My water heater is located in an alcove on the back corner of the house. Today I found water line leaking from the heater, replaced and it is good now. I have always just assumed the walls and ceiling of the alcove was stucco (it is a closet with a door on the outside of the house). But after replacing the line and looking at the damage, I found it was just drywall with a texture coat. The drywall is wet and will need to removed but I'm stuck with what to replace it with. Doing a stucco coat seams out of the question since the family will be out of hot water for a couple of days. So what should I put up in this 2' by 2' closet? It has a door but I don't consider this closet to be weather proof but only mostly weather proof. Is there another acceptable wall covering for this alcove that I can up in day or two.
Edit: I'm going to have to get insurance involved. I have water damage in the bathroom that is next to the water heater closet.