Drywall is one of the most common building materials in homes. Even though it is durable, drywall will eventually need repairs.

Patching a hole in drywall is not difficult for the do-it-yourself homeowner. Most small blemishes are easily repaired with spackle and lightweight joint compounds. The tricky part is blending the texture to make Drywall Repair Las Vegas invisible.

Small holes, dings, and scrapes in drywall can easily be repaired with a bit of spackle or joint compound. It’s a good idea to clean up and sand the area around the hole before you begin. This will help ensure that the patch you put on will adhere correctly. If the hole is very large, you may need to cover it with a bridging material for strength before applying the patch. A piece of fiberglass mesh works well for this and can be found in most drywall repair kits.

To avoid tearing off drywall and damaging the framing, use a stud finder to locate the studs on either side of the damaged area. If the hole is located between two studs, use a level to draw a straight line across the wall above and below it. Then, using a handsaw or drywall saw, cut along the lines you’ve drawn.

After removing the broken piece of drywall, lightly sand the entire area with a hand sander. Wipe away any sanding dust and clean up the area around the hole with a damp cloth. Next, measure the size of the hole and purchase a drywall patch that is slightly larger than the opening. Then, sand the edges of the patch and apply a coat of drywall joint compound. After the second coat of drywall compound dries, you can sand it again with a light grit and then prime and paint.

Drywall repair is a great do-it-yourself project because tools and materials are inexpensive and there is minimal risk to your home. But it’s important to know that there are certain projects that should be left to professionals, such as the removal and installation of electrical wires or plumbing pipes. If you’re not sure if a task is safe for DIY, consult a professional before attempting it yourself.

If you have a hole that’s about 6 inches in diameter, the best solution is to use a drywall patch. You’ll need to make the hole a perfect rectangle and use a framing square to draw the borders of the patch. Then screw in the patch with drywall screws along each edge. It’s also a good idea to tape the perimeter of the patch and apply at least two coats of drywall joint compound, feathering each one out into the surrounding wall.

Nail Pops

Drywall nail pops are small rounded blemishes where nails protrude from the drywall, creating indentations that can crack paint. Nail pops can seem minor, but it’s important to address them because they may be a sign of a larger problem.

The good news is that nail pops are usually cosmetic and simple to fix, making them a relatively easy do-it-yourself project. However, it’s worth noting that if entire rooms have nail pops, it might indicate that the original drywall installer used too few fasteners or did not drive them to the proper depth, which could lead to structural problems.

Nail pops are a result of the natural shifting and movement of wood or drywall in your home, and they often occur when the studs lose their grip on the drywall nails. This shift and movement is often caused by seasonal variations in moisture, which cause the timber to expand and contract, causing the drywall to move on the nails. Nail pops can also be a sign of foundation problems, especially if they are numerous and continue to happen over time.

To correct a nail pop, first locate the nail or screw in question and remove it using pliers or a drill. Then, screw in a new screw, making sure it goes just below the surface of the drywall and is not visibly above it. Then, apply a thin coat of joint compound or spackle to the popped nail or screw hole. Use a putty knife to smooth over the area, and then sand it to create a smooth, flat finish before painting.

While nail pops are typically cosmetic, they should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming more severe or allowing water in the walls. It’s also a good idea to replace any drywall that is prone to nail pops, as this will help keep your home looking its best and maintain its value.

Nail pops can be a sign of foundation problems, and they should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your home. It’s also a good idea for homeowners to regularly perform a thorough inspection of their property, especially in areas where water and moisture are common.

Tears

When a wall is hit hard enough with a hammer or a doorknob, the drywall can tear, especially in corners and around windows or doors. Like nail holes, these can be patched up but are more likely to leave unsightly blemishes in the wall. In many cases, the drywall will also be cracked behind the hole that cannot be seen. If you notice a crack, it’s best to call in a professional to inspect the cause of the cracking and to fix it.

Using a putty knife, spread a thick layer of joint compound over the torn area. This helps to fill the gouges, and you can create a smooth transition between the intact paper surface and the new drywall mud. Make sure the mud extends an inch or so beyond the edge of the torn area. This will help keep the repair hidden once it is painted.

When the mud dries, you can use fine grit sandpaper or a drywall sanding sponge to smooth it out. The goal is to make the repaired area so smooth that you won’t even be able to see where the tear was. Once the sanding is complete, it’s time to paint.

Small holes and nail pops can be patched over without affecting the integrity of your walls, but large holes will decrease the strength of your walls. If your drywall is extremely damaged, it may be better to replace the entire section of your wall.

Moisture is a major concern when it comes to drywall repair and replacement. Mold can thrive in a moist environment and can destroy the structure of your home. If you notice signs of water damage in your drywall, it’s important to consult with a professional about possible mold remediation and other issues that can arise from untreated moisture problems.

Whether you have a few small drywall holes or extensive water damage, your drywall repair specialist can handle the job and get your home looking good again. We will work with you to restore your home’s value and the look of your rooms.

Cracks

A recurring crack in drywall should be addressed immediately. Unlike small holes and nail pops, recurring cracks can indicate serious structural problems in your home. The good news is that, with a little bit of careful analysis and hard work, you should be able to fix these more significant issues.

One of the main causes of cracks in drywall is natural wear-and-tear. If you live in a multi-family housing unit, for instance, tenants will bump into walls and crack the drywall. Cracks also result from water damage and can be a sign of a larger problem like a leaky roof or window.

In this case, you should seek professional help instead of trying to handle the drywall repair yourself. A professional can identify the cause of the crack and address it at its source to prevent further damage.

Another common cause of recurring cracks in drywall is stress from expansion and contraction. This process happens naturally in any solid material, but it is especially stressful on drywall. Drywall is also susceptible to expansion and contraction when it meets other materials, such as doors, windows or concrete (Image 1).

To reduce the chance of a recurring crack, make sure you use the correct thickness of drywall for your home. Thicker drywall is more durable and can withstand a greater amount of stress than thinner drywall. Also, use a heavy duty drywall tape to ensure that the seams are secure.

If your drywall is showing signs of cracking, use a patch kit to fix the area. These kits are designed to fix holes about the size of a doorknob. But if the crack is much wider or appears along with a sagging ceiling, you should call in a professional to investigate and resolve the issue.

Another way to prevent recurring cracks in drywall is to install a metal corner bead on all exterior corners of your home. This is a thin strip of L-shaped metal that can be used to protect the drywall corners from being damaged. However, this is an extra step and may not be practical in every home.