Drywall, also known as Sheetrock or wallboard, can be easily damaged from water, accidents and general wear and tear. The longer you live in your home, the more likely it is you’ll have to hire professional Rockwall drywall repair services. From accidents caused by playing children to water damage that's caused by excess moisture, dents, cracks and holes all need to be repaired right away.
While Sheetrock is easily damaged, the good news is that completing drywall repair in Rockwall is relatively straightforward when completed by an expert. Our team of Rockwall handyman professionals are such experts. Highly skilled, each of our drywall repairmen are able to expertly replace and patch wallboard. Upon finishing the repair, we'll paint over the patch or new board, so you won't even know where the damage was to begin with.
In this blog post we’ll outline some common causes of damage in Rockwall and why it’s important to repair damage as soon as possible. For those of you who enjoy tackling home improvement projects, we’ll also cover the basic steps for DIY drywall repair.
However, if DIY home improvement tasks are not for you, then put your trust in our experts at Mr. Handyman of Rockwall. We always put customer satisfaction first and will work hard to earn your trust and business with every job.
Why Choose Mr. Handyman for Rockwall Drywall Repair?
If you're DIY inclined, then you might take a stab at Rockwall drywall repair on your own. However, if you're like the majority of people living in and near Rockwall, then it's likely you’d prefer the job gets done right the first time with help from a trained technician. Our experts can help with a range of home improvements, including Rockwall drywall repairs.
Repairing cracks and holes. First, our team will assess the severity of damage. Then, we’ll provide a solution for a long-term fix. That could mean patching a small hole or replacing an entire sheet.
Home renovation installation. Updating your kitchen and need to knock down and build a new wall? We can help with that. We’ll stick to schedule as much as possible, be transparent with you through every step of the renovation process, and work with you to bring your unique vision to life.
Repairing flood damage/burst pipe damage. It can feel overwhelming while trying to get everything back to normal when a burst pipe damages your walls. Don't worry however, because the team at Mr. Handyman is in your corner. We'll help to get rid of damaged drywall, clean up the resulting mess and install new sheets efficiently.
Painting services. Our team will see your drywall repairs through from beginning to end, including expertly painting over the patch. We’ll ensure your walls have a smooth, elegant finish.
Smoothing ceiling texture and repairing ceiling damage. Do you live in an older house and have always disliked your popcorn ceiling? Or maybe your upstairs bathroom flooded and damaged the first floor ceiling? Our team can help with a range of ceiling repairs.
Common Causes of Damage in Rockwall, TX
Sometimes, the reason you have a hole in the wall might be obvious. For instance, you were hammering a nail just a little too hard and the hammer went through the wall. However, some causes of cracks, dents and water stains might not always be obvious. The following are a few common reasons why you may need Rockwall drywall repair services.
Moisture. Poor ventilation, burst pipes, flooding or improper drainage in your home increases the amount of moisture getting into your walls. Moisture causes a wide range of problems, including: sagging, staining and mildew growth.
Regular wear and tear. Wear and tear is a part of life. Doors slam into the wall, hanging pictures can go horribly wrong, and moving furniture can cause damage. And when these types of issues happen, sometimes it means you need drywall repair services.
Settling homes. It’s natural for your house to settle into the earth it's built on over time, because the earth surrounding it erodes and shifts. Yet, those shifts can crack your wallboard.
Holes from drywall anchors. Unless you're nailing directly into a stud, many heavy items such as TVs, large paintings or shelving units need anchors to stay secured to the wall. When these anchors are removed, they leave holes behind that your Rockwall handyman expert is happy to fill-in and patch.
Why Bother With Drywall Repair?
Although many homeowners in Rockwall put off this important repair job, it's essential to deal with damaged wallboard right away. It's also important to note that sometimes issues with your Sheetrock could be a sign of a bigger issue in your home. For example, a small water stain might actually be evidence of a leaking pipe or insufficient ventilation in your bathroom. Putting off the repair can have dire consequences down the road. There are many reasons why it’s important to hire a Rockwall drywall repair service as soon as you notice a problem.
Promptly Deal With Water Damage
Drywall is a very porous material. Unfortunately, this means that bacteria can grow when it's exposed to a high moisture content. Due to the material's porous nature, it can be almost impossible to get rid of this bacteria once it sets foot in your walls, which means repairs usually aren’t enough. Once damaged by moisture or humidity, your wallboard needs to be replaced immediately—otherwise you may find yourself facing a wide range of problems.
Also, damp, mushy or soggy drywall can also cause the non-supportive part of your home’s walls to collapse. Although structurally your home will remain upright, a caved-in wall can still pose a serious safety hazard—and is highly unpleasant to be around. There are certain steps you should take if you notice signs of water damage:
Find where the water is coming from. There are many issues that cause water damage in Rockwall homes, including a leaking pipe, flooding from a clogged gutter, poorly ventilated bathrooms or improperly sealed windows/doors.
Fix the cause. There is no point in replacing your damp drywall until the water damage’s cause has been repaired—otherwise, you’ll only have created a temporary solution.
