how to repair water damaged drywall around shower

^{How to Repair the Drywall in the Bathroom Above the Shower/Bathtub}

1. Remove Crumbling Drywall. Remove the softened, crumbling drywall and scrape away any peeling paint. ...
2. Attach Furring Strips. Attach at least one furring strip (1 x 3-inch piece of wood) to the back of the existing drywall with 1 5/8-inch drywall screws unless ...
3. Cut and Install Greenboard. Measure the hole and cut a piece of greenboard drywall to fit. ...
4. Apply Joint Compound. Apply a coat of joint compound to the edges of the patch using a 6-inch drywall knife. ...
5. Apply Additional Joint Compound. Apply two more coats of joint compound, allowing it to dry completely in between coats. ...
Prime the Patch. Prime the patch with drywall primer and sealer or a coat of latex (water-based) primer.
Apply Silicone Caulk. Apply paintable silicone caulk along the top lip of the shower or bathtub stall. ...
Dispose of Excess Drywall. Don't rinse large quantities of excess drywall down the drain because it can settle and clog the plumbing.

How to finish drywall around a shower?

ADVANTAGES OF SHOWER BEAD

• Shower Bead uses less drywall compound than filling the gap.
• No messy drywall compound on the shower surround, the tear-off strip protects it.
• No paper tape needed, which means eliminating a source of mold growth.
• No screws needed. ...

How can I repair drywall over shower?

How to Repair the Drywall in the Bathroom Above the Shower/Bathtub

1. Remove Crumbling Drywall. Remove the softened, crumbling drywall and scrape away any peeling paint. ...
2. Attach Furring Strips. Attach at least one furring strip (1 x 3-inch piece of wood) to the back of the existing drywall with 1 5/8-inch drywall screws unless ...
3. Cut and Install Greenboard. ...
4. Apply Joint Compound. ...
5. Apply Additional Joint Compound. ...

More items...

How do you finish drywall around a shower surround?

Tools You Will Need to Complete the Job

• Knives
• Tapes
• Level
• Chalk line
• T-square
• Hammer
• Drill
• Pry bar
• Screwdriver set
• Safety eyewear

How do you waterproof drywall above a shower?

What Kind of Drywall Do You Use for Shower Walls?

• It is far better to use waterproof backer board for shower walls instead of drywall.
• If you install drywall in your shower, it must be water-resistant drywall.
• Even if you use water-resistant drywall, it’s essential to install a waterproof membrane on top of it to add true waterproofing.

How do I fix water damaged drywall next to shower?

2:097:17How to Waterproof Bathtub Drywall -- by Home Repair Tutor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is five inch wide and it's waterproofing material. So I cut a piece of the kerdi-band. And whatMoreThis is five inch wide and it's waterproofing material. So I cut a piece of the kerdi-band. And what we're going to do is just put it right over top of the drywall here using unmodified thinset.

How do you fix water damaged shower walls?

How to Fix Water Damage Behind The Shower Wall?Step 1: Carefully Remove The Tiles. ... Step 2: Cut Out the Drywall. ... Step 3: Clean The Tiles. ... Step 4: Cut and Install a Cement Board Patch. ... Step 5: Tape and Mud the Joint. ... Step 6: Reinstall the Tiles. ... Step 7: Caulk the Joints.

How do you repair drywall around a tub surround?

2:345:31How to repair Drywall around Bathtub - Step By Step - Part 7 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt when i applied joint tape to corners and joints it is time to start applying drywall compound forMoreIt when i applied joint tape to corners and joints it is time to start applying drywall compound for this job i am using premixed joint compound that you can find in laws for home depot.

Does drywall need to be replaced after water damage?

Heavy Soaking If left untreated, heavily soaked drywall can deform or even collapse. As a result, a drywall replacement is the best bet to protect the integrity of your home.

What happens if water gets behind shower tile?

Moisture that gets behind tiles can cause all sorts of problems. It can destroy the drywall backing, it can cause rot, and it can cause the tiles to begin to fall off if left too long. Worst-case scenario, water damage behind your tiles can lead to mold problems.

How do you fix water damaged drywall?

If drywall panels only show water stains but aren't structurally compromised, they may be repairable by cutting out the damaged portion. When cutting out around the damaged area, use a keyhole saw to cut the hole into a square or rectangular shape. You can then make a patch with another piece of drywall for the repair.

How do you fill gap between shower and wall?

