Drywall maintenance are an unavoidable part of life in any home or business atmosphere. Damaged ceilings and walls can occur for many reasons: water, young children, pets, teens, social gatherings, etc.



Most interiors tend to be covered with gypsum wallboard aka drywall or Sheetrock. It is solid yet very easy to indent or poke holes in and will transform into mush once water damage happens. Damage can arise with normal daily life thanks to pets and individuals. Bumping the doorknob into the drywall can leave a permanent impression or even a hole if there is no preventative baseboard stopping system.

Splits, dents, peeling joint tape and gaps are some of the top drywall damage issues. These issues must be fixed properly before applying fresh paint. Most sheetrock impairment can be easily repaired. The ruined portions may be fixed by incorporating research and the proper tools.

Safety is the main dialogue for any DIY project. It isn’t that difficult to fix drywall problems but essential to educate yourself on the proper safety protocol prior to fixing window gaps, saggy roofs and doorknob scars.

Back Care Is Important With Drywall Repairs

Careful carrying is essential, or you'll be in pain. Drywall typically can be purchased in 2-foot square pieces for minor repairs or 4x8 foot sheets. Most contractors buy large quantities and then cut down the size they need from full sheets. Always bear in mind that a full piece of ½-inch drywall weighs in at roughly 54 pounds.

Plan your pickup and shipping and delivery accordingly by employing help in advance. This is an difficult and heavy load. Lift with your knees and not with your back. Never attempt to lift alone. Take caution when placing drywall up against a wall as it might fall over and smash a child or pet.

Empty Buckets Can Kill Kids

While you can purchase premixed joint compound in a variety of different bucket sizes, many select 5-gallon buckets. These are a dangerous threat to young toddlers and small kids. They could fall accidentally headfirst into the bucket while innocently glancing in. Even in only an inch of water, they are able to drown. Don't leave buckets outdoors to catch rainwater. If you use containers for carrying supplies as opposed to mixing things, think about drilling holes through the sides and base for extra safety.

Drywall Dust Cleanup

Any time you sand the joint compound down, it generates layers of annoying dusty particles. This contains minute gypsum particulates and silica, which makes it a respiratory irritant. Safeguard your lungs by wearing a secure dust mask or even better, a dual-cartridge respirator. If possible, establish a well-ventilated area by cracking open windows and doors.

Implement somebody to follow you closely with a shop vac to trap any sanding dust. Only utilize a shop vac that is Hepa filtration system certified. IOnce you've finished the area, use your domestic vac to remove even more of the dust. After vacuuming, it is time to mop the floors and utilize a wet rag on all ledges, fireplace mantle, shelving, baseboards, etc. to eradicate residual dust. Tape off all heater grills with a piece of paper or your drop cloth to eliminate dust from settling there.



Which Type of Joint Compound Do You Need?

Realize that there are two main varieties of premixed drywall compounds. You can get lightweight products as well as all-purpose types which work differently. The lightweight version is roughly the weight of the all-purpose version and requires less drying time. This particular product doesn’t require a ton of effort for sanding. The all-purpose compound costs less and dries harder than the lightweight version.

Either compounds are really easy to apply. These items can continue to be at room temperature for roughly nine months. Choose a 5-gallon bucket when you have sizeable drywall repairs to complete.


There is a dry-mix joint compound available too. This is a powder form product that needs to be mixed to the right consistency with water before you apply. With regards to economical choices, the dry-mix compound is cheaper than premixed versions. The premix version is speedier and easier to apply; specifically for DIY choices.

Common Doorknob Issues

We’ve all seen it. The semi-circle, hole, or circular indent within the drywall behind the door occurs from opening too rapidly. It can transpire even when the door was opened casually, unfortunately, if there's no stopper to catch it. Easy solutions include peel-and-stick restoration patches. These safeguards consist of an adhesive-backed screen made from aluminum. It has a fibreglass mesh for reinforcement. It is devised for quick application. Simply remove the backing and press the patch over the hole.

Take a four to six-inch-wide drywall knife and set the joint compound on top of the patch. Be sure to apply enough pressure to gently press the joint compound throughout mesh. When the compound dries, perform some light sanding and then apply a second, thinner compound coat. Extend this next coat slightly by a few inches beyond the first coat. Do this process a third time and when everything has dried, lightly sand the surface. When your patch is smooth and perfect, you're for priming and painting.

Drywall Cracks

Drywall splits are seen vertically below and above windows and doors. These hairline cracks are often caused by lumber shrinkage and settling in the house frame. Begin with a sanding sponge to sand the crack properly. Vacuum the fracture to remove all of the debris and dust as soon as your sanding is complete.

These cracks are frequently found below or above doors and windows. These vertical splits tend to be caused by the house frame settling due to lumber shrinkage. Use a sanding sponge to prep the splits. First, smooth them with sanding after which vacuum away the dust. Place a thin coat of joint compound in to the crack with a putty knife. When it has dried, sand it smooth and vacuum. Repeat and apply a second thin coat. After the repair is complete and flush with the rest of the drywall, you are ready for priming and painting.