Whether you’re a serial renter or a bona fide homeowner, patching drywall holes is one of the more straightforward DIY projects. With the right tools and a little skill, it’s quick and relatively inexpensive.
However, if the damage is extensive or structural, it may be best to call in a professional. Bumps, dents, and cracks that are discolored can indicate water damage or a foundation issue and should be dealt with promptly. Contact Drywall Repair Las Vegas for professional help.
From doorknobs to picture hangers and wall anchors, many things can make a hole in your drywall. While these small holes, dents, and cracks may seem insignificant, they can add up over time and detract from the overall look of your home’s interior. For this reason, it’s important to know how to repair these common blemishes. Fortunately, patching and repairing small holes is relatively simple and something that most homeowners can do themselves.
Depending on the size of the hole, a variety of tools can be used to complete the task. For holes less than two inches in diameter, a self-adhesive drywall patch is often the best option. These patches can be purchased in kits that include everything you need to get started. To use the patch, simply remove the paper backing and place the patch over the hole. Press down firmly on the edges of the patch to ensure that it sticks well to the wall. Next, spread a thin layer of joint compound over the patch and “feather” it out around the edges to blend it in with the rest of the wall. This step will usually take at least one or two coats of compound and will require a light sanding afterward to smooth the surface.
For larger holes, a drywall patch kit may be more appropriate. For this task, you will typically need a utility knife, drywall tape, and a joint knife. Before starting, use a stud finder to locate and mark the studs on either side of the damaged area. This will help you avoid cutting into any electrical wiring or other essential parts of the wall or ceiling. You will also want to clean the surrounding area and vacuum up any dust.
If you’re working on a large, open space, it may be necessary to add a piece of new drywall cut to the proper size in order to ensure that the patch will be completely flush with the rest of the wall or ceiling. Once the patch is dry, it’s time to start sanding the patched area so that it is smooth and ready for painting.
Repairing large holes
From dents and dings to holes caused by plumbing or electrical wiring, drywall repair is an essential part of home maintenance. The size of the hole determines the method and materials you’ll need to use, but there are a few basic steps that apply to all types of drywall repair.
The first step in repairing any type of hole in drywall is to clean up the area. This may involve removing loose debris, wiping down the edges of the hole, and sanding any rough spots. It’s important to clean up the area because dust and dirt can cause further damage to your drywall if it isn’t cleaned properly.
After cleaning up the area, you’ll need to decide what kind of patch you will use. For small holes, you can purchase a drywall patch kit that has everything you need for a quick and easy fix. The patch kit usually comes with a self-adhesive mesh patch that sticks to the wall and covers the hole. If you choose to use this method, make sure the patch is slightly bigger than the hole so that it will be secure.
If you’re repairing a larger hole, you’ll need more than just a patch kit. You’ll also need some sort of drywall support to help keep the patch in place and prevent cracking both during and after the repair. A scrap piece of drywall or even a piece of plywood will work for this purpose. To create the support, use your stud finder to locate the studs on either side of the damaged area. Then mark lines about 1 inch above and below the hole, as well as between the centers of the nearest studs on each side of the hole.
Before cutting into a wall to patch a hole, always check with a licensed professional to ensure that all plumbing and electrical wiring are up-to-date and safe. Also, don’t cut into a wall without first shining a flashlight through the hole to verify that there are no electrical wires or pipes running through the space behind it.
Corner Patches
Large holes in walls often require more invasive drywall repairs. Using a utility knife, carefully cut away the section of drywall that contains the hole. If the damage extends past a corner, you’ll need to reinforce the wall by adding small pieces of wood, known as furring strips. These strips are not as thick as wall studs, but they provide much-needed structural support for large drywall patches.
Start by removing the old metal corner bead from the edge of the damaged drywall. You may have to pry out the drywall nails that were used to hold the bead in place. Then, cut a new piece of metal corner bead to exactly fit the area. Once you have the new bead in place, use a drywall saw to trim away any excess gypsum from the edges of the patch.
Now, apply a fresh coat of joint compound. Then, scrape away any ridges that form and lightly sand the area with a drywall sander or sanding block. This will help blend the repair with the rest of the wall. You can now paint the patch to match the surrounding drywall, though you might want to consider repainting the entire wall if it is a highly visible spot.
Over time, most homes experience some settling, and this can cause inside corners to crack or sag. It’s important to watch for any signs of movement and to fix the problem immediately before it gets out of hand.
To correct a sagging corner, you’ll need to add more drywall to the damaged area. To do this, remove any loose drywall from the damaged area and apply new drywall to both the sagging corner and the adjoining drywall. After the drywall is installed, apply a second coat of joint compound to the repaired area and sand again until it is smooth. This is a relatively fast, straightforward project that will not only improve the look of your home but also protect the integrity of your drywall.
Touch-Ups
Painting a room not only adds beauty to the home but can also increase its value and protect the drywall from damage. Most reputable drywall repair services will include a touch-up paint process in their service. However, if you are dealing with serious water or mold damage, it might be better to repaint the entire wall rather than try to match the original paint.
Drywall is exposed to the elements throughout its lifespan, which makes moisture damage common. If left untreated, drywall can swell, causing it to warp or crack. Water can also cause mold to grow on drywall, which can lead to severe health issues in the home. It is important to address drywall mold damage as quickly as possible to prevent it from spreading to other areas of the house and damaging the structure.
While many homeowners may not feel comfortable attempting DIY drywall repairs, the simple task of touching up a painted wall is relatively easy for anyone to do. If the damaged area only involves a small crack, chip, or dent, you should be able to find a drywall repair kit for under $100 that will provide all of the tools needed. These kits typically include spackle, wall patches, sandpaper, and a putty knife.
To do a touch-up, start by cleaning the surface of the wall. Scuff marks and other minor blemishes usually only require some proper cleaning and painting to improve their appearance. Larger holes, dents, and cracks need to be filled in with spackling compound, then sanded smooth and touched up with paint.
When matching the paint color for touch-ups, be sure to use the same type that was used in the original coat. Different types of paint can have slightly different sheens, which can make it difficult to find a match. Be sure to thoroughly mix the paint so that all of the pigments and binders are well blended.
When repairing drywall, it is essential to take the time to do a quality job. It is always best to hire a professional, but even for smaller jobs, you can save yourself money by doing some preparation and learning the right techniques. By following these tips, you can ensure that your drywall repair is done correctly the first time.