Fill gaps up to 1/4 inch in width with caulk. If you have tile on the wall adjoining the tub, select a caulk that matches the color of the grout. If your gap is smaller than 1/8 inch in width, use regular caulk; fill gaps larger than 1/8 inch with a sanded caulk.

How do you fill the gap between shower surround and drywall?

1:513:53Drywall gaps around tub and shower surrounds, How to fix them - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEverything needs something to bond to mix up some 20-minute speed set joint compound. And press itMoreEverything needs something to bond to mix up some 20-minute speed set joint compound. And press it into the gap keeping it flush with the drywall.

How do you seal drywall above a shower?

2:0010:16How to finish Drywall around tub or shower surround - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you're going to need the caulk. And then really all you need is just a stapler. And this staplerMoreSo you're going to need the caulk. And then really all you need is just a stapler. And this stapler is just going to be you're just going to put staples along here into the drywall.

Does wet drywall always mold?

So, Does wet drywall always mold? Well, Once drywall comes in contact with water, there is only a tiny timeframe available to salvage it before the mold or mildew begins to set in the wall. Some mold spores can germinate after just 12 hours of drywall being in wet conditions.

How long does it take for mold to grow on wet drywall?

24 to 48 hoursThe PROBLeM wiTh MOLd Mildew (mold in early stage) and molds grow on wood products, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, fabric, plants, foods, insulation, decaying leaves and other organic materials. Mold growths, or colonies, can start to grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours.

Can you paint over water damaged drywall?

Are unsightly water stains building up? If so, you might be wondering if you can just paint over them. Well, as long as the drywall is not structurally damaged, you're in luck. With proper cleaning and repair, adding a fresh coat of paint will make your walls like-new without breaking the bank.

How do you repair shower wall panels?

0:208:56How to Fix a Loose Shower Wall - Easy - Save $$ - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust something with a skinny tip that you can inject glue through. Some sort of a scraper. A barMoreJust something with a skinny tip that you can inject glue through. Some sort of a scraper. A bar clamp or something to spread things apart with and a piece of wood.

What is the best material to use on shower walls?

Acrylic is the best system to use for shower walls because it is the safest, least high maintenance, and easy to install, meaning your shower could be done in as little as one day. Acrylic is one of the most durable materials used in the shower construction industry, and for good reason.

How do you know if there is mold behind shower?

The tiles of you shower stall might feel muddy and the area where you take a shower might be slimy and damp. This can be a sign of black molds growing behind the shower tiles. Keep an eye on the walls of the bathroom. If there is a growth of black mold then the walls will show signs of damage.

How do you fix a rotten bathroom wall?

Follow these steps to do so:Step 1: Remove the tiles from the affected area. ... Step 2: Remove the base or shoe trim. ... Step 3: Locate the next closet stud. ... Step 4: Cut out the damaged drywall. ... Step 5: Replace rotted studs. ... Step 6: Replace the removed drywall. ... Step 7: Fill in screw holes and seams.More items...

What to do before shower repair?

Before beginning the shower repair process, the first thing you’ll want to do is evaluate the damage. You’ll need to determine what caused the water damage, which is most likely attributed to loose tile, missing grout between tiles, or missing caulk. All of these issues allow water to penetrate the wall. When determining the cause of water damage, ...

Can water damage be found on tiled walls?

Water damage is extremely common, especially on tiled shower walls. If you have an older home, chances are that the tile was installed directly on top of the drywall. The problem is that there is no waterproof barrier between the tile and the drywall. So, any moisture that gets between the tile’s grout joints will impact the structural integrity of the drywall.

Can grout joints cause mold?

Even in homes where a moisture barrier is used, water damage is still possible. Improperly maintained grout joints allow moisture to seep beneath the tile, which can cause the tiles to loosen. Poor grout and caulking can also lead to excess moisture, which can cause mold and mildew, as well as wood rot and even a water leak.

Repairing Wet Drywall Near The Shower- 2 Different Methods

There are two general ways of fixing wet drywall. We’ll go over them both in detail. The first method is very simple and doesn’t require much work. But the other method will need a little hard work.

Method 1: Drying Up The Drywall

This option is viable when the damage is minimum and hasn’t reached a wide area yet. It won’t do you any good if there’s too much moisture build-up.

Method 2: Replacing Wet Drywall

If you’ve chosen this option then that must mean your drywalls aren’t doing very well. Don’t worry, you can fix your drywall in no time. We have broken down the process into 3 steps for your better understanding.

Signs of Water Damage in Bathroom Walls

This is a major red flag, and can often be an early sign that your bathroom walls may be experiencing water damage.

