Solutions for Water-Damaged Drywall After Heavy Storms

Joel Gotshall | Posted on June 8, 2025 |

Heavy storms can roll through the Lowcountry with little warning, and when they do, water damage often follows. One of the first places you may notice a problem is inside your home, specifically in your walls and ceilings. Drywall is especially vulnerable to moisture, and if left untreated, it doesn’t just look bad. It can lead to mold, crumbling sections, and bigger issues that affect your entire space.

In the Charleston area, where heavy rains and flooding are common during hurricane season, acting fast after the storm passes is key. For homeowners, knowing what to look for and how to respond can make a big difference between a simple repair and a full-scale restoration. Getting ahead of water-damaged drywall means less stress, fewer costs down the road, and a safer, healthier home for your family.

Identifying Water Damage In Drywall

The first step to tackling water-damaged drywall is recognizing what it looks like. Moisture affects drywall in very visible ways, but some signs are easier to miss, especially in the early stages. Storm damage usually shows up in areas near windows, ceilings, exterior-facing walls, and any place where plumbing runs.

Here are some of the most common signs that point to water damage in drywall:

Stains or discoloration, especially yellow or brown spots
Bubbling or peeling paint and wallpaper
Warped walls or areas that feel soft to the touch
Sagging or drooping parts of the ceiling or wall
Musty odor that doesn’t go away, even after cleaning

Even if the damage looks minor, it’s worth looking behind the surface. Moisture tends to settle in the insulation or framing, meaning the water you see might be just a small piece of the issue.

To inspect for hidden problems, you can:

Use a flashlight to check for shadows or uneven paint surfaces
Remove a small section of baseboard or molding near the affected spot
Tap on the wall and listen for hollow or soft spots
Check the area during different times of the day when lighting changes
Feel for temperature differences in the wall, which may suggest damp insulation underneath

If there’s any doubt, bringing in moisture detection tools like a handheld moisture meter can help confirm if the drywall is holding excess water. These tools aren’t always perfect, but they give a better idea of the damage below the surface and guide the next steps.

Immediate Steps To Take After Discovering Water Damage

Once you’ve spotted the signs of storm damage, it’s time to act quickly. Wet drywall starts breaking down fast, and if you wait too long, the issues can spread behind the walls. Even a small leak can lead to drywall shedding layers or developing mold within a few days if the climate stays humid, which is often the case in Charleston.

Here’s what to do right away:

Turn off power to the area if you suspect water got near electrical outlets or light fixtures.
Move furniture and belongings out of the room to prevent further damage or contamination.
Set up fans or dehumidifiers to begin drying out the space.
If water is still leaking in, patch the roof or wall from the outside first or have someone stop the source before doing anything else.
Cut away severely damaged drywall using a utility knife. Be cautious around electrical wires or plumbing.
Throw out insulation that got wet. Insulation doesn’t dry well and can hold moisture long-term.
Look around the area for signs of mold growth. It often looks like black, green, or fuzzy spots forming on wet surfaces.

Cleaning up properly after a storm in Charleston isn’t just about looks. It’s about protecting your home’s structure and indoor air quality. Once you’ve done the immediate cleanup, the next part is figuring out the right way to rebuild or repair the damaged sections safely.

Professional Solutions For Water-Damaged Drywall

Dealing with drywall that’s been soaked or weakened by storms is more than just cutting out the bad parts and patching things up. In Myrtle Beach, where high humidity can drag moisture deeper into wall cavities, it’s often a smarter move to bring in professional help. Drywall repair services are made for these kinds of situations, and having experts handle it takes a lot of pressure off homeowners.

One of the biggest advantages of working with a pro is knowing the job’s being done the right way. Professionals don’t just remove the wet material. They make sure the area is thoroughly dried before putting anything new up. That means they’re checking behind the scenes for mold, soaked insulation, and framing that may need sealing or treatment. They’ll also match the new wall materials and textures so your finished wall looks like the damage never happened.

The process usually follows a step-by-step approach:

Inspect all affected walls and ceilings to map out the full extent of the damage
Remove all compromised drywall, insulation, and debris without disturbing surrounding structures
Dry out any remaining damp surfaces thoroughly with air movers and dehumidifiers
Treat adjacent areas for signs of mildew or moisture pockets
Install new drywall panels and joint treatments to restore strength and appearance
Sand, finish, and paint for a clean, uniform look inside your home

While it might seem easier or cheaper to handle drywall work on your own, it can quickly get overwhelming, especially if the damage runs deeper than you expected. Letting trained drywall specialists handle the work helps avoid hidden moisture and repeated problems later on.

Preventative Measures For Future Protection

Most water-related drywall problems happen after storms, especially during late spring and summer when hurricane activity peaks. If you live in Myrtle Beach, keeping your walls dry year-round takes a bit of planning, but it’s worth the effort to avoid costly repairs.

There are a few practical things you can do to reduce the risk of drywall damage before the next storm hits:

Seal and caulk around windows, doors, and exterior vents to keep moisture out
Clean and service your gutters so water flows away from your home correctly
Trim trees near your house to reduce the chance of roof leaks from fallen branches
Make sure your roof is in good condition and doesn’t have cracked shingles or flashing
Test your sump pump and drainage systems and repair them if needed before the rainy season
Install moisture-resistant materials like green board in areas prone to flooding or dampness

Keeping up with routine home maintenance can go a long way, too. Check your attic, crawlspace, and walls from time to time to catch early signs of water intrusion. For example, after a heavy storm rolls through in June, it’s helpful to do a walkthrough the next day. If something looks off, even just a soft spot or stain, it might be worth getting it checked before it turns into a bigger headache.

Protect Your Home From Water Damage With Paint Rx

Living near the coast comes with some trade-offs. For all the sunny days and beach life, there are also heavy storms and damp conditions that don’t always play nice with drywall. Still, if you act quickly and bring in the right help, a tough situation can be sorted out with less stress than you’d expect.

Your home is supposed to be a place that feels solid and secure, even when the weather outside gets rough. With the right care and the right team, those damaged walls won’t stand a chance and peace of mind is never far behind.

If you’re in Myrtle Beach, SC and dealing with the aftermath of a storm, don’t wait for things to get worse. At Paint Rx, we’re here to help restore your space quickly and professionally. Learn how our drywall repair services can take the stress out of recovery and get your home back to normal in no time.