Clean surrounding areas. Any wet pieces of wallboard will need to be replaced. But, you’ll still need to thoroughly clean up the surrounding areas, including puddles on the floor, wet furniture and soggy carpets.
Call our Rockwall drywall repair team. Once the source of water damage has been dealt with and you’re ready to hire drywall repair services, trust the pros at Mr. Handyman of Rockwall to get the job done right the first time.
Keep the Elements Where They Belong
Living in Rockwall, you’re well acquainted with warm summers and chilly winters. Although both warm and cool weather is enjoyable outside, you don't want to experience the "great outdoors" indoors. Drywall is not insulation, however, it does help keep your home comfortable by:
Preventing moisture damage. Drywall acts like an additional barrier to elements like wind, rain, snow and even sunshine.
Keeping pests out. Mice, rats and ants looking for shelter or food will happily stake a claim for your Rockwall home. Keep them out with prompt Rockwall drywall repair, so pests don't have a chance to sneak into holes and cracks.
Maintaining interior temperatures. Drywall does not actively insulate your home, but it can still affect your home’s interior temperature and energy efficiency. Cracks or holes let warm or cold air into your property. In turn, these drafts can negatively impact your house’s HVAC system's efficiency.
Repairs are a Part of Life
Wallboard is made out of two paper boards that sandwich a layer of gypsum (which is a powdery white sulfate mineral). Since gypsum is non-combustible and much lighter than other materials, it's an ideal construction material for both residential and commercial buildings, which is partly what makes drywall a popular material across Rockwall. But, unfortunately wallboard can get damaged easily. Thus, it will need repairing, or even replacing, as time goes on.
Keep Your Walls Looking Their Best!
Wallboard has many important roles to play in Rockwall’s homes, including keeping you safe and comfortable. While safety always comes first, what your home looks like is important too. Sheetrock plays a role here as well. Damaged drywall is unattractive. It spoils your paint job and otherwise beautiful walls. Repairing cracked, chipped and dented drywall as soon as you notice a problem keeps your walls looking smooth and attractive. After all, you don't want to live in a dilapidated looking house!
What to Know About DIY Rockwall Drywall Repair
At Mr. Handyman of Rockwall, we know that some homeowners in our community like to take care of their own home improvement tasks. If that sounds like you, read on to learn the basic steps for patching wallboard.
Tools and Materials
Joint compound
Sandpaper
Sander
Drywall saw
Dust mask
Paintbrush
Screw gun
Taping knife
Utility knife or hand saw
Tape measure
Stud finder
Carpenter squares
Scrap lumber
Plywood
Sheetrock panels
Sheetrock screws
Joint tape
1. Outline Your Repair Area
Using a carpenter’s square and a pencil, draw a straight line at least an inch above and below where your patch will be.
Mark the nearest studs on either side of the hole with a stud finder.
Make a rectangle by connecting the right and left studs with your top and bottom marks.
2. Cut Out Your Patch
Cut along your outline with a saw blade or utility knife. Carefully trace over the lines multiple times with your utility knife for a cleaner cut.
Measure an additional 3/4” in each time you hit a stud and mark this point to find its center. Your patch should overlap with each stud slightly to ensure it's properly supported.
Carefully remove the damaged wallboard piece.
3. Cut and Assemble Your Support Piece
Cut scrap lumber into a 1” X 3” piece. You can also use a 3/4" piece of plywood. Cut this approximately 2” longer than your patch's height.
Place the support into the wall vertically.
Screw-in at top and bottom.
4. Cut Your Patch
Measure a new piece of wallboard so it fits the patch's size.
Cut the patch and ensure its edges are straight using a drywall knife and a carpenter's square.
5. Install Your Patch
Place your patch into the hole.
Place screws about 1” away from each edge to prevent cracking.
Screw your patch into place at top and bottom using a drill.
Secure it in place by drilling screws into the studs at each corner.
6. Finish Patching
Frame your patch with self-adhesive fiberglass drywall tape. Ensure its seams are in the center of the tape.
Use a 6” drywall taping knife to spread drywall joint compound across your patch tape to create a smooth, flat surface.
Let everything dry overnight.
The next day, sand until smooth and apply a second coat of joint compound across the patch.
Let the second coat dry overnight.
Sand carefully. a second time. At this time you may choose to put a third coat on the following day. If so, let it dry overnight and sand the final coat of compound.
Wipe clean with a tack cloth.
Paint over your patch. A good paint job creates flawless walls.
Call the Experts for Drywall Repair in Rockwall, TX!
Trust the team at Mr. Handyman of Rockwall with your Rockwall drywall repair needs. Our experts will fix the damage professionally and efficiently. Each of our technicians are highly experienced and have all the necessary skills to ensure you have a flawless wall free of damage from nail holes, cracks, dents and more. Don't waste time looking for a handyman near you in Rockwall, trust our experts instead.
Give the house you love the best care possible by hiring our Rockwall drywall repair team today. To get started, we invite you to call our courteous customer service representatives at 972-627-4855.