Monday, September 16, 2013

Drywall Hole Repair - What To Do

By Brian Winters


Drywall is widely used by the construction industry for covering walls and ceilings even though it is not the strongest material compared to wood laths and plaster. Typically, drywall is made of plaster or wood pulp that is pressed between thick sheets of paper. Take action as soon as your drywall breaks to avoid further damage.

No matter how small the repair is, it is important to take safety precautions when carrying out repairs. Do not forget to wear protective glasses, gloves and footwear for your safety. While the repair is ongoing, inform everyone not to enter the room and secure the area until the repair is finished.

Before carrying out repairs, prepare all the tools and materials needed. Remove torn edges around the hole with a utility knife for an easy finish. Make sure the knife is sharp enough to avoid having drywall flaps. For larger holes, remove the hole by cutting a square-shaped panel around it. Clean the surface area with trisodium phosphate to allow the panel to stick on the drywall. However, be careful not to get the drywall too wet to prevent escalating the problem.

Patch the drywall piece and tape its edges with a drywall tape. You can also use drywall screws to keep the panel in place. Using fiberglass mesh tapes are easier than paper tapes since they adhere to the wall without using joint compound. With a taping knife, squeeze the excess mud under the tape to avoid having a bumpy surface.

Apply a coating of joint compound over the patch and use a wide-blade putty knife to spread it evenly. A generous amount is not needed since this can cause your drywall to look bumpy, rough and unnatural. Let it dry before applying a new coating.

Sometimes, you may find it difficult to spread the compound evenly. When this happens, you can use a wet towel to wipe the putty knife clean before spreading the mud. Sand the surface area with drywall sandpaper to remove the imperfections. Once the surface is flat and smooth, apply a thin layer of finishing compound and flush it with your existing drywall.

You can now proceed to prime the area with at least two coats of primer to prevent the compound from drying up the paint. For spray paints, do not hold the nozzle too close to the panel to conceal the repair easily. Experts recommend using paint rollers than brushes to avoid having brush marks on your drywall.

You can always ask help from a specialist if you are not confident enough in repairing it on your own. Knowing how to patch a hole takes a lot of practice and patience to get it right. If you want to avoid costly repairs, call your local drywall experts immediately.




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