Dos and Don’ts of Drywall Repair

The need for drywall repair is a nearly inevitable part of being a homeowner. Whether you are faced with a nail pop, unseemly cracks, or more serious forms of damage, you may be wondering whether you should try to repair the problem yourself or call in help from a professional.

Although you may think that opting for DIY will help you cut down on costs and get the job done more quickly, this isn’t always the case. If what you want is a seamless finish without risking further damage, professional drywall repair is the way to go. If you do decide to go the DIY route, be sure to keep the following dos and don’ts in mind.

The Do’s of Drywall Repair

At The Patch Boys, we’re experts in the drywall repair process and have it down to a science. Here are some steps that homeowners often underestimate the importance of, but we never skip:

Properly prepare the area.

You can’t just jump into applying drywall compound to the affected area. For a flawless look that lasts, it’s important to take the time to conduct preparations. This means carefully cleaning the surface and removing loose bits of debris.

For larger holes, damaged areas may need to be cut away and replaced with a drywall patch. Of course, be extremely careful when doing so to avoid cutting hidden electrical cords.

Use the correct tools and materials for the job.

All too often, homeowners attempt to swap out the necessary tools and materials for whatever they have on hand. This can lead to noticeable imperfections and unnecessary frustration. For example, it’s important to use a putty knife designed for repairing drywall, not the kind you’d use for wood putty. Since the list of items you need for the job can get quite long, especially for your first try at drywall repair, you may find that the DIY approach isn’t necessarily the most cost-effective.

Apply the compound in thin layers, allowing each to dry properly.

While you may be eager to cover the damage as quickly as possible and get on with your weekend, patience is key during drywall repair. Apply the joint compound in thin layers and give each time to dry properly.

Once each layer has dried, sand it down to smooth the surface and prepare it for the next layer. Although this approach is time-consuming, you simply can’t rush the process if you want impeccable results.

The Don’ts of Drywall Repair

Wondering about some of the most common mistakes when it comes to DIY drywall repair? Here are just a few:

Overlooking popped nail heads.

Over time, your home will settle, which twists its framing. This motion causes the nails connecting the drywall to the wall studs to push outward and create a visible bulge. Called nail pops, these bulges can be temporarily remedied by tapping the nail head with a hammer, but they’re sure to pop back out again. For a lasting fix, you’ll need to insert drywall screws above and below the nail head and then cover up the holes with drywall spackle.

Failing to take safety precautions.

Depending on the extent of the damage, you may assume that drywall repair is a simple process without significant demands when it comes to health and safety. However, the drywall compound is made from fine particulate matter that shouldn’t be inhaled. Wearing a dust mask and safety glasses when sanding are safety protocols that shouldn’t be ignored.

Overestimating your abilities.

Even the smallest drywall job can start to become complicated when you take stock of the many steps involved, from buying the right supplies to avoiding electrical wiring, sanding, priming, and painting. Even if you pride yourself on having completed DIY projects in the past, you might be underestimating the skill and knowledge required to get this one done right. To avoid frustration and less-than-stellar results, we recommend calling on a professional drywall repair service like The Patch Boys.

Look to The Patch Boys for Your Drywall Repair Needs

Small mistakes during a drywall repair can lead to more significant issues down the road. With The Patch Boys managing your project, you can have total confidence that every aspect of the job will be done right on the first go-round. We are prepared to handle all of your drywall needs, from minor dents and dings to large holes. Plus, we’re more reliable than the average handyman and more flexible than general contractors. For a free, no-obligation quote, call 1-844-99-PATCH today!