* After the source for the water leak has been fixed, cut 4" holes at each end of joist and stud bays to help ventilation. Remove wet or damp insulation to prevent continuing mold
growth. Use fans and dehumidifiers to help speed up the drying process.
* Remove loose tape and compound using a utility knife. Cut back areas of soft drywall to solid material. To prevent sagging, prop water-damaged ceiling panels against joists
with T-braces.
* Once drywall is dry, refasten ceiling panels to framing or remove panels that are excessively bowed. Reinforce damaged wall panels with drywall screws driven 2" from the
existing fasteners.
* Patch all vent holes and damaged areas with drywall. Apply a quality stain-blocking primer/sealer to the affected area. Use an oil- or shellac-based sealer; latexbased sealers
may allow water stains to bleed through.
* After the primer/sealer has dried, finish all joints and repairs with paper tape and three coats of compound. If water stains bleed through, reseal prior to final priming and
painting.
* Variation: Where damage is severe, replace the panels or resurface with a new layer of 3⁄8" drywall. Hang new panels perpendicular to existing drywall using panel adhesive to
strengthen the bond.
