Water damage can be a real nuisance, especially when it affects the walls of your home. Whether it's caused by a leaky pipe, a flood, or a heavy rainstorm, water damage can cause paint to peel and drywall to become brittle. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to repair water damaged walls and restore them to their former glory. The first step is to clean the area.
Use a damp cloth and soap to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated. Once the area is clean, allow it to dry completely before proceeding. Next, you'll need to scrape off any flaking paint and sand the damaged drywall with medium-grit sandpaper. If necessary, apply a patch to the area.
Then, open windows to ensure you're priming and painting in a well-ventilated area. Before applying primer and paint, you may need to apply a filler first. To do this, mix three parts baking soda with one part distilled water to create a paste. Adding a few drops of white vinegar will make the paste even more effective.
Once the wall is prepped and primed, it's time to apply the desired color. If the damage is extensive or you're not comfortable with how to repair a water-damaged wall, contact a professional contractor for assistance. It's also important to locate and repair the source of the leak so that you don't end up in a perpetual cycle of damage and repairs. If the drywall only shows water spots but is not structurally compromised, they can be repaired by cutting out the damaged part and applying wood putty that extends beyond the edges of the flood water damage restoration. Finally, use a stain-resistant primer on affected areas to cover all water stains coming from the source of your water damage.
This will help prevent future damage from occurring and will also help ensure that your paint adheres better to the wall.
