Drywall, also known as gypsum board, is a cost-effective and durable construction material. However, drywall is prone to damage that can cause structural problems and require expensive repairs.
Small holes can often be repaired by filling them with drywall joint compound (or mud) and then sanding it down. However, large holes or cracks should be left to professional contractors. Contact Drywall Repair Naperville IL now!
Nail pops are little protrusions on the surface of your walls and ceiling that result when nails used for securing drywall pull away from their original positions. These blemishes aren’t just unsightly; they can point to serious structural issues and indicate that it’s time for a foundation inspection.
They’re typically caused by changes in humidity and temperature, improper installation techniques, or a home’s foundation shifting over time. As the wood framing that supports your drywall expands and contracts, the nail or screw loses its grip and comes out of the stud. This causes the popped nail or screw to stick out of the wall’s surface, which can crack paint and cause a bumpy appearance.
Fortunately, nail pops are relatively easy and inexpensive to fix. First, identify the popped nail or screw by running your hand over the surface of your wall or ceiling to feel for raised areas or bumps. A stud finder can also help you pinpoint the location of these blemishes. If possible, circle the nail or screw with a pencil to make it easier to locate again later.
Once you’ve identified the problem area, tap lightly on it with a hammer to see if it will respond. If it does, use a hammer fitted with a small smooth head to gently hammer the fastener back into place. If not, try a drill with a #2 Phillips bit to drive the offending nail back below the surface of the drywall.
After you’ve tapped out the offending nail or screw, use a drill to insert two new screws about an inch above and below the popped location. This helps to prevent the offending nail from popping out again in the future and provides added support to your drywall.
Nail pops are usually only a cosmetic issue, but if you notice them everywhere in your house, it’s likely time to call a foundation repair specialist for an inspection. In many cases, these bumps are a sign of a more serious foundation issue, such as settlement or water damage. A reputable foundation contractor can help you determine the root of your problem and repair it for a lasting, healthy home.
Water Damage
Drywall is a relatively sturdy material, but water damage can cause major problems for homeowners. It can sag or collapse when wet, leaving unsightly marks on walls and ceilings and requiring expensive repairs. It can also lead to mold and mildew that threatens the health of occupants. Fortunately, there are many ways to fix water damage in drywall and restore the appearance of your home.
First, identify the source of the moisture and stop it if possible. Then, dry out the area by opening windows and running fans. After the room is dry, you can start repairing the damage. Before attempting to repair a water damaged drywall, make sure to put down drop cloths or tarps to catch any drywall pieces or dust that might fall off the ceiling during the process.
Next, inspect the damage for signs of mold and mildew. If you see mold spores, it’s important to call in a professional service right away. Mold spores can be toxic to humans and can exacerbate any existing allergies or respiratory issues.
If you find no evidence of mold or mildew, a small amount of water damage can usually be repaired without the help of a professional. Drywall compound can be used to fill the crack in a drywall seam, but it is important to use the correct type of drywall compound. Regular all-purpose drywall compound will work in most cases, but you can also purchase a lightweight variety that is easier to sand.
Once you have the proper compound, apply a thin coat to the wall surface where the old tape was removed. Then, place a strip of fiberglass tape over the seam, bridging the gap between the ends of the existing tape (Image 4). Use a putty knife to smooth wrinkles and bed the tape into the compound.
If you have a large area of water damage in your home, it may be best to call in a professional. They can assess the damage and determine if it’s possible to salvage your walls or if you need to replace them altogether.
Loose Tape
When drywall tape begins to peel off of a wall or ceiling it creates an unsightly mess and allows moisture in where it doesn’t belong. This can also damage the drywall beneath and cause additional problems. Luckily, this is an easy fix and it’s no more difficult than doing a regular patch job. First, use a utility knife to cut along the loose section of tape, being careful not to rip it off completely. Then, remove the loose section of tape and re-tape the area using new drywall compound. This time, be sure to put a thick enough bead of caulk underneath the tape, this will prevent further loosening and keep it from pulling away from the drywall again.
This can happen if the taping wasn’t done properly, usually due to a lack of mud being used in the joint. It can also be caused by temperature fluctuations, or even just a bad install. It seems like the original installers of this garage drywall job did not use enough mud under the tape and just pressed it in there.
If you notice this problem it is important to make a note of where the loose tape is located, and then check the rest of your work for similar problems. This will allow you to correct the problem in a timely manner, and save yourself a lot of time in the future.
Another common issue with drywall is paint bubbles. This is a sign that the mud didn’t dry before you painted over it. You can usually resolve this by scraping the paint off and re-mudding the area. Be sure to use proper technique and apply multiple thin coats, letting each one dry fully between each application.
If you have a popcorn ceiling, you may have to re-do the texture as well. Homax has a popcorn touchup kit in spray cans that works great for this, you can find it at most home improvement stores that handle drywall supplies. It comes with the spray can and a pre-mixed texture, just spray it on and wait for a light skin to form, then lightly sand and you’re good to go!
Cracks
Cracks appear in walls for a variety of reasons. Most of the time, they are harmless and can be repaired easily with wall crack filler. However, some cracks can be a sign of serious issues and should be addressed by professionals.
When a house settles, it can cause small cracks to appear in the walls. This is particularly common in older homes, as the building moves into its foundations and compacts over time. Usually, these cracks are no more than a few inches wide and are most noticeable near doors and windows.
Hairline cracks that are straight and follow the seams of drywall can also occur due to temperature changes or humidity fluctuations. These are often not serious and can be filled in with a simple spackling paste or can be painted over. Cracks that are crooked or diagonal may indicate more serious structural problems and should be checked by professional engineers.
Holes in drywall are another frequent problem that requires a quick repair. Holes in drywall can be caused by nails protruding through the sheet or from tools used for construction, renovation or painting. They can also be a result of water damage or from condensation. Regardless of the cause, holes should be repaired quickly to maintain the value of your home and reduce the risk of mold.
Drywall ceiling repair is more complicated than repairing drywall in the walls of your home. Ceilings are harder to reach, and the repairs are more extensive. They may also require the removal of more than one piece of drywall to fully repair. In addition to the cost of materials, a ceiling drywall repair can be more expensive because it takes more time to do.
If you find a crack in your home, it is important to monitor it over time to determine whether the crack is continuing to grow or is resolving. A professional engineer can evaluate the problem and recommend a course of action for proper repair. They can also help you identify the source of the issue to prevent it from occurring again in the future.