Drywall is tough, but it’s not indestructible. Over time, gypsum-board walls can sustain cracks and holes that are unsightly to landlords, homebuyers, or visitors. Contact Drywall Repair Phoenix now!

Thankfully, most of these issues can be addressed by the average homeowner. But, some repairs require the help of a professional. Here are some examples:

Drywall cracks can be a nuisance, but they signal that something is wrong with your home. If you ignore them, they can worsen over time, causing your home’s foundation to shift or sink and leading to further structural damage throughout your house. However, addressing them early and discovering what is causing them will help you save money in the long run.

The first step in fixing drywall cracks is to ensure the surface is free of dust, cobwebs, and other debris. Clean it thoroughly with a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner to ensure the patching compound will adhere properly.

Next, use a utility knife to cut a v-shaped notch into both sides of the crack. This will help the patching material expand into the stud cavity. Remove any loose tape from the edges of the crack and scrape away any loose drywall compound as well. Then, using a drywall taping knife, apply a strip of drywall tape to the back of the stud and then another strip to the front of the stud. Finally, apply a liberal amount of joint compound over the strip of tape. Let it dry completely before painting over it.

Hairline cracks are often a normal part of the settling process for new homes. They can also be caused by expansion and contraction of drywall panels. However, cracks wider than a quarter inch are usually indicative of a structural problem and should be repaired by a reputable builder or engineer as soon as possible.

Other causes of drywall cracks can be due to the addition of heavy furniture or appliances. Over time, the weight of these items can cause a sagging of the roof or foundation and even a collapse of the wall itself. Other causes can include renovations that add an additional layer of materials over existing drywall or poor masonry work that leads to uneven pressure on walls and foundations. In some cases, a simple foundation repair may be all that is needed to fix these issues.

Holes

Whether from moving furniture, hanging something on the wall, or even kids playing around the house, holes in drywall are not only unsightly, but they can also let unwanted moisture and pests inside. In addition, they can make your home less energy efficient by letting heat and air escape through damaged regions of your walls.

Minor damage from nails and screws that popped or from general wear and tear often require only spackle or lightweight joint compound to fill in and smooth over, allowing the patch to blend seamlessly with the rest of your walls. Larger holes may be a bit more complicated to fix, as they will usually require cutting and nailing in a new piece of drywall. For larger repairs, a professional will likely need to assess the surrounding area for any electrical considerations and may need to install furring strips to secure the new drywall.

Like dents and scratches, nail holes are a fairly common and minor sign that your drywall needs repair. These can occur from accidental impacts, such as opening the door or hitting a wall too hard. These are also an indication that your door isn’t properly secured to the frame and should be replaced for safety.

If you’re planning to repaint your home, it is best to get any repaired drywall areas primed and ready for a fresh coat of paint before you do so. Adding a layer of primer will help the patched area to blend in better with your existing walls and prevent the new texture from being obvious or contrasting.

As drywall repair experts, we can match the texture of your walls and will ensure that your patch is seamless. For textured walls, we can use a roller or sponge to recreate the texture of your drywall, making it indistinguishable from the rest of the wall. We can also use spray texture, if needed, and will work with you to choose the right color for your walls.

Dents

Dents are another common drywall problem caused by furniture rubbing against the wall, kids playing, or general wear and tear. Unlike holes, which require patching and sanding, dents are often small enough to simply smooth over and paint. If you notice a dent in your drywall, you can hire a drywall contractor to do the job for less than it would cost to fix a hole.

When repairing a ding, the first thing you should do is clean the area thoroughly to ensure that the new drywall compound will bond with the back paper layer. If you have a deep dent and the gypsum has been affected, you may need to apply fiberglass mesh over the area and then patch and sand before painting.

You can also use a self-adhesive patch to repair a crack in drywall. This will help keep the crack from opening up again, but it’s important to make sure you have a utility knife and don’t cut any pipes or electrical cables. Once you have cleaned the crack and prepared it, you can apply a thin coat of spackling compound. You should also use a putty knife to smooth the surface and feather the edges.

Small dents are usually easy to repair, but large ones might require a bit more work. First, you should assess the damage and determine if it’s only on the top layer of drywall or if the gypsum has been affected. If it’s only the top layer, you can fill and sand the area before painting. Otherwise, you will need to remove the damaged section of drywall and patch it with a new piece.

Another way to repair a ding is by applying drywall mud or spackle over the dent and smoothing it with your putty knife. You should also feather the edges so that the patch blends into the wall. Once the drywall is dry, you can sand it lightly and then apply primer and paint.

When it comes to repairing dents, holes, and cracks in your drywall, hiring professional contractors is always the best option. It can save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run, and it will guarantee that the repairs are done correctly. You can also avoid paying for unnecessary repairs by implementing preventive measures, such as installing impact-resistant materials and teaching your family members how to treat walls with care.

Water Damage

Drywall is not water-resistant, and prolonged exposure to moisture will cause the wall to blister and sag. This is a sign that the structural integrity of the wall has been compromised, and the only way to restore it is by replacing it. Drywall that has been damaged by a leak, flooding or other water-related damage will be prone to mold and mildew. This can make the drywall look discolored, and it may have an unpleasant odor.

Water damage repair requires careful preparation, as contaminated water can lead to toxic mold growth. It’s important to inspect and locate the source of the water before beginning any work, and if necessary, bring in a professional mold remediation specialist. Once you have the source of the water under control, you can begin preparing to repair the drywall. Start by removing any damaged sections of drywall with a utility knife and mark off measurements before starting the actual repair. This will ensure that the new drywall is a perfect fit.

Once you’ve removed any damaged drywall, thoroughly dry the area with fans and dehumidifiers before continuing. This will prevent future damage to the drywall and help prevent the onset of mold.

If the affected areas of drywall are textured, it’s a good idea to practice on a scrap piece of drywall before trying to match the texture. This will ensure that the patched drywall blends in seamlessly with the surrounding wall texture and isn’t visible as an obvious repair.

If you’re experiencing drywall damage, contact your local PuroClean office. Our team of experienced technicians uses commercial-grade water extraction equipment, including air movers and dehumidifiers, to speed up the drying process and minimize damage. We’ll also use a moisture meter to determine the extent of the water damage and recommend the proper course of action. We specialize in drywall water damage repair, so you can trust us to get your home or business back to normal as quickly and safely as possible. Call today to schedule an appointment. We offer free estimates! We can also help you file a claim with your insurance company.