Drywall, also known as sheetrock, is the smooth board on your walls that covers the studs and insulation. Throughout the duration of its lifespan, occasions present themselves when the drywall needs repair and patching. This can be from a variety of reasons such as water damage, working on the electrical wiring, or accidents. The following techniques will demonstrate how to repair and patch the drywall successfully.
Remove the damaged portion. Depending on the size of the area requiring repair, it normally works best to cleanly cut and remove a section in the shape of a square around the damaged area. Keep your cutting as small as possible while completely removing the offending spot. A square cut makes for an easy replacement.
Cut your replacement piece. Measure the replacement piece by two methods to ensure as tight of fit as possible. Measure the hole in the wall and trace the dimensions onto the new piece of drywall. Drywall comes in ½ or 5/8 in thick slabs, so be sure your replacement piece is the same thickness as the existing wall. The second method of measurement is to lay the old piece of drywall onto the new and to trace the design. Both measurements should be the same. Make your cut and then carefully fit into the open space in the wall.
Finishing the patch. Now for the more difficult portion of the repair; making the patch blend into the existing drywall. Once you have the new piece tightly in place. You can either buy premixed plaster or mix it yourself. Place drywall tape along with a thin coat of plaster over each of the seams. Allow to dry, and then repeat with wide, thin coats of plaster, up to three or four coats. For optimum blending, it is best to create a wide seam with the plaster; the wider and smoother the plaster, the less obvious the repair on the wall. You want to avoid any mound or obvious difference in the consistency of the wall. After the plaster has dried completely, lightly sand the seams smooth. Now it is time to primer the spot and then to apply texture or whatever other finishes that is already on the surrounding area. Matching texture can be difficult, and can only be done well by a skilled and experienced carpenter.
Repairing drywall is actually required quite often, and although a patient do-it-yourselfer can definitely persevere and tackle the job, it will turn out better if completed by a professional. If you would like some assistance with your repair, request free estimates from licensed drywall contractors in your area today.
Drywall Patching / Drywall Water Damage / Drywall Hole Repair / Drywall Cracking
Our local Drywall Contractors are licensed, bonded and insured.
California Construction Center is a wonderful company. These guys are truly concerned with the happiness and satisfaction of the homeowner. The foreman was always asking me if I was happy with the work. If I wanted any changes made, they were taken care of right away. There was always someone available to take my calls, and if I did have to leave a message, I would get a call back in minutes. All unforeseen work that wasn’t incorporated into the original bid was addressed with out them asking for more money. I am sincerely very happy with them and the work. These guys seem to be the only company that tells the truth. They were upfront about every aspect of the project. Everything that was on the contract was done. They genuinely care about the customer.
California Construction center did a really great job for me. They pay a lot attention to customer satisfaction. The guys running the show do a great job planning and organizing, and the crew does a wonderful job executing. All and all, it was a very positive experience and I would happily recommend these guys to others.