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How To Effectively Dry Out Wet Drywall

May 20, 2019

Your home’s drywall can get wet in a variety of ways. Often times pipes that run behind them can burst or spring a leak. Then there’s the flooding issue. A roof problem can also cause a leak that runs down through your ceiling down into your drywall. So, drywall is vulnerable to water damage. The question then becomes, ‘Can I dry out drywall, and if so, what’s the best way to do it?”

Makes sense. There is one rule of thumb that you need to keep in mind when it comes to wet drywall. There is a point of no return. If, after your drywall has dried, it continues to sag or warp, then you will need to replace that drywall. In essence, the structural integrity is permanently damaged. However, depending on the degree to which your drywall is damaged, it is possible to dry it out and save it.

Using Fans To Dry Out Wet Drywall

As with any water damage or flooding situation, you want to create as much air circulation in the affected room as possible. If you can, open doors and windows. If you have a ceiling fan, turn it on. It’s also good to get a couple of box fans blowing directly on your wet drywall immediately. Remember, when it comes to controlling water damage in your home, reaction time is critical. If you choose to call a professional water damage company, be sure to choose one who guarantees that they will be there within an hour or less. That way you know that you’re giving yourself the best shot at saving your property. Wet drywall is no different. So begin by setting up those fans and increasing circulation in the room.

Blotting With Dry Towels

After setting up the fans and increasing air circulation, you might want to try dry blotting the walls. But do so carefully. Because wet drywall is already more weaker than normal, even a small amount of pressure can cause you to punch a hole through it. So, if you choose to blot dry the drywall, do it gently, applying pressure along all affected areas. Use less pressure as you move away from the baseboards and where they drywall intersects with the ceiling. It’s stronger in those areas.

Further Measures For Wet Drywall

If you’re really handy and you know what you’re doing around the house, you can remove the ceiling sheetrock. This will expedite the drying process and make it more thorough as well. However, the reality of this situation is:

  1. If the drywall is so wet that you have to remove the ceiling sheetrock, it is most likely beyond repair.
  2. Drywall can absorb only so much water. You will be able to tell easily if your wet drywall is a lost cause.

Annual Home Inspections

It’s always a great idea to schedule an annual home inspection that includes thorough plumbing, leak location and detection and water damage inspection points. Doing so can save you a lot of money and stress.

Frequently Asked Questions


Most home insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes. Check your policy details for specific coverage.

Yes, a broken water heater can lead to a high electric bill. If it's not heating water efficiently, a broken water heater may consume more energy and increase your utility bill.

Yes, if you have a broken water heater, it can potentially lead to carbon monoxide leaks. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, call us for an emergency response.

How can carbon monoxide come from a water heater?

While minor leaks can be fixed with DIY methods, it's advisable to consult a professional restoration company, like Accutech Restoration & Remodeling, for significant damage to ensure proper repair and prevent future issues.

Yes, mold can grow under tiles if there is constant moisture or water damage.

Yes, water can seep through grout lines if they are cracked or improperly sealed. You may contact us for help with water leaks and bathroom floor water damage.

Yes, Accutech Restoration & Remodeling offers expert guidance through the entire insurance claim process. Our team will assist you through the process to ensure you receive fair compensation for the damage. When Accutech technicians arrive on-site at your home or business, we will conduct a thorough inspection to assess the extent of the damage.

We document the damage with a plethora of photographic and videographic evidence and create detailed reports outlining the damage, what needs to be done, and the estimated cost. Our team will handle all communication with your insurance company, reducing the headache and hassle of you being the middleman. We'll submit all documentation, invoices, and payments directly to your insurer, ensuring everything aligns with your policy coverage. Accutech is here to advocate on your behalf if any disputes or discrepancies arise during the claim process.

In some cases, your insurance policy may not cover the damage, and our team will help you understand what is and is not covered, along with providing you with the steps you should take next.

Yes, we can remove mold from carpets affected by water damage. We use specialized cleaning techniques to prevent health risks.

Yes, we work with all major insurance companies and assist you throughout the claims process.

Homeowners' insurance typically covers water damage caused by a water heater leak or broken water heater, but it may not cover the cost of repairing or replacing the heater itself. You may contact us for help navigating your insurance claim.

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