Drywall Repair Mesa AZ is fairly straightforward and inexpensive when done by a handyman. However, it becomes pricier when hiring a drywall contractor.
Small holes the size of doorknobs can be fixed using a patch kit and joint compound. Larger damage may require a whole wall replacement or some reinforcement. Cracks that run the length of a wall can indicate more serious issues and should be investigated by an expert rather than papered over.
Drywall is cheap and lightweight, making it an attractive option for house building and renovation. It also acts as a fire retardant, slowing the spread of flames and giving homeowners more time to escape or call 911. However, like all construction materials, drywall is susceptible to damage. The most common sign of drywall damage is holes. Whether from nail or screw holes, sloppy construction, or wear and tear, these tiny divots in your walls need to be repaired before they start affecting the way your home looks and feels.
Small dents and scratches can often be filled with a little spackling and smoothed out to look almost invisible when painted. However, you’ll want to buy a tub of premixed all-purpose drywall joint compound for dime-size holes and bigger. This is much easier to use than powdered joint compounds that must be mixed with water. It comes in different formulas, setting times from five to 90 minutes. Choose the one that best fits your needs, and pick up a roll of paper tape and a flexible taping knife.
Before you start working, always check behind a hole to ensure no wires or plumbing are running through it. Shining a flashlight through the hole and examining the space carefully is a good idea, especially in corners.
If you’re concerned that the drywall is damaged beyond your ability to fix, or if it’s a particularly large hole, then you may need to hire a professional. A CertaPro Painters contractor can assess the damage and advise you of your options.
Depending on the size and nature of your damage, they can then repair it with drywall patching or a simple sanding and priming. A contractor can also address any signs of leaks or other problems that could lead to mold and structural damage. The average cost of repairing small holes in a wall is $50-$80 per square foot or $60-$100 per hour. If the repairs are extensive or include a major re-paint, the cost will be higher.
Repairing Cracks
Drywall — also called gypsum wallboard — is used in the walls of most homes and commercial buildings. It’s not indestructible, however; holes, cracks and dents are unavoidable. While they don’t necessarily signal a serious problem, it is important to repair them before you start painting or hanging things on your new walls.
When a crack appears in your drywall, the first thing to do is determine how deep and wide it is. Cracks that are just a few inches long and wide don’t usually cause problems, but they should be fixed to prevent further damage to the drywall and to the framing.
If you see large, jagged cracks that extend down the wall or ceiling, it’s a sign of more serious problems. In most cases, it means that your home has settled unevenly and is putting pressure on the framing members. In this case, it’s best to consult a professional.
Repairing cracks in drywall is relatively simple if you catch them early. For small cracks, simply re-taping them with paper or mesh tape and filling them in with joint compound works well. For larger cracks, you may need to reinforce them with reinforcing mesh before you spackle the area.
To make sure the spackling is successful, it’s essential that you use joint compound (also known as drywall mud) that dries quickly. It’s also a good idea to wear a respirator mask when applying joint compound, since it contains super-fine gypsum and silica dust that can irritate your lungs.
If a crack goes all the way through the drywall, you should drive drywall screws into both sides of the crack, as shown in the photo at right. Doing so will keep the crack from re-expanding as the house settles.
Another problem that can arise as a result of a building settling is when the nails holding the drywall to the wall studs push outward from the wood, leaving bulges in the drywall. If you see this type of bulging in your drywall, it’s easy to fix: Simply remove the nail and drive a drywall screw an inch or two above and below the original nail head.
Repairing Large Holes
If a sudden impact causes a large hole in your drywall, you’ll want to have the proper drywall materials to repair it quickly. This type of damage is not only unsightly, but it could lead to further structural damage to your walls if left untreated. Drywall patching experts at CertaPro Painters know how to do a quick and meticulous job, so your drywall will look as good as new.
The first step to fixing a large hole is to trim away any loose edges and make sure that your new piece of drywall is flat and flush with the wall surface around it. Once this is complete, you can start to tape and mud (apply joint compound) the edges of the replacement piece of drywall.
You may need to apply a few more coats of drywall compound, depending on how smooth you want the finished surface to be. Make sure to sand between each application and after the last coat dries completely, so you can get a perfectly smooth wall that is ready to be painted.
Another way to fix larger holes in drywall is to use a self-adhesive drywall patch. This is much quicker than using a drywall compound because the patch will only take minutes to apply and dry.
This patch is also useful for repairing dents and dings in your drywall. The easiest way to find these dents is by running your hand over the wall, and if you feel any resistance, that’s where you have a ding or dent.
The patch comes stuck to a 6×8-in. sheet of paper backing, so simply peel it off the back of the patch and press it onto the wall centered over the hole. After you do this, spread on three coats of compound, letting each dry thoroughly before applying the next.
One last tip when repairing large holes in drywall is to put some sort of support behind the patch to help it stay in place. If you don’t have a lot of spare wood lying around, you can use scrap pieces of wood to screw into the back of the patch so it won’t collapse down the hole.
Patching
While drywall is a fairly resilient material, it is not indestructible. Things like misplaced wall hooks, doorknobs and a spontaneous game of football can leave a mark or even a hole in your walls. Minor damage can be filled and covered with spackle or joint compound. Larger holes and cracks require a more involved repair process that involves putting in a patch and taping and mudding around it.
Before beginning any drywall repair, locate and mark the wall studs with a stud finder. This will ensure that you don’t nick or cut any electricity wires or plumbing while working on your project. Also, be sure to locate any vents in the wall or ceiling so you don’t accidentally cover them with mud.
When dealing with a hole or crack in drywall, first clean out the area with a vacuum or rag and make sure it is completely dry. Then, use a putty knife to apply a light coat of drywall mud to the damaged area. Then smooth the mud with a sanding block, feathering the edges so it blends into the surrounding wall.
If you’re dealing with a larger hole, start by cutting a piece of drywall that is the same thickness as your existing wall from a scrap piece. Apply a thin layer of drywall joint compound or spackle over the patch and press it into the hole, pressing firmly to make sure it is secure. After smoothing the joint compound, lightly sand it with a sanding block or utility knife and then apply another coat if necessary.
Finally, when you’re satisfied with the quality of your drywall repair, prime and repaint. This will help the patched areas look much more natural and give the overall room a fresh new appearance.
Patching holes in drywall can be intimidating, but it’s actually one of the most rewarding DIY projects you can take on. It’s quick, easy, and can really make a difference in the look of your home. Plus, once you learn how to do it, you’ll find yourself perusing the walls of your home looking for little nail holes to fill and repair.