that has been damaged by water must be replaced. But if the water damage is minimal and you dry and repaint it fast, the drywall can be salvaged.

Painters can now now perform drywall repairs. After drywall damage has been fixed, it must be painted and completed properly. Most homeowners, in an effort to cut costs, choose to repair and paint drywall on their own rather than employ a professional. It’s really convenient to have a single contractor take care of both painting and drywall repair.

The cost of drywall restoration for a bathroom will depend on the level of damage. The cost to repair minor damage ranges from $75 to $150, but severe issues like cracks and water damage can go as high as $380. Costs for a handyman’s services typically range from $50 to $65 per hour, with an additional $50 to $125 for the initial service visit.

Mold growth can be halted by repairing water damage to drywall as soon as possible. It will be necessary to remove and replace the drywall if the damage is substantial. Even if you’re doing the renovation yourself or hiring a professional, make sure it’s done precisely to preserve the integrity of your home.