Pages

Professional Techniques For Drywall Repairs

By Brian Hughes


Popped nails, holes and water leaks are some of the most common drywall problems. Fortunately, these problems are usually localized and this makes them very easy to repair. Drywall repairs are fairly straightforward and there are various methods you can use to fix any physical damage.

The basic approach to fixing a drywall problem is to patch the problem area using different supplies and then painting over the patch. The major challenge that you are likely to face is when concealing the repair job. To do this you should use the leftover paint and blend in the job with the rest of the drywall. If you do not have any paint left over, you can also visit a local paint store and get the color mixed for you. In the absence of this, you may have to repaint the entire wall after you finish the repair works.

Small holes can be created by nails, doorknobs or screws after they are removed. Such holes are best repaired by patching them with store bought patches or mesh tape. The first step is to cover the hole with the patch and form an indentation by pressing the patch hard. Once you form the indent, cover it with joint compound. You can use the handle of a knife to force more compound through the mesh tape. Even out the compound to avoid creating a bump at the center as you apply two more layers.

If you are fixing a larger hole, you will follow a similar approach. This time, however, start by enlarging the hole by cutting back the loose drywall into a shape that you easily work with. This could be a square, circle or rectangle. Do this until you reach the solid drywall.

When the hole is too big to be fixed using a mesh tape, you can attach a drywall piece over the hole. The piece needs to be fitted and secured into the hole. You can opt to use drywall clips or even furring strips to fasten the patch on the hole. When you use the furring strips, secure the piece further with drywall screws.

Once this done, you can start patching the area and filling it with joint compound. Ensure that you do not build up too much compound at the center or else you will have a bump that will be visible when lighted in a certain way. The edges of the patch should be covered with fiberglass mesh tape. The tape can then be covered with a thin layer of joint compound.

Do not exceed the three layers of the joint compound while patching the area. Since the patch is fully secured it is a solid part of the drywall. You should therefore not be worried about it cracking or becoming loose.

During remodeling follow a similar approach when fixing an even larger hole such as a gap created by an eliminated door or window. The furring strips and drywall clips may not be sufficient in securing the patch and you may have to add a frame. Afterward lightly sand the area before you proceed to paint it.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment