Do you repair water-damaged drywall?

Yes, we repair water-damaged drywall. However, there is one critical rule: the source of the water must be fixed first. Repairing drywall while a pipe is still leaking or a roof is still letting in water is a waste of time and money. Once the source is resolved, we handle the complete restoration from damaged drywall back to a finished, painted wall.

The Repair Process

Water-damaged drywall repair follows a specific sequence that cannot be shortcut:

1. Damage assessment: We evaluate the extent of the damage by checking for soft spots, bubbling, discolouration, and sagging. Water often travels along framing members, meaning the visible damage may be smaller than the actual affected area. We check beyond the obvious stain to find the full extent.
2. Mould inspection: Any drywall that has been wet for more than 48 hours has a high risk of mould growth behind or within the material. We inspect the back side of the drywall and the cavity behind it. If mould is present, removal must follow proper protocols before new drywall can be installed.
3. Removal of damaged material: We cut out all compromised drywall back to the nearest studs on each side, creating clean edges for the new piece. Partially damaged drywall that "looks okay" but is soft or delaminated gets removed. Leaving it in place leads to future problems.
4. Drying and preparation: The wall cavity must be completely dry before new drywall is installed. In Edmonton's dry climate, this process is usually faster than in humid regions, but we verify with moisture readings before proceeding.
5. New drywall installation: We cut and install new drywall, tape all seams with fibreglass mesh tape and setting compound, apply multiple coats of joint compound, sand smooth, match the existing wall texture, prime, and paint.

Edmonton's Freeze-Thaw Factor

Edmonton's harsh winters create unique water damage risks. Temperatures regularly drop below -30C, and the repeated freeze-thaw cycles from November through March put enormous stress on plumbing. Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of interior water damage we see. Ice damming on roofs is another frequent culprit, sending meltwater into attic spaces and down through ceilings. We see a significant increase in water damage repair calls every spring as homeowners discover damage that occurred over the winter months.

Fix the Leak First

We cannot stress this enough: repair the source before calling us. If you need a plumber or roofer recommendation in the Edmonton area, we are happy to connect you with trusted trades we work alongside regularly. Once the source is confirmed fixed, contact us for a free drywall repair estimate and we will restore your walls to their original condition.