Las Vegas Drywall Repair is necessary in most homes, from minor blemishes to large holes. Rather than covering the damage with paint, repairing it properly will ensure a smooth and seamless result.
A good drywall contractor will use tools and techniques to achieve the best results. This includes a putty knife, hot water, sandpaper or fine-grit steel wool, and joint compound.
Drywall is tough, but it’s not indestructible. Over time, gypsum-board walls can develop ugly cracks and holes that leave homeowners with an eyesore. While professional contractors are better for building new walls or doing major repairs, most homeowners can learn how to repair drywall so that it looks like the walls were never damaged. With the right drywall tools and materials and the proper sanding techniques, homeowners can conceal unsightly dents, dings, and holes to make their homes look new again.
Minor dents and dings in drywall can be repaired with spackle, which is available at most hardware stores. It’s also known as drywall compound, spackling paste, or mud. When spackled properly, the small imperfections in drywall can be completely concealed by interior painting.
Nail or screw holes in drywall are another common problem that can be fixed with the same repair material. The most difficult aspect of nail or screw hole drywall repair is making sure the hole doesn’t show once it’s been filled, especially if your home has textured walls. This can be accomplished by hammering the nail or screw back into the wall, or by using plaster and a trowel to cover up the hole.
Larger holes in drywall may require a patch kit and some specialized spackling materials. The first step is to cut out the hole, which can be done with a drywall jab saw. Once the area is clean, it’s important to smooth the edges of the patch with a sanding tool and apply several skim coats of joint compound. Ideally, the last coat of sanding should be completed with 220-grit to ensure a seamless transition between the patch and the existing wall.
Structural settlement is a natural phenomenon that can cause drywall to crack, particularly in older homes with shallow foundations. It can be prevented by ensuring the house is built on a solid and properly prepared foundation, and regular inspections of the foundation for signs of sinking. In more severe cases, a masonry contractor can repair drywall that has been affected by structural settlement with mortar.
Drywall Repair Tools
A good drywall repair requires the right tools. The type of tools you need will depend on the size of the hole. For example, a small hole can be patched by hand with a putty knife. However, if the hole is larger, you will need a taping knife. These can be purchased at any home improvement store or from online retailers. These tools are inexpensive, and will allow you to make a professional-looking repair.
If you have a large hole to patch, you will need a drywall patch kit. These kits include everything you need to patch the wall. Look for one that includes the Prest-On Insta-back, a special tool that makes it easy to attach the replacement drywall. This will save you time and make the job much easier.
You will also need a drywall tape. Drywall tape comes in a variety of widths and thicknesses. Some are self-adhesive and can be applied to the surface of the wall with a putty knife. Other types of drywall tape require you to use a utility knife to cut along the edges of the hole.
Once you have the drywall patch, you will need some joint compound. Choose one that is quick-drying for a faster project completion. It should be easily mixed with a plastic cup, and should come with a mixing tray and stick to minimize mess. Some drywall joint compound will even have a primer in it, which can save you another step.
Finally, you will need a sanding pad to smooth the surface of the patch and the rest of the wall. This will ensure that the transition between the patch and the rest of the wall is hardly noticeable. For a truly professional finish, you should also feather the patch into the rest of the wall, both when applying the joint compound and during the sanding stage.
A popped nail is a common cause of damage to drywall. These nails can be reattached to the wall by driving them into a stud. If this is not possible, a drywall screw can be used.
Drywall Repair Materials
Drywall repair requires the right materials for the job. Depending on the size of the hole, you may need a patch kit, furring strips, joint tape, drywall screws and joint compound. If the damage is extensive, you’ll need a scrap piece of drywall and some mud and sanding supplies.
For small holes, you can use spackle or a premixed drywall joint compound. The latter comes in either lightweight or all-purpose formulations; the lightweight product dries faster and is easier to sand smooth. If you use the heavier, more traditional type of drywall compound, you’ll need to feather the edges to blend them into the rest of the wall.
If you’re fixing a dime-size or larger hole, you need to make sure that the compound or spackle you use is formulated for walls that will be painted. These products contain extra ingredients to help them bind to the drywall and hold sanding and other finishing touches. They also tend to set up quicker than other types of drywall compound.
To do the job properly, you need a good knife and a putty knife to apply the compound or spackle. If you’re using a drywall patch, remove the backing sheet and line up the patch with the hole. Then press it down and wipe your hands to ensure that the patch makes full contact with the back of the drywall.
You should also install some supports if the hole is large enough to prevent it from collapsing into the wall. A scrap piece of lumber, a 1-x 3-inch strip of plywood or a piece of scrap wood cut to the width of the hole is a suitable support. Screw these strips to the studs on either side of the hole.
If the hole is in a corner, you’ll need to replace the damaged section of the corner bead. You can use a utility knife to cut through the edge of the old corner bead about an inch vertically above and below the damaged area, then pry the severed corner bead away with a thin pry bar or straight-blade screwdriver. After you’ve removed the corner bead, you can install a new, pre-cut section of corner bead, following the instructions for Medium and Large hole.
Drywall Repair Techniques
Most drywall damage in homes involves minor indentations, scrapes, or holes. For these, a spackle or drywall patch kit can do the trick. Apply a thin layer of spackle or joint compound with a small putty knife, and smooth it with a second coat. Once it is dry, a light sanding should leave the area ready for interior painting. Voids such as screw holes tend to suck in drywall mud, so make sure the surface is completely dry before applying your first coat of mud.
A metal strip called a corner bead helps hold two pieces of drywall together at wall corners. This can get dented by a vacuum cleaner, a child flinging a toy, or moving furniture. Corner bead is pretty tough, but it isn’t indestructible. To repair a drywall corner bead, remove the damaged piece and replace it with a new section. Cover it with joint compound and a bit of textured tape, and you’re all set.
Larger drywall holes and damaged areas can require a bit more work to repair than simple dings and dents. For these, you need a drywall patch, a roll of mesh tape, a utility knife, and a putty knife. Mesh tape is helpful for fixing long cracks, and it strengthens and holds the drywall mud in place. It is especially useful when repairing larger holes, where you need to fill the entire hole in order to hide it with a patch.
If you’re dealing with a large hole, you should carefully assess the cause and extent of the damage to determine the best method for drywall repair. This step will help you gather the correct materials and avoid wasting time or money on a repair that won’t last.
If you’re using a patch to fix a hole, follow the instructions that came with the kit. You should also use a light sanding to make the patch blend with the surrounding drywall. When you’re done, you should be able to apply a fresh coat of paint and forget all about the hole that was there.