Drywall is a great building material that helps to make walls and ceilings structurally sound. However, over time, drywall can experience damage. This damage can range from minor scuffs to large gaps due to water damage. Common drywall issues are usually something a homeowner can tackle themselves.
Fortunetly, most of these issues can be fixed with spackle and joint compounds.
Nail Holes
If you live in an old house with plaster ceilings, you occasionally encounter some drywall issues. This is especially true if the house was built using ring-shanked nails, which don't hold, and glue-based construction methods. Regardless, nail holes can be unsightly and require patching and painting.
Renters and homeowners often find small nail holes pop up after pictures or wall art are taken down or when re-painting is done. Small dings can also be caused by furniture or kids running into walls and may result from an incorrectly installed light fixture.
Fixing small dents and dings in drywall is fairly simple with the right materials. Brush off any loose paint chips on the affected area, and use a putty knife to scrape away any ridges or bumps on the surface of the drywall. Using a spackling compound, apply the filler to the hole, sand smooth once it's dry, and paint if desired.
Water Damage
Water damage is one of the most common issues that can affect drywall. Drywall is porous, and prolonged exposure to moisture can cause it to deteriorate and become prone to mildew and mold. If you notice water stains on your walls, getting a professional drywall repair as soon as possible is important.
To repair drywall damaged by water, you'll first need to address the source of the problem and remove any standing water. Once the area is dried out, it's important to sand down the drywall and prime and paint it.
Scuff marks on drywall are typically the result of furniture or shoes, but they can also indicate that the drywall isn't securely anchored to the studs or joists. You can prevent scuff marks by moving furniture around and placing rubber tips on the feet of heavier furniture so it doesn't knock against your walls. If scuff marks are more serious, you may need to have your drywall fixed by a professional. They can repair drywall and anchor it to the joists or studs correctly.
Cracks
Drywall (also known as wallboard, gypsum board, or plasterboard) is a popular construction material that can be damaged in many ways. Whether it's cracked, sagging ceilings, or other issues, these problems require professional drywall repair.
Cracks in drywall often appear on seams or near doors and windows. These cracks are usually harmless, but it is important to have them fixed. Cracks can lead to further drywall damage if not addressed properly.
A professional should repair large jagged or diagonal cracks in drywall. These cracks may indicate a more serious problem, such as foundation settlement or moisture damage.
Moisture-related problems include mold growth, water stains, warping boards, or crumbling plasterboard. Keeping humidity levels low and re-taping any cracks as soon as they appear can help prevent moisture damage.
Moisture damage can also lead to popped nail heads and dents in corners. Rather than reaching for the hammer, use a drywall patch kit to fix these issues. The kit will contain a mesh drywall patch that can be placed over the hole and then covered with joint compound, which should be smoothed over and sanded once it's dried.
Scuffs
Drywall is a commonly used building material in modern homes. It is also known as a wallboard, gypsum board, or plasterboard. No matter what you call it, there are a few common drywall problems that most homeowners face at one point or another. These problems can be frustrating and can cause damage if addressed after some time. A qualified Norridge house painter can help you identify these problems and find the best solution to fix them.
Scuff marks are a common problem with drywall that can be difficult to remove. Scuff marks can be caused by abrasive cleaners or furniture touching the walls. If scuff marks are left unattended, they can ruin the look of a freshly painted room.
To solve this issue:
- Apply a small amount of vinegar to a sponge and wipe away the scuff mark.
- Ensure you don't use too much water so the drywall is not affected.
- Once the scuffs are removed, rinse the wall and dry it thoroughly with a towel or cloth. This will remove any lingering vinegar and prevent further scuff marks.
- Corner Bead
Installed at outside corners where one sheet of drywall meets another, corner beads create a finished edge and conceal any flaws in the joint. However, they can chip or crack over time, exposing the underlying drywall and allowing moisture to seep behind the paint.
Chips or Cracks
If this happens, you must remove and replace the corner bead section. First, pry out any nails that held the existing metal bead in place and smooth away any rough burrs on its cut edges with a file. Cut a new metal bead to the same length as the existing section and secure it with drywall screws. Make sure the head of each screw doesn't extend too far outward, which could interfere with mudding later.
Then, apply a coat of joint compound to the bead. After drying, you can install the new corner bead by running it through a hopper and a specialized corner roller for expeditious installation. You can find metal and paper-faced corner beads in home centers and drywall supply stores. The latter is a popular choice because it takes less time to install and resists chips better than metal beads.