# Drywall Water Damage Repair After a Roof Leak - Toronto Home Case Study **URL:** \ **Category:** Ontario\ **Created:** [April 26, 2026, 3:46pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/drywall-water-damage-repair-after-a-roof-leak-toronto-home-case-study/46708 "2026-04-26T15:46:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![system](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/system/32/77_2.png) [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2026, 3:46pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/drywall-water-damage-repair-after-a-roof-leak-toronto-home-case-study/46708/1 "2026-04-26T15:46:21Z")
Had a significant roof leak last January (ice dam - now fixed) that caused substantial drywall damage in two upstairs bedrooms. Posting the full repair process and cost. **The Damage** Ceiling in master bedroom: approximately 12 sq ft of saturated and sagging drywall. One interior wall also affected along the exterior wall intersection. Visible water staining, some mold growth in the corner where the ice dam was worst. **Step 1: Find and Fix the Source First** Before any drywall work, the ice dam and roofing issue causing the leak was addressed. New attic air sealing and insulation upgrade eliminated the ice dam source. Only after that was confirmed fixed did we proceed with drywall repair. **Step 2: Mold Assessment** A small area with visible mold growth prompted us to do a basic air quality test ($280). Results showed elevated mold spores in the room. Mold remediation was done before drywall repair: remove affected drywall, treat framing with antimicrobial, allow to dry fully (used dehumidifier for 1 week). **Step 3: Drywall Repair Scope** - Ceiling: remove 6x6 ft area (cut to joists), replace with new 1/2" drywall - Wall: remove 4x6 ft section, replace - Total new drywall installed: ~52 sq ft **Finishing** Taping and mudding was done in 3 coats over 4 days. Ceiling was the hardest part - matching the orange peel texture required 2 practice attempts on scrap board before getting it right with a hopper gun. **Total Cost** Mold remediation + air quality testing: $1,450 Drywall materials: $280 Labour (demo + install + finishing): $1,800 Painting (2 rooms primed + 2 coats): $1,100 Total: $4,630 The root cause fix (ice dam / attic work) was separate: $3,100. Do not pay for repairs without fixing the cause.