петък, 23 ноември 2018 г.

Professional Techniques For Drywall Repairs

By Brian Hughes


Drywall damage can arise from popped nails, small and large holes or even water leaks. These are some of the common problems that you are likely to encounter with your drywall. These problems are usually localized making them easy to repair. There are various ways you can carry out drywall repairs. Each of the methods is usually straightforward and easy to follow.

The most basic approach to any drywall problem is through patching using different supplies and finishing with a paint job. Concealing the repair job is usually the hardest part and you can easily achieve it by painting the area with leftover paint matching the rest of the wall. If you do not have any leftover paint, visit your paint store and have the same color mixed. When this is not an option for you, you can then repaint the rest of the wall with a new color.

Repairing small holes left by nails, screws or doorknobs is best done through patching the holes. The patches can be store bought but you can also use mesh tape. Once you cover the hole with mesh tape, you should press it to form an indentation. Then apply a joint compound to the patch. Three layers of the joint compound are recommended. Use a knife to force the compound through the mesh and into the hole. Do not build up the compound too much especially at the center or you will create a bump. When applying the second and third layers keep the center even as you apply the compound further.

If you are fixing a larger hole, you will follow a similar approach. This time, however, start by enlarging the hole by cutting back the loose drywall into a shape that you easily work with. This could be a square, circle or rectangle. Do this until you reach the solid drywall.

When the hole is too big to be fixed using a mesh tape, you can attach a drywall piece over the hole. The piece needs to be fitted and secured into the hole. You can opt to use drywall clips or even furring strips to fasten the patch on the hole. When you use the furring strips, secure the piece further with drywall screws.

Once this done, you can start patching the area and filling it with joint compound. Ensure that you do not build up too much compound at the center or else you will have a bump that will be visible when lighted in a certain way. The edges of the patch should be covered with fiberglass mesh tape. The tape can then be covered with a thin layer of joint compound.

Do not exceed the three layers of the joint compound while patching the area. Since the patch is fully secured it is a solid part of the drywall. You should therefore not be worried about it cracking or becoming loose.

When faced with a bigger drywall problem such as the need to cover a gap left after eliminating a door or window, you will need to add a frame to the opening before placing the patch. This makes it stronger before you can use furring strips or drywall clips to secure it. Once you are done covering the patch with compound, lightly sand the area before starting on the painting.




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