How to Repair Drywall

Also known as plasterboard, sheetrock or gypsum board, drywall has become the material of choice for home construction in Boise and across the nation. Drywall is lightweight, inexpensive and simple to install, and when it gets damaged, it’s relatively easy to repair. These tips from the pros at Handyman Connection of Boise can help you fix everything from a small dent to a large hole in your home’s drywall.

Tools and Materials

Materials available for repairing drywall range from fast-acting patching compounds to drywall adhesive tape and bandages. A putty knife is a handy tool to have on hand for applying the patching material. Larger holes require pieces of drywall and some sort of bracing system to support the patch. Kits are readily available for this purpose, or you can fashion a simple brace with wood 1×4’s as described in the “Larger Holes” section below.

With the exception of a keyhole saw, most of the other tools required are fairly standard. They include a screwdriver, hammer, small nails, drywall screws and both coarse and fine sandpaper. Whether your wall is finished with paint, wallpaper or paneling, you’ll also need the appropriate replacement material to cover up your patch.

Doorknob Dents

The most common drywall repair, a small dent caused by a doorknob hitting the wall when the door is opened is easily repaired with readily available kits. Some repair kits come with a built-in door guard that prevents future dings and dents too. The plastic guard is equipped with adhesive-backed paper that lets you repair the damaged area in one easy step. Alternately, you can use a joint compound to fill the dent. Allow the material to dry, sand it smooth, and then prime it before apply paint or another finish.

Larger Holes

For holes larger than 6 inches, the best solution is to replace the damaged area with a new piece of drywall. Start by cutting a square or rectangle around the hole with a keyhole or drywall saw, and then use the piece as a template for cutting the new piece. There are many repair kits available with metal clips that attach to the perimeter of the hole. You can then lay the new piece on the clips and use drywall screws to secure the patch.

If you’re concerned about the instability of small metal clips, it’s easy to make a more durable support system with strips of 1×4’s. Cut two strips around 8 inches longer than the hole’s diameter. Slip the wood strips into the hole and use an adhesive to hold them temporarily in place. Use a screwdriver to attach the wood to the drywall. Insert the new piece into the hole and drive screws through it and into the wood strips.

Finishing Touches

Whatever type of patch repair you make, you’ll want to ensure that the area is completely clean and dry before applying the finishing touches. Cover the seams with drywall tape, and then apply a coat of patching compound over the entire area. When the patch is completely dry, sand it smooth before priming the area for the finishing material.

If you’d rather spend your free time with family and friends instead of patching drywall, give Handyman Connection of Boise a call. Our skilled professionals will get your walls patched up in no time for less time and money than you might think. To request a free, no-obligation estimate or to schedule service, contact us today!