Drywall is easy to hang and install, but everyday wear and tear can damage your walls. It’s best to leave drywall repair to a professional Handyman Naperville IL.
If your walls are covered with dents from doorknobs, furniture, or other objects, try using a drywall patch kit with a self-adhesive fiberglass patch. Before you cut into your wall, check for wires or plumbing lines.
Cracks in drywall are a common issue that occurs when the wall undergoes stress. These stressors can include shifts in temperature that cause the drywall to expand and contract, leading to hairline drywall cracks. They can also occur due to movement of the building itself. This is common as structures settle over time, but it can also be caused by earthquakes or wind storms that cause shifting in the structure.
Small cosmetic cracks are often easy to repair, especially if they only appear in a single spot and don’t grow much bigger or widen. If the cracks keep reappearing and becoming larger in size, it’s best to call a professional for drywall repairs to ensure that they don’t get worse and end up causing more significant structural damage.
The first step to fixing a crack is to carefully examine the drywall and find out what’s causing it. For example, if the cracks are in a area that was added to the wall, such as a new doorway or window, it could be because the frame had to be cut down to accommodate these additions. This can lead to a weaker section of the wall that’s more likely to develop cracks over time.
If the cracks are in a corner of a room, it’s likely because of natural expansion and contraction of the drywall due to changes in temperature. It’s best to keep these types of cracks from occurring in the future by maintaining a stable temperature throughout your home.
Cracks that are more wide and jagged can indicate a more serious problem, such as the settling of a building or the deterioration of supporting wood members from termite damage. In these cases, it’s best to contact a professional for drywall repairs that can address the underlying cause.
To fix a crack in a drywall seam, apply a thin layer of joint compound to both sides of the crack. Make sure that the compound is smooth and doesn’t have any air bubbles in it. Next, take a utility knife and cut a V-shaped notch in the tape along the length of the crack. Remove the tape and then use your utility knife to widen the crack so that you can apply a second layer of drywall compound.
From small holes to dents, you may need to perform drywall repairs due to accidental damage or because of normal wear and tear. This is an issue that can be fairly easy to fix, but you will want to take some precautions in order not to make a mess or inhale drywall dust. Be sure to lay down some protective sheets over carpets or surrounding furniture, and use a mask and eye protection when necessary.
Holes are a common problem that can be caused by nails, screws or hooks left behind after hanging pictures, mirrors, and other wall decor. You may also encounter holes from removing items like cabinets, lights or other fixtures. The simplest way to repair this type of damage is with spackle or drywall compound, which can be applied in layers until the hole is even with the rest of the wall. Allow the patch to dry thoroughly before sanding and painting.
Superficial scratches in drywall are another common problem that can be easily remedied with lightweight spackle. If the scratches go down to the paper layer of the drywall, you may need to apply three or four coats of the compound until it is smooth.
Large holes or dents are a more complicated problem to fix. You will need a drywall patch kit in this case, which includes a self-adhesive mesh patch that you can place over the damaged area. Once the patch is in place, cover it with joint compound, and extend the edges a little past the hole. Then, gently sand the patch until it is smooth.
This type of damage is sometimes caused by shifting soil underneath your foundation, which causes one side to sink faster than the other. It is best to have this issue fixed by a professional, who can install a new piece of corner bead. It is also a good idea to have the entire affected area repaired, as it will prevent water or air from penetrating the drywall and potentially causing further damage. This repair is often referred to as differential settlement.
Mold or mildew that appears on drywall is usually easy to spot. It tends to be fuzzy and raised above the surface it is growing on. Mildew also smells musty or earthy. It may also cause health issues such as coughing or skin irritation.
You can usually get rid of mildew by cleaning it with baking soda or white vinegar. You may need to scrub the area to get it completely clean. If the problem continues, you should use a stronger chemical solution such as bleach or Concrobium Mold Control spray. However, be sure to wear PPE (personal protective equipment) and ventilate the room when using strong chemicals. Also, be sure to clean up any spills or splashes immediately to prevent the spread of mildew spores to other parts of the home.
If you have painted drywall, you do not need to use strong chemicals because the paint seals the drywall paper. You can try scrubbing the mildew with a detergent solution and a disposable brush, sponge or rag. You may need to do this a few times until the mildew is removed. If the mildew is not completely gone, you should use a professional mold remediation company.
Mold on drywall can indicate a more serious problem with the stud space behind the wall. It can be very difficult to remove and will likely require replacing the drywall.
To avoid this, you should monitor humidity levels and take steps to keep them low. Use a moisture meter to help you find areas where there is high humidity. Check these areas often to make sure they are dry and fix any leaks as soon as you can.
If you do see mold on drywall, you should don your PPE and place plastic sheeting on the floor around the affected area. Open a window and a fan to vent out the room to prevent the mold from spreading throughout the house. You should also wear a respirator when working with any chemicals or cleaning solutions to prevent inhaling mold spores. Once the area has been prepped, you can cut out the drywall and replace it with new drywall.
Drywall repair costs can vary depending on the type of damage and extent of work required. Many professional drywall contractors offer free estimates for homeowners, so it’s possible to find a contractor that works within your budget. It is also a good idea to get quotes from multiple professionals so that you can compare prices and services.
The cost of repairing drywall can range from less than $100 to several thousand dollars, depending on the amount of damage and the complexity of the repair project. Small repairs, such as filling in dents and nail holes, are usually inexpensive. The cost can increase if the damaged area is larger or if the job requires a ceiling patch. In addition, a new coat of paint may be needed to cover the repaired area.
One of the most common causes of drywall damage is moisture from plumbing leaks, roof leaks, sink overflow, flooding or natural disasters. Moisture can cause a drywall to swell, crack or buckle. It can also lead to the formation of mildew, bacteria and mold. Mold can lead to respiratory issues and structural damage.
Another common source of drywall damage is impact. Doorknobs, chairs and furniture can bang against a wall, leaving holes that need to be fixed. Using a patch kit can help homeowners fix these holes themselves, but the best way to avoid expensive repair bills is to prevent damage in the first place.
If a home is experiencing severe drywall damage, the best option is to call a professional drywall contractor to handle the task. These contractors have the expertise and tools necessary to perform a seamless repair. They can also provide advice for preventing future damage.
The average drywall repair cost is $200-550, with minor damage costing $60-150 and more extensive repairs costing $500-3,000+. It is important to remember that a professional will need to inspect the drywall and determine how much damage has occurred before calculating an accurate estimate. The price will vary depending on the type of drywall and any other work that needs to be done, such as painting or water damage repairs.
