How to Repair Drywall
Drywall is used in 96 percent of all homes, so it’s no surprise that it can get damaged and require repair. Fortunately, drywall damage can be relatively inexpensive and straightforward to fix yourself or with the help of a professional.
Smaller holes and dents are typically less costly to repair than larger cracks or drywall splinters. However, large drywall cracks can be signs of serious structural issues that should be evaluated by a professional before attempting to fix them yourself.
The cost of repairing drywall will depend on the size and extent of the damage, as well as the tools and materials you need to complete the work. A minor patch kit will likely cost a few dollars, while larger repair jobs may involve specialized tools and more complex techniques.
Holes in a Drywall Wall
Holes are common in a home’s drywall, and they can happen for a variety of reasons. For example, hammering in nails too hard or aggressively moving furniture while clearing space for cleaning the floor can leave a hole behind that needs to be repaired. In this case, you might need to enlarge the hole, but don’t cut into it until you’ve made sure there are no wires or plumbing lines running through the space behind the hole.
When holes are only a few inches wide, they can be easily fixed using a small patch kit that includes fiberglass mesh. The patch is self-adhesive and requires just a few minutes of prep time before applying it to the wall, but you’ll need a utility knife, joint compound and tape measure.
Step 1: Apply the patch to the wall with a small amount of joint compound, and cover it with a second coat. Let it dry, then lightly sand it to blend the repair with the wall.
Once the patch is fully dry, use a putty knife to fill in all of the gaps and create a smooth surface. This is a good time to skim over the area to remove any excess spackle that may have come loose during the drying process.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the entire patch has a smooth, uniform finish. Then, sand it until the surface is as smooth as possible and paint it to match the surrounding wall.
Dings and dents in drywall can be difficult to locate, so it’s a good idea to inspect the entire room for any damage that might need to be addressed before you begin the spackling process. You can also take advantage of the time you’ll spend spackling to fill in many of these dings and dents at once, saving you time and money in the long run.
Regardless of how you decide to proceed with drywall repair, the most important thing is to be patient and follow instructions carefully. Taking the time to do the job right the first time will help you save money and ensure that the final product is a quality one. Moreover, you’ll have a lot more confidence and peace of mind when the work is done!