Drywall & Plaster Repair FAQ's
|
Imperfections in drywall and plaster are very easy to spot, so experience really matters when you're tackling drywall repair and texturing. A good professional drywall contractor can make a repair blend so well you won’t be able to tell where the damage was.
Depending on when your home was built, the correct plaster or drywall fix could be very different, so drywall contractors must have extensive knowledge of what works for each particular drywall or plaster problem. |
|
1. Is drywall repair a good DIY job?
“Ask any homeowner about the most frustrating projects they’ve tackled and drywall or plaster will probably come up,” Brian Schwaller says. “It’s a difficult job to get right and hiring a professional is often a better option. We’ve repaired countless drywall holes and can complete the job quickly at a minimal cost.”
2. How messy is drywall repair?
Larger drywall repair jobs require multiple coats of joint compound, and sanding that creates a lot of fine dust. It’s very important to use dust protection to prevent it from getting into upholstery, HVAC ducts, etc.
3. How big a hole in drywall can I fix with spackle?
Spackle is designed to fill small, nail-sized holes and isn’t strong enough to patch large areas. Dents or holes larger than 1” across or 1/2” deep should be repaired with a mesh patch and drywall compound.
4. Are there different types of drywall?
Yes, there are multiple types of drywall that require different installation and repair techniques:
5. What is drywall finishing?
Drywall finishing involves taping, applying joint compound and sanding smooth the seams between drywall panels to create a seamless surface that is ready for texture or paint.
6. How hard is it to repair a textured wall or ceiling?
Repairing damage on a textured wall or ceiling can be frustrating because anything short of a perfect texture match will be obvious, even after it’s painted. “Blending in a textured match can be very difficult,” Schwaller says. “We get plenty of calls from homeowners who need a poorly done drywall repair or installation fixed, even some that were done by ‘professionals’.”
7. What are the common drywall textures? Can I change my wall texture?
Popular drywall textures include knockdown, skip trowel and orange peel. Popcorn ceilings were common in older homes but are now considered outdated. Yes, it is possible to change drywall texture, but it’s a big project that needs a professional drywaller for good results.
8. When should I call a professional drywall contractor?
Repairing minor damage like small holes and dents can often be DIY. New drywall installation, drywall texturing and repairing extensive damage such as large holes, cracks or water damage, require a professional drywall contractor.
9. How do I find a good drywall contractor?
Ask questions and read reviews. How long has the company been in business? Are the drywallers experienced? How will they protect your home from dust while they’re working? Make sure they are licensed, fully insured and provide a written estimate.
Drywall projects often mean more than just patching a hole. Here are some of the plaster and drywall problems that we regularly fix:
Schwaller’s also provides full-service drywall finishing, including hanging, taping, mudding and texturing services for remodeling and new construction. We know how important it is to meet contractor and customer timelines.
“Ask any homeowner about the most frustrating projects they’ve tackled and drywall or plaster will probably come up,” Brian Schwaller says. “It’s a difficult job to get right and hiring a professional is often a better option. We’ve repaired countless drywall holes and can complete the job quickly at a minimal cost.”
2. How messy is drywall repair?
Larger drywall repair jobs require multiple coats of joint compound, and sanding that creates a lot of fine dust. It’s very important to use dust protection to prevent it from getting into upholstery, HVAC ducts, etc.
3. How big a hole in drywall can I fix with spackle?
Spackle is designed to fill small, nail-sized holes and isn’t strong enough to patch large areas. Dents or holes larger than 1” across or 1/2” deep should be repaired with a mesh patch and drywall compound.
4. Are there different types of drywall?
Yes, there are multiple types of drywall that require different installation and repair techniques:
- Standard or regular drywall is the most common, used for interior walls and ceilings.
- Moisture-resistant drywall (AKA green board) has a mold and mildew resistant coating for high humidity areas like bathrooms, kitchens and basements.
- Fire-resistant (AKA type X or C) drywall has non-combustible fibers that help it withstand fire longer than standard drywall. Building codes typically require its use in garages, stairwells and between living spaces and attached garages.
- Soundproof (AKA acoustic) drywall is thicker and denser than standard drywall, with layers of gypsum and sound-dampening material to reduce noise transmission between rooms.
5. What is drywall finishing?
Drywall finishing involves taping, applying joint compound and sanding smooth the seams between drywall panels to create a seamless surface that is ready for texture or paint.
6. How hard is it to repair a textured wall or ceiling?
Repairing damage on a textured wall or ceiling can be frustrating because anything short of a perfect texture match will be obvious, even after it’s painted. “Blending in a textured match can be very difficult,” Schwaller says. “We get plenty of calls from homeowners who need a poorly done drywall repair or installation fixed, even some that were done by ‘professionals’.”
7. What are the common drywall textures? Can I change my wall texture?
Popular drywall textures include knockdown, skip trowel and orange peel. Popcorn ceilings were common in older homes but are now considered outdated. Yes, it is possible to change drywall texture, but it’s a big project that needs a professional drywaller for good results.
8. When should I call a professional drywall contractor?
Repairing minor damage like small holes and dents can often be DIY. New drywall installation, drywall texturing and repairing extensive damage such as large holes, cracks or water damage, require a professional drywall contractor.
9. How do I find a good drywall contractor?
Ask questions and read reviews. How long has the company been in business? Are the drywallers experienced? How will they protect your home from dust while they’re working? Make sure they are licensed, fully insured and provide a written estimate.
Drywall projects often mean more than just patching a hole. Here are some of the plaster and drywall problems that we regularly fix:
- Stress cracks from property settling
- Water damage
- Hole patching and repair
- Ceiling plaster repairs and texturing
- Wallpaper removal and drywall repairs
- Refinishing for electrical outlets and switches
- New drywall installation and finishing
- Texture matching
- Texture removal, including popcorn ceilings
Schwaller’s also provides full-service drywall finishing, including hanging, taping, mudding and texturing services for remodeling and new construction. We know how important it is to meet contractor and customer timelines.
