Replace moldy wallboard to eliminate the mold.
Wallboard, which is also referred to as sheetrock, plasterboard, gypsum board or drywall, is a common wall covering in many homes, businesses and offices. If attacked by mold, not only is the result unsightly, but the mold growth can become a health hazard. In fact, the Indoor Air Quality Program of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services recommends that an infected drywall area of more than 30 square feet be removed by a professional contractor. However, you can replace smaller areas of moldy wallboard yourself.
Instructions
Removing the Section of Drywall
1. Put on all safety equipment (respirator, gloves, long-sleeved shirt and hat) and begin your inspection of the infected area. Your final goal will be to remove the entire piece of wallboard that has been infected. Keep in mind that the sizes of wallboard can vary. While its width is a standard 4 feet, lengths can ranged from 8 to 16 feet.
2. Trace the outline of the damaged piece of wallboard with a pencil, if possible. The better the plaster job, the more difficult this task will be.
3. Cut the plaster joints with a sharp utility knife, until the entire sheet is outlined with the incision. The cuts only need to be 1/2-inch deep to penetrate the plaster application. If you can't locate all four edges, you can still proceed to the next step, but a complete cut around the perimeter of the sheet of drywall will make the removal task much simpler.
4. Punch a whole in the center of the wallboard with a claw hammer. Remove the sheet of wallboard bit by bit.
5. Remove all remaining nails with a pry bar, hammer or locking pliers.
6. Scrub all infected wood areas with vinegar or a commercially available fungicide.
7. Discard all infected pieces of wallboard and wood in accordance with local regulations. This may involve transporting your waste material to an incineration site.
Adding New Wallboard
8. Check the stud surface to make sure all nails have been removed and no mold is present. A fungicide can be applied to safeguard against future infection, but infected sections of wood need to be removed before installing new drywall.
9. Cut and fit a piece of wallboard to fit the opening. If more than one sheet is needed, make sure the seam falls in the middle of a stud. A utility knife can be used to cut the wallboard, but any electrical outlets or light fixtures need to be accommodated for with a small opening made with a keyhole-style drywall saw.
10. Nail the wallboard to the wall using drywall nails and a hammer. Be sure to drive each nail head a short way past the surface of the drywall.
11. Cover all nail heads, using a 5-inch blade, with a fresh mix of joint compound. A mud tray can be used to hold the mixture.
12. Cover all seams with plastic mesh and add a thin coat of joint compound, using a 10-inch blade. Allow the joint compound to dry completely.
13. Sand all plastered areas with medium-grit sandpaper and apply a thin layer of joint compound. Let dry. Repeat once more.
14. Complete the final sanding with fine-grit sandpaper. The surface is ready for painting.
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