How to Remove Drywall to Get Rid of Mold

If there has been a moisture problem in your home, your drywall may have become moldy. It's a problem you need to address quickly. First, take all of the necessary steps to remedy the moisture problem. If the drywall is replaced without fixing the moisture problem, the new sheetrock will become moldy as well. Make sure to fix whatever is leaking before you replace the drywall.

Things You'll Need

• Face mask
• Spray bottle with nine parts water to one part bleach
• Drywall
• Cordless drill
• Hammer with claw
• Utility knife
• Tape measure
• Straight edge
• Marking pencil
• 1-inch sheetrock screws
• Sheetrock mud
• Sheetrock tape
• Mud pan
• Mud knife
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. Put on a face mask. You do not want to breathe in any mold or bleach fumes. Use the spray bottle and water-bleach solution to wet down the entire area that is moldy. If this is not done the mold spores will dislodge and fly about the room. The most common type of mold that grows on drywall is black mold, which can cause severe illness or allergic reaction if inhaled. When it is wetted down the spores cannot dislodge or fly about. The bleach in the solution will help to kill the mold.

2. Find the screws that hold the moldy drywall in place. The screws will be along the studs. If you can't find the screws use a claw hammer to make a hole in the drywall. Use the claw end of the hammer to tear the drywall out. When you see the studs use a utility knife to cut the drywall so that one-half inch of the stud is exposed on each side. When the screws become exposed remove them with a cordless drill.

3. Measure the area's length and width to determine how much new drywall you will need.

4. Use a tape measure, straight edge and marking pencil to measure and mark the new piece of drywall. Draw the lines directly on the drywall. Use the lines as guidelines for cutting the new drywall. Use a utility knife to cut the drywall to size.

5. Hold the new piece of dry wall in place. Use a cordless drill to insert sheetrock screws through the drywall and into the studs. Countersink the screws 1/8 inch. Fill a mud pan with sheetrock mud. Apply sheetrock tape to the seams. Use a mud knife to smooth mud over the seams and screw holes. Allow the mud to dry. Sand using a fine-grit sanpaper.

Tips & Warnings

• Measure carefully to make sure the new piece of drywall will fit properly.

• Make sure to wear a face mask when spraying the bleach solution, removing the drywall and sanding the mud.

• Use care and caution when using a cordless drill.

References

• Moldy dry wall health concerns