The longer you work at your company or reside in your home, the more rampant drywall repairs will become. Damaged walls and ceilings can happen for many reasons: water, small kids, pets, teenagers, social gatherings, etc.



Most interiors are usually covered with gypsum wallboard aka drywall or Sheetrock. It is sturdy yet very easy to indent or poke holes in and will turn into mush once water damage happens. Everyday living with people and pets can easily cause accidental destruction. Bumping the doorknob in to the drywall can leave a permanent impression or a hole if there is no protective baseboard stopping system.

Widespread drywall damage includes dents, holes, cracks, and ripping joint tape. It really is pointless to paint over these drywall challenges if you don’t adequately repair them first. Most drywall damage can be easily resolved. With the right hand tools and products plus a little know-how, you can certainly fix the damaged areas.

Safety is the first theme for any DIY project. Fixing the most common drywall issues is not that tough. Discover ways to take the right safety measures before tackling sagging ceilings, cracks under windows and doorknob imprints.

Mind Your Back When Working With Drywall

Carrying drywall carefully is essential or you can hurt your back. Small drywall repairs can be purchased in 2-foot square pieces or you will find 4x8' sheets for sale. Since it is less expensive to buy in bulk, most contractors cut the measurements they need from full pieces. It is important to be aware that a complete sheet of ½ inch sheetrock is approximately 54 lbs.

Employ help in advance of your pickup and delivery in order to save your back. Always lift with your knees and never your back as this is a significant and awkward load. Never plan on moving drywall by yourself. Be mindful when leaning pieces up against a wall as they can fall over and crush pets and children.

Empty Buckets Can Kill Kids

There's a premixed joint mixture available in a wide range of sizes; however, many select 5-gallon buckets. Young children and small children need to be protected from 5-gallon buckets. If a little one leans over to look into the bucket, they can accidentally tumble headfirst in. Regrettably, kids can easily drown in just one inch of water if they become trapped in the bucket. Never leave buckets outside in the rain. If you use pails for carrying supplies as opposed to mixing things, consider drilling holes through the sides and base for extra safety.

Clean Drywall Dust

The sanding of joint compound during drywall maintenance creates a ton of fine, irritating white dust. This creates a respiratory irritant because it is full of fine particulate matter including gypsum and silica. This creates a respiratory irritant because it's full of fine particulate material including gypsum and silica. Work in a well-ventilated spot when possible.

Have someone close with a shop vac to collect dust when you are sanding. Only use a shop vac that is HEPA filter certified. ITake away even more dust after with your household vacuum. After vacuuming, it's time to mop the floors and apply a wet rag on all ledges, fireplace mantle, shelves, baseboards, etc. to eradicate residual dust. If you will be drywall sanding close to a heater vent, tape it off ahead of time either with your drop cloth or a sheet of paper to stop dust from settling into your vents.



Which Type of Joint Compound Do You Need?

Recognise that there's two designated types of premixed drywall compounds to pick from. These items function differently. There is an all-purpose compound and also a lightweight compound. The lightweight edition is roughly the weight of the all-purpose version and requires less drying time. It requires less effort for sanding. The all-purpose version is less expensive and dries harder.

Easy application is recognized for either compound. For an estimated nine months, these joint compound items may last at room temperature. Purchase the 5-gallon bucket should you have many repairs to do.


There's also a dry-mix joint compound for sale. This is a powder form product that needs to be mixed to the right consistency with water before using. The dry-mix compound is among the most economical version compared to the pre-mixed options. However, the pre-mix is faster and easier to use for DIY repairs.

Common Doorknob Damage

Doorknob devastation is everywhere. That flawless circle or semi-circle indentation on the drywall from where a door was opened a little too boldy. This is a common issue anytime there is no door stopper, even if the door is opened gently. A peel-and-stick maintenance patch can be a simple solution. This repair has an adhesive-backed screen of aluminum that is reinforced with fibreglass mesh. These have been created for easy application. Successfully patch the hole by peeling off the backing and holding it into place.

Take a four to six-inch-wide drywall knife and put the joint compound on top of the patch. Be sure to apply enough pressure to gently press the joint compound through the mesh. Once the compound dries, do some light sanding and apply a second, thinner compound coat. Extend this subsequent coat slightly by a few inches over the first coat. Repeat the process for a third time and sand all of it again lightly after it has dried. After it is smooth and seamless, prime and paint your patch.

Cracks In the Drywall

Drywall cracks are seen vertically below and above windows and doors. Often, these minor cracks are created as the house settles in its frame and the lumber shrinks. Begin with a sanding sponge to sand the crack properly. After sanding, vacuum the crack to clear out all loose dust and debris.

These kinds of cracks are frequently found below or above doors and windows. These vertical cracks tend to be caused by the house frame settling due to lumber shrinkage. Use a sanding sponge to prep the fractures. Sand them even and vacuum the crack to clean it well. Take a putty knife and use a thin layer of joint compound. After it has dried out, sand it smooth and vacuum. Repeat and apply a second slim coat. Once the repair is finally completed and flush with the rest of the drywall, it is time to prime and paint.