How Much Drywall Do I Need to Remove After a Flood? Water damage can be a devastating event, leaving behind a mess of soaked belongings and damaged structures. One of the most important steps in water damage cleanup is assessing the extent of the damage and determining how much drywall needs to be removed. Assessing the Damage The first step in assessing water damage is to determine the source of the water. Once the source is identified, the extent of the damage can be determined. Drywall is a porous material, so it can absorb a lot of water. If the drywall has been exposed to water for an extended period of time, it will need to be removed and replaced. Determining How Much Drywall to Remove The amount of drywall that needs to be removed will depend on the severity of the damage. If the drywall has only been exposed to water for a short period of time, it may be possible to dry it out and salvage it. However, if the drywall has been soaked through, it will need to be replaced. To determine how much drywall needs to be removed, start by removing the baseboards and trim. Then, use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the drywall. If the moisture content is above 20%, the drywall will need to be removed. Removing the Drywall Once you have determined how much drywall needs to be removed, you can begin the removal process. Start by cutting the drywall away from the studs. Be careful not to cut into the studs, as this can weaken the wall. Once the drywall has been cut away, it can be removed by hand. Replacing the Drywall Once the damaged drywall has been removed, it will need to be replaced. To replace the drywall, start by installing new studs. Then, hang the new drywall on the studs and secure it with screws. Finally, finish the wall by taping and mudding the joints.