Drywall has a long lifespan and can last up to 50+ years, but it is not indestructible. Cracks and holes may appear over time. They are also susceptible to water damage from leaks or flooding, which can result in mold growth. When there is a hole in the wall, whether you are a tenant or a landlord, you may be tempted to cover it with a painting.
It is easier to learn how to repair walls, in most cases you can do it yourself, without hiring a professional. Here’s a three-step drywall repair process and tips on when to call in the professionals. Before starting the project, make sure that the material you are working with is drywall.
Materials:
- grinder
- mesh (fiberglass or aluminum)
- sandpaper
- spatula
- paint in the appropriate color
Instructions for building a wall made of plasterboards
Step 1: Stick the mesh to the wall
Cut the mesh to the right size. Lay the mesh down to see how much excess needs to be removed – there should be about 2cm left around the opening. Put some putty on the back of the mesh and stick it by pressing it down, then let it dry.
Step 2: putty the wall
Apply the putty generously to the mesh, creating a circle of approximately 7.5 cm in diameter around it. Use a sander to spread it on the wall for a smooth finish. Since the putty dries and hardens quickly, keep the sander clean by dipping it in water and cleaning with a cloth. After applying the putty to the wall, let it dry. You’ll know it’s dry when it’s no longer sticky to the touch.
Step 3: Smooth and paint the wall
Then gently smooth the putty using paper or an abrasive sponge. Align the edges with the wall, being careful not to reach the mesh. Repeat step two if necessary. Finally, wipe the wall with a damp cloth to remove sanding residue.
Tip: For easy color matching, cut a small piece of paint wall next to the hole. It will need to be fixed anyway! You can take this snippet to a paint store and match it directly to the swatches available in the store.
When to call the professionals?
As with any DIY project, sometimes you need to know when to get expert help to fix damage. Signals to pay attention are when the wall is still soft after going through three steps or when you notice more cracks. Call in a professional to avoid further problems such as mold or structural damage. A professional will have a different approach to each repair process, depending on the extent of the damage. When a large section of the wall needs to be repaired, the damaged area of drywall is cut out and replaced with a new piece by applying tape and plaster. Another method is to use gypsum putty and putty. In any case, the surface must be sanded before applying primer and paint. Large fiber tapes can be used to repair medium-sized cracks, while smaller areas require only joint compound and drywall tape.
Make repairs as often as necessary to freshen up your space and get your deposit back. Next time you can use the pole finder to fasten the heaviest elements without compromising valuable plasterboards. It is worth investing the time and effort in learning how to repair drywall walls yourself to avoid the additional costs associated with hiring professionals. With the three steps outlined above, you can effectively repair cracks and holes while keeping your walls in good condition, which can lead to financial savings and the preservation of your property’s value.
