Drywall is used extensively in the construction of homes. Unfortunately, it can become damaged over time due to normal wear and tear or from events like flooding.
Minor blemishes are easy to fix with spackle and a putty knife. However, if you are going to hire a contractor for drywall repair, make sure to ask for references and a portfolio of previous work. Contact Drywall Repair Las Vegas now!
Many homeowners encounter small holes in drywall from time to time. Whether you accidentally bumped into a wall hook while hanging a picture or moved a light switch and punctured the drywall, patching these types of minor holes is simple. These small holes can be easily repaired with a drywall patch kit and joint compound.
First, use a stud-finder to locate your studs. You will want half of an exposed stud to attach your new drywall patch to, so mark this area with a square using a drywall saw. Next, cut along the square using a utility knife or drywall saw to remove the damaged section of drywall. To prevent the patch from pulling away from the wall, install a piece of wood behind the drywall to act as backing for your patch.
To prepare the hole for the patch, apply a layer of drywall tape around its perimeter. Make sure the drywall tape extends at least an inch past each side of the hole. Next, apply a thin coat of spackle or joint compound over the patch and use your putty knife to smooth out the surface and feather the edges into the surrounding wall.
Allow the patch to dry thoroughly before you begin sanding it. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper and then move to progressively finer grits until the patch is smooth and blends into the wall. After sanding the patch, apply one or two additional thin coats of joint compound to ensure that it is completely covered and that there are no flaws in the surface.
Large holes require a bit more work to fix than smaller ones. Silva suggests starting by cutting a piece of scrap drywall slightly larger than the existing hole. Place the scrap over the damaged area and trace its outline with a pencil. Next, use a drywall saw to cut along the lines and enlarge the hole to a clean rectangular shape. This step is important because it will prevent future cracking and help the patch stay firmly attached to the wall.
Once the patch is in place, apply a second coat of joint compound and let it dry. After the patch has dried, you can sand it and then prime the area. Once the primer has dried, you can paint your patch and wall with matching latex paint.
Replacement
Drywall is a versatile and durable construction material used in walls, ceilings and other surfaces. It is composed of gypsum, a soft sulfate mineral, which is compressed between two sheets of heavy paper to make it strong and affordable. However, drywall is not immune to damage and over time it may become necessary to repair or replace a section of the wall. The first step in a drywall repair project is to decide whether to patch or replace the damaged area.
In some cases, a large section of the wall will need to be replaced due to extensive physical damage, such as holes from a nail or screw, broken corners, or a collapsed ceiling. The most common reason, though, is moisture damage. Moisture can cause a variety of problems that include discoloration, deterioration, sagging, and mold growth. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is likely time to consider a full drywall replacement.
Before you begin any drywall repair, you must clear the area around the damaged surface. Remove any furniture or other decorations and make sure that the space is free from dust, debris and other potential hazards. It is also a good idea to check with your local building department to ensure that you have the proper permits and licenses for your project.
The next step in repairing drywall is to determine the size of the hole or area that needs to be replaced. You can do this by using a stud finder to locate the studs around the damaged area. Then, you can measure the distance between the studs and draw a line on the current wall to help you cut out a new piece of drywall.
Once you have removed the damaged section, you can put up the new drywall and fasten it using drywall screws. Then apply a couple of coats of joint compound and sand it to a smooth finish before painting.
It is important to wait until the drywall is fully dried and sanded before you paint it. Otherwise, the paint will be uneven and can easily chip or peel.
Texture Matching
Texture matching is the specialized work that comes after patching and replacing drywall. It involves applying the right texture to the repair area to make it blend in with the existing wall surface. The steps to do this vary depending on the type of textured wall or ceiling you have in your home, but the overall process is usually similar.
First, you need to sand down the patched area to remove any oil-based texture from the surface of the drywall. This can be done using a handheld block sander and should be as smooth and even as possible. Once you have finished sanding, wipe the area clean to remove any remaining dust and dirt. Then, allow the area to dry completely before attempting to match the texture.
If you are trying to match a light, or skip trowel, textured surface that was applied by hand then this may be the easiest type of texture to match. Using the same tools and technique as the original application will help you create a seamless match. However, if you are trying to match an orange peel or splatter knockdown texture, which were typically applied using a hopper spray gun, this will be much more difficult.
Once the sanding is completed and the patched areas are free of any debris or loose drywall, apply joint compound to the repaired area. Then, once again allow the patch to dry as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Once the patch is completely dry, sand it again lightly to smooth out any high spots or imperfections. Then, once again, apply the desired texture and feather the edges to ensure a seamless blend with the existing surface.
Before applying any drywall texture, it is best to practice on a piece of scrap material or cardboard. This will give you a feel for the proper application technique and help you get a better idea of how the finished product should look. Also, be sure to shake the can of texture really well and test the spray on a small area before using it on your actual wall.
Mold Remediation
When water seeps into drywall, it can create a moist environment that encourages mold growth. Identifying and addressing mold in your home is important to avoid extensive damage and deterioration. If you suspect a mold problem, check your walls for paint that is cracking or bubbling, wallpaper that is peeling, and/or a musty odor. Moldy drywall is often easy to spot, but it’s also common for it to grow behind your walls where you can’t see it. If you suspect a hidden issue, you can use a mold testing kit to confirm the presence of spores.
When repairing mold in a wall, you’ll need to take the following steps:
Start by shutting off the power to the affected area at your electrical service panel. Then, remove the drywall and inspect its back for any signs of mold. If you can’t find any, you may be able to skip this step and move on to patching.
If you’re unable to locate the source of the mold, have your professional perform a mold remediation. They’ll spray an EPA-approved biocide on the affected areas to kill mold spores and prevent them from spreading. This step will also involve sanitizing the surrounding area and sealing any leaky areas to prevent future mold growth.
Depending on the extent of the mold, you might need to replace your drywall. This process is similar to patching, but you’ll have to add a new piece of drywall and attach it with drywall screws. It’s a good idea to use a stud finder to locate wooden supports behind the drywall before you cut, and then cover them with plastic to protect them from dust.
Once the drywall is replaced, you can use a drywall primer to seal the surface before painting it with a color that matches your existing wall. Make sure to choose a mold-preventing paint for the new coat, and be sure to dry it completely.
While some blemishes on your drywall can be covered with touch-up paint, larger repairs require a full repaint. It’s best to hire a drywall specialist to do the job to ensure that the new paint blends with your current wall’s sheen and color.