I've recently taken off wallpaper in a bathroom in my parent's house. They've had the same wallpaper since they moved in nearly 30 years ago. My goal is to repaint the walls and ceiling. Unfortunately, there is a bit of water damage in two areas -- right above the wall tiles which are directly above the floor. How do I know if the damage can be repaired or whether I should re-drywall? The two damaged spots are roughly 4x4 inches -- they aren't really holes but the drywall is starting to crumble and its a bit brown in color.
2006-08-07 19:49:03 · 5 answers · asked by ericwms 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
I'd probably replace the drywall. You just don't know what's behind the wall if you don't, Mold, mildew, etc.
Replacing drywall is an easy DIY, but it is a little dusty/messy.
Consider using a water-resistant drywall, ie., "greenboard".
2006-08-07 19:56:32 · answer #1 · answered by Mitch 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Drywall has a tendency to grow mold very quickly if it gets wet and once it starts, it grows rapidly. It's generally black, not brown but that doesn't mean it's not mold. I would cut out the 4 inch square and see if there is mold on the back of it. If there is, I'd recommend taking down a much larger area. If it's just that small area that's damaged then you'll only need to replace that piece. There are lots of good places on the web that will show you how to do this. DIYnet comes to mind but there are plent of others.
This is how I do patches if that helps:
- Cut a new piece of drywall to fit the hole
- Get a small strip of wood 1-2" wide and little longer than the hole is wide/tall.
- Slide the strip of wood (I use 1/4"plywood usually) into the hole, and then put a drywall screw through the undamaged wall into the strip of wood. That will give you something to screw the patch to and it will support the patch in the hole.
- put the patch in the hole, screw it into the strip of wood.
- If you like (and I recommend) place some joint tape over the seams. I like to use the self adhesive mesh type for these patches. Sold in a roll at the home store.
- spread drywall mud over the entire patch in a fairly thin layer. After it dries, sand down any high spots and apply a second coat wider than the first. When that's dry (overnight is plenty) sand it smooth with either a light grit sandpaper (220) or a drywall sponge (also at the home store).
- paint it with a coat of kilz or other mildew resistent primer.
Good luck
2006-08-07 23:40:56 · answer #2 · answered by Mark H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nah, don't rip it out. Just dig out the bad stuff and leave the backing paper on if you can. Small areas like that are easy. Get some plaster that is powdered and you just have to add water. Dig out the bad stuff and paint the area you've excavated with yellow wood glue (50-50 with water). As this is drying, quickly mix some plaster with water that is about 1/4 yellow wood glue also, and trowel this into the area you dug out. The wood glue you painted in will bond with the wood glue in the plaster and the plaster will have the glue as a "binder" which will keep it from cracking and falling out. In small areas like that, I don't bother, usually, with putting down paper tape or mesh tape, since it probably won't ever crack anyway. Keep it smooth and go over it a second time, with just the plaster/water mix and sand it when it's dry, then prime and paint.
2006-08-07 20:58:59 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Replace it now. easier than going back later and its so easy!
2006-08-07 19:53:19 · answer #4 · answered by Wounded duckmate 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
replace it ?my opion?
2006-08-07 19:53:31 · answer #5 · answered by the_silverfoxx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