Moldy Drywall: How to Spot It, Stop It, and Restore Your Home

Drywall is everywhere in your home—on walls, ceilings, behind cabinets—and when moisture gets in, mold can follow fast. Whether it's from a leaky pipe, roof damage, or poor ventilation, moldy drywall is a common but serious issue that shouldn't be ignored.

Here’s what you need to know about identifying, addressing, and preventing mold in your drywall—and how Seamless Drywall & Coatings Inc. can help you repair the damage the right way.

What Causes Mold in Drywall?

Mold growing behind the drywall due to water damage.

Mold needs three things to grow: moisture, warmth, and organic material. Unfortunately, drywall provides all three.

Common causes of moldy drywall include:

• Leaking pipes or appliances (especially behind walls)

• Roof leaks or window seal failures

• Flooding or standing water

• High humidity or poor ventilation (especially in bathrooms or laundry rooms)

Once moisture seeps into the drywall, it doesn’t take long—mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours.

Signs of Moldy Drywall

Some signs are obvious, others are hidden. Keep an eye out for:

• Discoloration – Yellow, green, black, or brown stains on walls or ceilings

• Musty smell – Persistent odor, especially in closed-off rooms

• Warped or bubbling drywall – Moisture damage often accompanies mold

• Peeling paint – A sign moisture is trapped behind the wall

• Health symptoms – Sneezing, coughing, headaches, or allergy flare-ups, especially in one area of the home

If you notice these signs, especially after a leak or flood, it’s important to act quickly.

Can You Clean Mold Off Drywall?

Surface mold on painted drywall can sometimes be cleaned with mold-specific cleaners, vinegar, or diluted bleach. But if the mold has penetrated the drywall (which it often does), the safest solution is removal and replacement.

Mold can grow inside drywall, where you can’t see it—cleaning the surface won’t always solve the problem.

Why Moldy Drywall Should Be Replaced

• Drywall is porous – It absorbs moisture, which means mold roots can grow deep

• Hidden mold spreads – If left untreated, it can move behind walls and into framing

• Health concerns – Mold spores can affect air quality and trigger respiratory issues

• Insurance issues – Untreated mold can cause bigger problems that may not be covered later

Removing moldy drywall is the only way to guarantee the mold is fully gone—and prevent it from coming back.

Our Process for Mold-Damaged Drywall

At Seamless Drywall & Coatings Inc., we’ve helped many homeowners safely restore their homes after mold damage. Here’s how we do it:

1. Assess the damage – We inspect the drywall, locate the source of moisture, and determine what needs to be removed.

2. Remove affected drywall – We safely demo and dispose of any mold-contaminated materials.

3. Dry and sanitize – The area is thoroughly dried and treated to prevent further mold growth.

4. Replace and refinish – We install new drywall, match texture or finish to surrounding walls, and leave it paint-ready.

You’ll get a clean, mold-free surface that blends seamlessly with the rest of your home.

Preventing Mold in the Future

After mold is removed, prevention is key. Here are a few tips:

• Fix plumbing or roof leaks immediately

• Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms

• Install a dehumidifier if needed (especially in older homes)

• Make sure exterior drainage leads water away from your home

Need Help With Mold-Damaged Drywall?

If you're dealing with moldy drywall, don’t wait. Seamless Drywall & Coatings Inc. offers safe, reliable drywall removal and replacement services throughout the Coachella Valley. We’ll help you restore your home and breathe easier.

Contact us for a free assessment—and let’s get your walls clean, safe, and ready to live in again.