How to Repair Bathroom Wall Water Damage

Now, in the case of water damage and a rotted drywall in your shower – here’s where the repair and clean-up phase come into place.

How to Prevent Bathroom Wall Water Damage

Prevention always is the best, there are a few things you can do to help prevent this water damage in the first place.

How much Does it Cost to Repair Bathroom wall Water damage?

The exact cost of repairing rotted drywall, rotted studs, or other water damage in your bathroom walls may be difficult to estimate.

When to Call a Professional

If the above steps of repairing the water-damaged drywall around your shower seem intimidating, then it’s probably a good idea to seek professional help.

How long does it take for drywall to dry?

Embed fiberglass mesh drywall tape in the wet compound; then scrape off the excess and allow it to dry for at least eight hours.

Why does drywall crumble?

The drywall that's installed in the bathroom above the shower and bathtub surround is typically subjected to an onslaught of steam multiple times daily, depending on the size of your household. If there's a lip at the top of the shower stall, water has a tendency to collect there and seep into the drywall, eventually causing it to soften and crumble.

How long does it take for silicone caulk to dry?

Apply paintable silicone caulk along the top lip of the shower or bathtub stall. Allow this to dry for at least eight hours before painting over the repair.

Is drywall waterproof in a bathroom?

The drywall used in bathrooms is most often "greenboard," which has a moisture-resistant coating but isn't waterproof. Once water seeps into the tiniest crack or gap, it will start to crumble. Fixing drywall above a shower or bathtub entails removing the damaged area completely, patching it and then making it as watertight as possible.

Can you rinse drywall down the drain?

Don't rinse large quantities of excess drywall down the drain because it can settle and clog the plumbing. Instead, scrape the excess from your tools into a trash bag and dispose of it. It's OK to rinse the small amount remaining on your tools in a sink or tub.

How wide is a stock shower door?

Double check that. Stock shower doors are available to fit openings only 23.5" wide.

Do shower curtains keep water in?

No matter what you will get water on the wall a shower curtain does not work to keep water in the shower you need an actual glass door on that shower . You need to amlke sure that wall is also water proofed if you insist on using a shower curtain.

Is the shower wide enough for a door?

The shower is not wide enough for a door.

Can a shower curtain cause drywall damage?

Without that fan, and not letting it continue to run for a good while, your shower curtain (which will have moisture collected on it after using the shower, no matter what) and the walls surrounding the shower, are going to have moisture on the surfaces quite a while and that is likely going to cause drywall damage.

What is the best way to prevent moisture from getting behind drywall?

A coat or two of latex enamel is almost always the best moisture prevention. If/when moisture is getting behind the paint - the point of entry must be found and sealed! No matter what materials you use if water gets behind the drywall, the damage will return. All the corners of the tile should be caulked.

Where does silicone caulk go when painting a tub?

Make sure when you are finished with drywall and painting w/semi-gloss to run a bead of silicone caulk along the seam where the tub meets the dry wall...possibly that is where the water is getting behind the drywall.

Where is the plumbing on a tub?

Generally the plumbing is only on the side of the tub where the spigot is . You do need to make sure the drywall won't get wet again before making the drywall repairs.

Can you paint a bath rm with flat paint?

Since grout isn't flexible, all the corners should be caulked [where it meets the tub and at the corners of the wall] You never want to paint a bath rm with flat paint, latex enamel is bare minimum with bath paint even better. Bath paint is an enamel but with extra mildewcide added. It doesn't really matter what sheen you use. Stored under the right conditions, j/c will pretty much last forever but if it looks/smells funky or has trash in it - it's better to toss and buy new.

Is there water damage on the other side of the wall?

Well the good thing is that there is no water damage on the other side of the wall. Also, there is no sign of water at the bottom of the wall. However, the damage does go all the way to the bottom of the wall. I've attached two pics to show where the damage occurred. I'll probably just need to remove the entire section of damaged drywall and try to look behind the wall for leaks before replacing it.

Is hot mud water soluble?

Setting compound or hot mud dries chemically and isn't water soluble. It comes in powder form. Before I'd rip out the drywall, I'd scrape it down and see if a fresh coat [or two] of mud will fix it. More than likely the corner bead goes under the edge of the tile which would complicate replacing any drywall.

Can you close a shower curtain to prevent water damage?

Basically you need to carefully exam your damage and try to determine exactly where the water came from. If it ran along the outside of the tub and onto the drywall, doing a better job of closing the shower curtain/door generally will prevent occurrence.