How to Repair Drywall

A skill that will always pay off is to know how to repair drywall. Installing new drywall is not very difficult, if you have the special tools for cutting and lifting. Click here for a list of tools necessary to install or repair drywall.

If you have experience with installing drywall, repairing it should be even easier. If not, how to repair drywall can be a tricky chore, and sometimes a contractor can do a better job in less time. The bonus is that you save money when you don’t have to buy all the drywall tools and materials.

Check this page for drywall finishing tips, if you want to install drywall on your own. Drywall repair, on the other hand, is a more common problem in every home. It may be caused by water damage, or may be just a general repair. No matter how well your drywall is done originally, eventually you will need to do some repairs and touch ups at some point.

Due to the seasonal temperature changes, the drywall will end up showing some cracks, somewhere in your home. Small (or big) accidents do happen; doorknobs can cause small holes in walls.

The good news is that even the bad damages are repairable. All you need is some basic skills, drywall repair tools and joint compounds. Of course, the materials and tools you need will vary depending on the repair you have to complete.

How to Repair Drywall

For minor repairs and small holes, apply 1-2 coats of drywall compound with a putty knife. Allow the first coat to dry completely, smooth the surface (with the knife) and apply the second coat. You will know it is enough coating as soon the compound build-up is slightly higher on the wall surface. Sand lightly to even the surface and paint over with matching color.

For holes repairs up to 3 inches, use first a mesh repair patch for support and apply the compound as described above.

Larger holes require a more solid backing. You can use 1” thick wood strips, longer than the hole. Start first by cutting out the damaged area in a rectangle shape, using a keyhole saw to remove the damaged part. After you carefully secured the wood strips to the drywall, cut and fit a new piece of drywall of the same thickness, to cover the hole. Last step is to cover with mesh tape, then apply compound, sand and paint.

Other common drywall repairs you may need to do are cracks repairs, and loose tape joints repairs. Always use mesh tape to reinforce the drywall, followed by the steps described above (compound application and painting).

Important:

• Always use a primer before painting, to seal the exposed drywall compound

• For extremely large dents, allow the compound to dry overnight and then apply a second coat

• After the patched area has dried completely, sand and prime it to prepare for the finish you desire

Drywall Water Damage Repairs

Quite often, water damage is the reason why you have to repair your drywall. If the water is leaking from your roof, a good way to reduce the damage is to poke the area where the water is collecting and place a bucket underneath. This way, instead of having the water all over your ceiling, it will drip in the bucket. Unfortunately, quite often you will end re-texturing and repainting the entire ceiling. How to repair drywall on ceilings will always depend on the type of texture you already have on your ceiling.

If your drywall water damage repairs are looking rather large, then your best option is to contact a professional. Furthermore, if the water is contaminated, you should always contact a certified water damage contractor to make sure your home will remain a healthy place to live. Act fast to prevent mold and mildew (usually in the first 48 hours). Start repairing your drywall only after you are sure that the affected areas are completely dry.

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