Drywall Repair Naperville IL can be a tricky project. Hiring a professional is the best option to ensure a quality job and a paint-matching result.
Minor blemishes like dents, dings, or small nails and screw holes can be repaired with spackle. This simple repair requires a little patience but can be accomplished easily.
The drywall in your home expands and contracts as the seasons change, which causes it to shift and crack. These cracks are normally small and shouldn’t be a cause for concern unless they reappear or get wider. A professional should address cracks wider than 1/8 inch. Cracks that occur along with sagging drywall may indicate structural damage.
When drywall meets in corner, there is an L-shaped metal strip called a corner bead that helps prevent the drywall from cracking. However, these metal strips are not indestructible and can become dented by the vacuum cleaner, a child flinging a toy, or by moving furniture. These dents can be repaired by scraping away the loose debris and applying a thin coat of joint compound. Then sand the repair and feather out the edges so it blends into the rest of the wall.
Before you apply any drywall patch or spackle:
- Make sure the area around the crack is clean of dust, cobwebs, and debris.
- Use a putty knife to apply the first thin coat of joint compound.
- Once it dries, sand the surface smooth using coarse drywall sandpaper, then apply a second coat of compound and sand again.
The final step is to prime the spot.
Drywall patch and spackle can hide most minor holes and cracks, but they are not indestructible. If you have large, jagged cracks, or if they are accompanied by other signs of water damage such as discoloration, mold, or a musty odor you may need to call a professional.
When repairing cracks, you should always use a quality drywall compound. This is usually available in premixed buckets and comes in four different varieties, ranging from thick heavyweight to lightweight all-purpose. You should also consider wearing a respirator mask during the repair process to avoid inhaling the fine dust created when sanding. Inhaling gypsum dust can dehydrate the skin and cause respiratory problems. The best drywall compounds are high-strength or self-priming, but any type of mud will work in a pinch. For very deep dents, it is sometimes necessary to build up the repair with several layers of compound.
Water Damage
Water damage in drywall is a major problem and should be addressed as soon as possible. If left untreated, it can cause rot, mold growth, and other serious structural issues in your home. It is also a breeding ground for bacteria.
The first step to repairing water damaged drywall is finding the source of the leak and fixing it. This is the most important part of any drywall repair job. Once the underlying issue is resolved, the water damage will no longer be an issue.
If you’re unsure whether your drywall has water damage, it is recommended that you use a moisture meter to determine the moisture content of the wall. The meter will measure the level of moisture in the wall and give you an indication of how long the drywall has been exposed to water.
Once you’ve determined that your drywall is in need of repairs, the first step is removing any items that are on or near the affected wall. This includes pictures, mirrors, molding and baseboards. You’ll also want to remove any wallpaper that is on the wall. You can purchase a wallpaper removal solution at your local hardware store that will dissolve the wallpaper adhesive and allow it to be removed easily.
Next, you’ll need to assess the extent of the damage. If your drywall is completely saturated, it will need to be replaced. However, if the drywall is only slightly sagging or damp, you may be able to save it by cutting out the saturated section of the wall and applying a new patch. Once the damaged section of drywall is removed, it is recommended that you use fiberglass joint tape to cover the seams. This will prevent the drywall from becoming damaged again in the future.
If you suspect that you have a serious leak or if the drywall in your home is already showing signs of water damage, it’s recommended that you call your local PuroClean office for professional assistance. Our technicians will utilize specialized equipment, such as air movers, dehumidifiers and moisture meters, to dry the affected drywall and surrounding areas as quickly as possible. They will also address the cause of the water damage to ensure that it doesn’t happen again in the future.
Nail Holes
A landlord’s worst nightmare is a wall covered with nail holes left behind by tenants who used to hang family photos, decorative mirrors and abstract artwork. These unsightly holes aren’t uncommon and can be a turnoff to potential renters. However, luckily, they’re also not difficult to repair. Nail and anchor holes can be easily patched with spackle or drywall compound. If you follow the expert steps from this drywall repair blog, you’ll be able to hide these small marks in an afternoon.
The first step is to clean the area. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any dust and dirt on the surface of the drywall. If you notice any cracks or other damage, these will need to be repaired before continuing.
Next, prepare the area for spackling. Remove any remaining nails or anchors from the wall and if there are no signs of water damage, then you can proceed to sand down the surface of the drywall around each hole. This will help smooth the area and make it blend in with the rest of the wall.
You’ll want to purchase a tub of spackling paste or filler from your local hardware store. Choose a product that’s formulated for the surface you’re working with. Basic wood filler works if you plan on painting the patch, but for surfaces that will be stained or used in a construction project, look for something that’s specifically formulated for those purposes. A small putty knife is also essential for this drywall repair job. You can find a drywall specific putty knife at your hardware store, but it’s also possible to use a flexible plastic credit card type tool such as a retired Blockbuster video rental card.
Once the spackling has dried, sand the patch with a fine grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge. This will ensure that the bump in the wall is smooth and that it blends in with the rest of the drywall.
Once you’re satisfied that the spackled area looks smooth, it’s time to paint. Remember to choose a color that will be compatible with the rest of your walls. If the drywall is already white, then you’ll be able to get away with using just one coat of paint.
Spackle
Spackle can be used to fill minor cracks, nail holes and other blemishes on your drywall. It’s typically more elastic than joint compound and won’t shrink as much, which means you can use less in a single application. It is also less likely to leave unsightly marks behind if applied properly. It can be sanded down to an almost-perfect finish, unlike some other wall repair products that may leave a noticeable mark behind.
You can purchase ready-made spackle or make your own in a dry mix form. These powders are usually made of plaster of Paris, limestone, attapulgite, perlite and calcium sulphate dehydrate, and they contain low to no VOCs. They are easy to work with, even for beginners with minimal home improvement experience, and they require fewer steps than plaster to set up. However, they can be dusty, and some chemically sensitive people might want to consider using a different product that doesn’t contain crystalline silica.
Once the spackle dries, you can sand it with a block sander or fine-grit sandpaper to smooth down the surface and create an even appearance with the rest of your wall. It’s then time to prime and paint the repaired area to match the color of your existing wall. If you’re covering up a large area, repainting the whole wall might be necessary to hide any patched spots that stand out.
Depending on how much damage your drywall has sustained, you may need to call in a professional for help with the repair. The professionals can provide the proper materials and techniques for your specific situation, helping you get back a sturdy wall that is ready to be painted.
While you can do a few minor repairs on your own, it’s often better to leave the more significant problems for a pro to fix for you. If you have any questions or concerns about the condition of your drywall, contact us here to be matched with top-rated pros near you. It’s fast, free and easy! Enter your zip code to get started.