The short answer
Stop the Water Source First
Before you can dry anything, you must stop the water. If a pipe is leaking, find the main shutoff valve for your home and turn it off. If the water is from a roof leak or an appliance, place a bucket to catch drips and move belongings out of the way. This prevents more water from soaking into the wood and causing further damage.
Shut off electricity to the affected area at your breaker box if any wiring or outlets are wet. Do this for safety before touching wet walls or flooring. Once the flow is stopped, you can assess how much water has reached the shiplap and the wall behind it. This will help you decide if you need professional help for drying.
Begin Water Removal and Surface Drying
Remove standing water from the floor using a wet-dry vacuum or mops and towels. Wipe down the face of the shiplap boards thoroughly. Pay special attention to the horizontal grooves where water can pool. For surface moisture, set up several high-velocity fans to blow air directly across the wall. This initial step helps evaporate water you can see and touch.
- Wipe all visible water from the boards and grooves.
- Use a wet-dry vacuum on floors and any pooled water.
- Position fans to blow air directly across the wall surface.
- Move furniture and rugs away from the wet area.
- Open windows if outdoor humidity is lower than inside.
- Monitor paint for signs of bubbling or peeling.
Use Dehumidification to Control the Environment
Fans move air, but dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air. Running a commercial-grade dehumidifier in the room is essential. It lowers the overall humidity, which allows the wet wood to release its moisture into the air more effectively. This process, called evaporation, is how the shiplap dries from the inside out. The drier the air, the faster the wood dries.
You can rent larger dehumidifiers from hardware stores. Place the unit in the center of the affected room and ensure doors are closed to contain the area. Empty the collection reservoir frequently. The goal is to maintain a low relative humidity, typically below 40%, to create a strong drying gradient. This step works in tandem with airflow to achieve a dry standard.
When to Call for Professional Drying
If the water source was a flood, a sewer backup, or a leak that lasted more than 24 hours, call local water damage pros. They have industrial air movers, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters to dry the shiplap and structure properly. They can also check for mold and advise on any necessary repairs. Attempting to dry major damage yourself often leads to missed moisture and future issues.
Signs you need a professional include a musty smell, visible mold growth, or soft, swollen wood. If the water traveled between floors or you have moisture readings above 20% in the wood, professional drying equipment is needed. They can perform moisture mapping to find all wet areas. The cost often depends on the size of the area and the extent of water saturation.
- Water came from a contaminated source like a sewer.
- The leak was active for more than a full day.
- You notice a persistent musty odor in the room.
- Moisture meter readings in the wood remain high.
- The shiplap boards feel soft, warped, or are buckling.
- Water has affected multiple rooms or the ceiling below.
Need help right now?
Call (208) 537-2633 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (208) 537-2633Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for shiplap to dry completely?
Drying time varies widely. Surface drying may take a few days with fans. However, thoroughly drying the wood and the wall cavity behind it often takes three to five days with professional equipment. The total time depends on the wood's thickness, indoor humidity, and how much water was absorbed.
Can wet shiplap be saved, or does it need replacement?
Often, properly dried shiplap can be saved. If the wood is structurally sound, not rotted, and without mold after drying, it may only need cleaning and repainting. Boards that are soft, crumbly, or severely warped typically require replacement to ensure your wall's integrity and appearance.
Will drying shiplap prevent mold growth?
Rapid and thorough drying is the best way to prevent mold. Mold needs moisture to grow. By quickly removing water and lowering humidity, you remove the essential condition mold requires. If drying is delayed or incomplete, mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours on the back of the boards.