Does your drywall need repair?

Drywall is part of the basic structure of any home. It is made from gypsum, also known as calcium sulfate dihydrate. It is an affordable and versatile material made for buildings, ceilings, and walls.

Drywall is fire-resistant, which means it improves the insulation of your home. Over time, however, you will notice cracks, holes, and dents in your drywall.

This is what you need to know about repairing drywall.

Get all the materials you require:

It is very important to get the correct materials for repairing your drywall. Here is what you will typically need:

• Drywall compound
• Drywall panels
• Drywall tape
• Hardwood plywood/scrap lumber
• Tape measure
• Carpenter’s square
• Handsaw
• Utility knife
• Stud finder
• Joint knife
• Sandpaper
• Hand sander/Sanding sponge
• Drywall screw
• A drilling machine, and
• Face mask

We use these materials to fix minor cracks in drywall.

Choosing the drywall panel

It is important to match your new panel to the height and width of the existing one, or you risk giving your wall an uneven appearance.

Here is a wide selection of drywall types to choose from:

• Whiteboard drywall is easily available and very economical
• Green board drywall is resistant to moisture
• Paperless drywall is stronger and more moisture-proof
• Purple drywall offers the best level of mold and moisture resistance
• Type X drywall is fire-resistant

Steps to perform a drywall repair

Cracks in drywall are often the simplest to repair.

As the house ages, these cracks develop along the surface of the ceilings and walls. In most cases, such damages are a cosmetic issue and are not an indication of any structural problems.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Broaden the crack with the help of a utility knife. Cut it into a “V” shape. This action will help the drywall compound stick to the wall.
• Push the crack with your hands and assess the strength of the wall. If the wall gets displaced from its location, you can use the drill to attach the drywall screws to the closest stud.
• Cover the crack using drywall tape.
• Now cover the tape using a drywall compound. Smoothen the drywall compound using a joint knife.
• Once the layer of compound dries, apply a minimum of two more layers to it.
• With the help of a hand sander, prepare the surface for painting.

Ensure you, or the person who is repairing your drywall wears a face mask while performing these steps. It will prevent you from breathing in fine particles that could harm your health.

A drywall repair is a simple job when you select the right materials and use them at the right stage of the process. Failing to do this can complicate the entire project.

Each step requires precision and skill that you can get by hiring wall repair professionals. Remember to take the necessary safety precautions to protect your health, and call us for your larger drywall repair jobs.