What should you know about water damaged drywall?

Fix the water source FIRST before any drywall work. If drywall is soft, swollen, or moldy: it must be cut out and replaced. If it's just stained but firm: prime with oil-based stain blocker then paint. Check for mold behind the damaged area. Large water damage areas (more than 2 sq ft) should be handled by a professional

DIY Drywall Repair Guide | Holes, Cracks & Water Damage

Drywall damage happens to every homeowner eventually. The good news: most repairs are straightforward with the right technique and a few basic supplies.

DIY drywall repair tools including screwdriver and patching materials

Small holes (nail pops and picture hangers)

Apply lightweight spackle with a putty knife. Let dry 1-2 hours. Sand smooth with 150-grit paper. Prime and paint. Total cost: under $10. Time: 15 minutes active work.

Medium holes (1-4 inches)

Use a self-adhesive mesh patch. Apply 2-3 thin coats of joint compound, letting each dry completely. Sand between coats. Feather edges 6 inches beyond the patch for an invisible repair. Prime and paint.

Large holes (doorknob holes and beyond)

Cut a clean rectangle around the damage. Cut a matching piece of new drywall. Install wood backing strips with screws. Attach the new piece. Tape seams with paper tape and 3 coats of mud. Sand, prime, paint.

Wall repair in progress showing drywall patching technique

Water damaged drywall

Fix the water source FIRST before any drywall work
If drywall is soft, swollen, or moldy: it must be cut out and replaced
If it's just stained but firm: prime with oil-based stain blocker then paint
Check for mold behind the damaged area
Large water damage areas (more than 2 sq ft) should be handled by a professional

When to hire a drywall professional

Call a pro for: ceiling repairs (gravity makes them difficult), textured walls (matching texture is an art), large areas over 4 sq ft, or any repair involving mold. Professional drywall repair costs $200-$500 for most jobs.