Drywall is a common building material in almost every home, but it can also develop damage over time. Whether from pests, accidents or a move, holes and cracks can make your walls look unsightly. If left untreated, these problems can get bigger, requiring more repairs and possibly replacements.
Luckily, drywall repair can be simple and relatively inexpensive. The key is to know what type of damage you’re dealing with before starting the process. Depending on how extensive the damage is, hire the top drywall repair professional for a much larger project.
Fixing Small Holes in Drywall
Getting rid of small dents and dings is easy with spackle. The quick-drying compound works well on a wide variety of issues, from the small hole you leave after moving your picture to the large cracks that appear when water leaks through your home.
However, if you find that the hole is too big to fill with spackle, it’s time to call a professional drywall handyman. These professionals have a lot of experience working with drywall and can do the job quickly and properly.
How to Fix a Hole in Drywall
The best way to patch a hole is to use a new piece of drywall that is the same thickness as the damaged area. This way, the new sheet won’t have to be cut to size, making it faster and easier to complete.
You’ll need a few materials to get started: paper tape and fiberglass mesh. You can buy these at your local hardware store. You’ll also need a gallon tub of joint compound, which you can apply to the drywall with a putty knife.
When applying joint compound, start with a very thin layer and add more coats as needed. This will help keep the area as smooth and level as possible, so you’ll be able to paint over it smoothly later on. Once the patched drywall is dry, sand it down to remove any bubbles or imperfections.
Once you’ve done this, you’ll have a patch that looks good as new! Afterward, it’s important to ensure that your patch is correctly glued. The glue must be a strong and durable type, otherwise the patch will not hold. You can also use a utility knife to trim the edges of your patch, which will help keep the area clean and neat. Click here to read more about the advantages of hiring a drywall repair contractor.
How to Tape Your Patch
Before you begin your drywall repair, it’s a good idea to take some time to learn about the different types of tapes available. The most effective tape for a patch is self-adhering mesh tape, but you can also use paper tape. Both are easy to work with, but mesh tape is better for corners and joints.
Taking the time to choose the right tape will save you money and hassle down the road, as it’s easier to remove the tape after it’s been applied and used. The tape also allows you to see where the joint compound is going, which will allow you to knock off any bumps or ridges before you finish. Check out this post that has expounded on the topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wall.