Water-Damaged Drywall Fix

Tools:

rotary cutter
screwdriver
pencil
power drill
utility knife
safety glasses and dust mask
drywall knife
mud bucket (tray for holding drywall mud)
carpenters square
sanding sponge
abrasive pad
slip-joint pliers
drywall tape
greenboard
spray texture
wooden stick
drywall tape
drywall mud
quick seal

1. Remove showerhead and trim, then use the carpenters square and a pencil to outline the area to be replaced (figure A).

2. Put on the safety glasses and dust mask and use the rotary cutter to cut out the damaged area. Set the cutter's blade so that it goes in just deep enough to cut the drywall (figure B).

3. Cut along three sides of the outline with the rotary cutter and finish by cutting the side adjacent to the shower stall by hand using the utility knife (figure C).

4. Using the old piece as a template, draw an outline for a replacement piece on the greenboard. Make sure the edges are all flush, include an outline for the hole for the showerhead and mark which side of the replacement piece goes on top.

5. Cut out the replacement piece with the rotary cutter (figure D).

6. Next, fashion a support for the replacement piece. Cut a piece of 3/4-inch thick board so that it's 2 inches longer than the opening. Insert the board into the opening (figure E), hold it in place and drill pilot holes through the existing drywall and the board (figure F).

7. Secure the support board with drywall screws, then position the new piece of greenboard in place and secure it with screws.

8. Cover the joints with drywall tape (figure G). Avoid overlapping pieces of drywall tape. Use the putty knife to spread drywall mud over the seams (figure H). Use a light touch so you do not tear the drywall tape.

9. Let the drywall mud dry for about 30 minutes, then apply a second coat. Once everything's smooth let the patch dry overnight.

10. The next day, use a scouring pad to smooth out the wall. Use a can of spray-on texture to match the surrounding wall. Wipe any texture overspray off the shower stall and shower spout.

11. Let the texture dry for a day before painting the area.