Drywall Repair Las Vegas is one of the most important skills for homeowners or renters to learn. Whether you’re moving into an older home or trying to get your security deposit back from your previous landlord, you’ll need to patch up holes and dents.
A few simple tricks can make these repairs go fairly quickly. Read on to find out how!
Cracks in drywall are common and often cosmetic, but they can also be a sign of serious structural problems. Cracks usually occur along seams, where two sections of drywall meet, and they can be caused by shrinkage or expansion of the framing members, uneven settling of the house, moisture, and more. Minor cracks in drywall are usually not something to worry about and can be repaired with a bit of time and effort, but larger cracks that keep reappearing or grow quickly should be taken care of immediately.
First, carefully examine the crack to determine its cause. If the crack is thin and straight, it may be due to failing or poorly taped drywall seams when the wall was initially installed. This is a fairly simple fix that can be done by removing the loose tape from the seam and applying fresh drywall compound to the joint. Apply the drywall compound with a knife held at a 70-degree angle, making sure that both sides of the knife are clean before each swipe. After the new drywall compound dries, lightly sand it so that it blends with the rest of the wall.
If the crack is wider and more jagged, it may be caused by uneven settling of the house, moisture, or other serious issues. In these cases, it is a good idea to consult an expert for a more permanent solution.
Nail pops are another common drywall issue that can be easy to repair, but they are a bit more time-consuming than other cracks. Generally, nail pops are a result of damp wood that dries out and shrinks, especially in new-construction homes. The best way to prevent nail pops is to ensure that the wood is completely dry before hanging drywall.
Holes and dents in drywall are relatively easy to fix and can be accomplished by a do-it-yourselfer with the proper materials. Generally, it is best to use a drywall patch kit to avoid having to mix your own compound, which can be difficult. However, it is important to follow the directions on the label for the best results.
Holes
When a hole appears in your wall or ceiling, it can be annoying. Fortunately, holes are relatively easy to fix in drywall, whether the hole is from an accidental hammer swing or one blown by a windstorm. The first step is to clear away any loose drywall pieces and clean the area. If the hole is very large, you may need to brace the hole. This can be done by installing a piece of wood (like a scrap of plywood or 1×3) inside the hole on both sides of the replacement piece. This will prevent the hole from collapsing into the wall.
If you only need to repair a small hole, you can use something as simple as spackle or joint compound. However, if you want to get more professional results, purchase a drywall patch kit. The kit will include a drywall patch that has a stick-on mesh to hold the drywall in place. Before you install the patch, carefully check that there are no wires or pipes in the wall before enlarging the hole. If you do need to enlarge the hole, cut horizontally rather than vertically so as not to crush any wires or pipes in the wall.
Once you’ve installed the drywall patch, apply a thick layer of joint compound over it using a putty knife. It is important to press the compound thoroughly to ensure that the mesh is fully adhered to the wall. If you don’t, the patch will eventually come loose and start to crack and crumble.
After the first coat of compound is dried, you should smooth and “feather” it with a hand tool to blend it with the rest of the wall. After the second and third coats of compound are dry, you can sand the area, prime, and paint.
Another common problem with drywall is damage to the corner bead. Normally, the L-shaped metal strip is nailed over the corner to conceal it. However, these strips aren’t indestructible, and they can become dented by vacuum cleaner attachments, children flinging toys, or the weight of furniture being pushed into the corner. To repair the corner bead, you will need to clear away any loose or cracked drywall around the edge of the hole, remove any existing loose tape, and spread setting compound on both sides. After the compound dries, you can sand the corner bead and apply primer and paint.
Dents
Those pesky little dent marks that seem to pop up out of nowhere can be so frustrating. Especially when they’re in the center of the wall, where everyone can see them, they keep you from being able to focus on anything else. Thankfully, fixing dents in your drywall is fairly easy.
Just like with any drywall repair task, it’s always best to start by preparing your workspace for efficiency and safety. That means moving furniture away from or out of the room, laying down drop cloths where needed, and gathering all your materials and tools for easy access. You should also make sure the surface of the dent is clean and free of dust particles.
Once you’ve made sure your workspace is clean and ready to go, take a damp paper towel or microfiber cloth and wipe the area around the dent. This will help the drywall compound adhere properly to the wall and avoid creating more cracks or problems down the line.
If the ding is deep, you will need to use a utility knife to widen it a bit so that you can apply the joint compound. If it’s shallow, you can simply use a putty knife to fill in the spot. For small dents, it’s usually enough to apply one coat of drywall mud and sand it when it dries.
Larger dents will need to be fixed with paper drywall tape and a couple of coats of joint compound. Again, it’s important to sand the lap lines and imperfections when they’re dry to get your wall looking smooth and professional before painting.
Holes in your drywall can be caused by almost anything, from kids being overly rough on the walls to furniture accidentally bumping into them. Whatever the cause, it’s important to have these holes patched up quickly to prevent structural damage in your home.
Luckily, repairing holes in your drywall is pretty simple with a good-quality drywall patch kit. Once the patch is dry, you can sand it down to create a smooth finish and then paint it with your favorite interior paint color.
Water Damage
Drywall is designed to be durable, but if it comes into contact with water for too long, it can lose its structural integrity. In the event of a flood or a burst pipe, it’s crucial to address the problem quickly in order to avoid further damage. Even if you don’t have obvious signs of water damage, the moisture in your walls and ceilings can lead to mold or mildew, which are both very difficult to remove once they take hold.
If you suspect that your drywall is damaged by water, there are some simple steps you can take to get it repaired. The first is to trace the source of the leak. Once you have done this, it is important to stop the flow of water to prevent further damage to your home and its contents.
Once you have stopped the flow of water, it’s time to begin the drywall repair process. Start by removing the affected drywall panels. Make sure you use a drop cloth or tarp to protect surfaces from dust and debris. It’s also a good idea to turn off any electrical circuits in the area that you’re working on.
After you’ve removed the damaged drywall, scrape away any loose areas and seal the edges of the new drywall with drywall mud. Once this is done, it’s a good idea to apply several skim coats of drywall mud to the entire surface, letting each one dry thoroughly before applying the next. This helps to hide the seams and make the patch nearly undetectable.
You can touch up minor blemishes like dents or nail holes with a bit of touch-up paint that blends into the surrounding wall color. However, larger blemishes may require repainting the entire wall.
While it’s always a good idea to call a professional when repairing drywall, many homeowners find that they can tackle this project themselves with the right preparation and care. If you are willing to invest a little time and energy, you can have your drywall repaired in no time at all. If you want to learn more about drywall and how to do it yourself, visit our blog!