How We Repair Drywall After Storm-Related Roof Leaks

If your ceiling is bubbling or your drywall feels soft after a big storm, you’re not alone—and you're not overreacting. Roof leaks from wind or hail damage can soak your attic insulation, drip through ceiling drywall, and keep damaging your home even after the rain stops.

At Total Home Water Restoration, we’ve fixed this problem in dozens of homes around Grove City, Columbus, and nearby neighborhoods. Here’s how we do it right—and what you should know before patching it up yourself.

Step 1: Inspect and Isolate the Leak

Before we touch the drywall, we find out exactly where the leak came from. If the roof’s still leaking, any drywall work would be pointless. That’s why we check for:

• Loose or damaged shingles

• Cracked flashing around vents or chimneys

• Wet attic insulation and framing

• Mold starting to form behind the ceiling

We use moisture meters and thermal cameras to be sure no hidden water is left behind. If needed, we bring in roofers to tarp or patch the roof immediately.

Step 2: Remove All Damaged Drywall

If the drywall’s soft, stained, bulging, or has started to grow mold, it’s got to go. We follow these rules:

• Cut beyond the water line to make sure we’re not leaving wet materials behind

• Remove all wet insulation from behind the drywall

• Check for signs of mold on joists, studs, or back of remaining drywall

Per IICRC S500 standards, drying needs to start right away to prevent secondary damage.

Step 3: Dry the Area Completely

Fans alone don’t cut it. We use professional air movers and dehumidifiers to:

• Dry framing and insulation cavities

• Prevent mold growth (per IICRC S520)

• Get moisture levels back to safe levels before rebuilding

This step can take 24–72 hours depending on the extent of the leak.

Step 4: Rebuild and Repaint

Once the space is dry, we replace the drywall. We use:

• Moisture-resistant drywall for ceilings and exterior walls

• Proper taping and mudding techniques to blend seams

• Sealing primer and matching paint to restore the ceiling or wall

We always match texture and finish—so when we're done, it looks like nothing ever happened.

Step 5: Final Check for Mold or Moisture

Before we call the job finished, we run one last moisture check and visual inspection. If your home has a history of leaks or poor attic ventilation, we might recommend additional steps to prevent future damage—like upgrading insulation or roof ventilation per RAVC recommendations.

Common Questions About Storm Damage Drywall Repair

How quickly should wet drywall be removed?
Within 24–48 hours, ideally. After that, mold becomes a risk and drying becomes harder.

Can I just let the drywall dry out on its own?
No. Even if it looks dry, moisture can linger behind the wall and grow mold silently.

Is drywall repair covered by insurance?
Usually yes, if it’s from a sudden event like a storm. We’ll help document the damage for your claim.

Need Drywall Repaired After a Storm?

Call Tyler Zimmerman at Total Home Water Restoration. We’ll take care of it like it’s our own home—from the first leak to the last coat of paint.

📍 4141 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123
📞 380-246-1837