Home Renovations Company
How To
Repair Drywall
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How To Repair Drywall In Your Home
Drywall damage is a problem that home owners commonly have to deal with. The causes of water damage can be from something as simple as getting hit, for example, with a doorknob, to rodents causing the damage, to water damage, etc.
Drywall repair is a diy project that can be easily done by you to fix minor dents to larger holes, or you can hire a professional to do the job.
This article will provide you with clear instructions for fixing and repairing small to medium sized drywall repairs, ensuring a smooth and professional-looking finish.
Tools And Materials Needed
These are the tools and materials that you will need to repair damaged drywall.
- Uitility knife or drywall saw
- Putty knife
- 120-grit and 220-grit Sandpaper
- Drywall tape
- Drywall screws
- Screwdriver or drill
- Primer or paint
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Safety glasses
- Dust Mask
Step 1: Assess The Damage
You will need to assess the damage to determine the tools and amount of materials that you will need for the project.
- Small holes or dents will need to some simple patching.
- Medium sized holes that are from 1 to 6 inches will need patching with reinforcement.
- Large holes that are 6 inches or larger will require cutting out the damaged area and installing a new piece of drywall to reinforce it.
For Cracks
For cracks, you need to widen the crack slightly with the utility knife to create a groove for the joint compound and tape.
After you are done preparing the area, you will want to smooth the surface by scraping off any excess compound to create a flush surface. Then you will want to let it dry for about 1-4 hours.
Afterward, you will want to sand with a 220-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish. You will want to apply a second thin layer if the surface isn’t flush, and then sand again.
Repairing Small Holes And Dents
For nails holes, cracks and small dents, do the following:
- Using a 4-inch putty knife, scoop a small amount of drywall compound or lightweight spackling paste and spread it over the hole, making sure to fill it in completely and then scrape off the excess compound to create a flush surface.
- Afterards, you should let it dry. This usually takes from 1-4 hours.
- Once it is dry, sand the area with a 220-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish, and apply a second layer if needed and sand the area again.
For Medium Sized Holes
For medium sized holes or larger sized holes, you will need to cut a square or rectangle around the damage using a utility knife and then measure and cut a piece of drywall that is bigger than the hole. You will want to tape or screw it to the surrounding drywall, making sure that it is flush with the wall and use the putty knife to scoop and spread a small amount of lightweight spackling paste or drywall compound over the hole, making sure to press it and fill it completely.
Repairing Larger Holes
To repair larger holes in drywall, follow the following steps:
- Use a drywall saw to cut out the damaged area making sure to cut a clean square or rectangle around the hole. Be sure to measure the dimensions. Try to use the a piece of drywall that is the same thickness as the existing drywall.
- Get or cut two thin wood strips that are slightly longer than the hole and insert them behind the hole, and then secure them to the existing drywall with drywall screws.
- Apply an adhesive mesh tape over the the edges where the existing drywall and the patches meet.
- Then apply joint compound over the patch and the tape, making sure to feather the edges. Apply more compound and sand the area as needed.
Finishing Touches
You should apply a coat of primer to the repaired area. This will seal the drywall compound and ensure that the paint is absorbed.
You will want to match the surrounding wall’s paint color and finish and apply at least two coats for an even look and feel that blends into the surrounding wall.
You should remove any dust or debris and clear the area of any leftover tools and materials.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
These are some common mistakes that beginners often make.
- Not using primer is one of the most common mistakes that first time drywall repair do-it-yourselfers make, whether it is because they don't know or don't think about it, but it is important step.
- Another common mistake is to oversand the drywall, which can create uneven surfaces.
- Not allowing the compound to dry sufficiently is another common mistake.
Is It Time To Call A Professional?
There are times when it can ok to do do-it-yourself drywall repair project, and there are times when it is best to leave it to the professional drywall repair specialists.
Some of the times that you will want to consider hiring professionals are:
- It is a good idea to hire professionals to repair any drywall with an extensive amount of water damage to walls or ceilings of your home.
- If there is any mold involved, it may time to hire a professional. Mold itself can be very dangerous if not taken care of and you wouldn't want that to be lingering problem.
- If there are large repairs such as replacing multiple walls or very large sections of drywall, this might also be a good time to consider hiring a professional drywall repair specialist.
- Some walls or ceilings have different textures that can difficult to replicate. If you want them to retain that same look and feel, you may want to consider hiring professional to do the job.
Conclusion
Drywall repair is one of those relatively simple do-it-yourself home projects that can be easy to learn to do with the help of guides like this one. Wether you are looking to simply save some money by doing some diy projects, or you want to learn how to make some home improvements and at the same time have some pride in your work and your home.