Waterloo Handyman: 3 Maintenance Tips for Drywall

Drywall is a common building material praised for its affordability and versatility. Unfortunately, the material does not provide the most durable surface, which is why homeowners need to take care of and know how to maintain it. If you damage your walls, contact a handyman service for drywall repair in Waterloo. Professionals do not recommend DIY repairs because inexperienced homeowners rarely achieve the finishes they desire.

Drywall Maintenance

When homeowners hear the phrase drywall maintenance, they may become anxious or overwhelmed because they assume some level of construction experience or hard labour is necessary. Taking care of a house’s drywall surfaces is relatively straightforward, and homeowners only need to concern themselves with three activities.

1. Dusting the Wall

Dusting is an easy way to care for drywall; you only need a feather duster or dry cloth. You want to wipe down the entire surface, ensuring all dust, dirt, and debris are no longer on the material. Also, cover your drywall with a protective layer of paint, wallpaper, plaster, or something else. Uncovered drywall is fragile and prone to nicks, dents, scratches, and holes.

2. Dealing With Nail Pops

Nail pops are common in new houses or remodel projects. The pops occur because of settling, wood changes, or improper installation. As wood or the house shifts, nails become loose, pressing out away from the drywall and exposing the head.

Correcting a nail pop is a straightforward process. You start by fastening the drywall back to the structure by driving two nails or screws in above and below the pop. When the material is secure, remove the nail and patch it with drywall compound. Once the compound dries, you can sand the surface flush with the rest of the wall and refinish it.

Depending on the number of nail pops, you may want to contact a professional contractor. A lot of pops can signal that an installation is failing or that builders did not install the material correctly. Because of the weight of drywall, a professional should inspect the area to ensure there is no risk of pieces falling from their places.

3. Washing the Wall

You can wash your drywall to maintain a clean surface, but you must be careful about how much water you use. The material is susceptible to water damage. Some coverings will protect drywall from water exposure, but others will not; for example, most wallpaper will allow water to seep through to the drywall layer underneath. However, many paints can protect the material against water exposure.

If washing exposed drywall, use a cellulose sponge, available at most home improvement stores. The sponges only soak up a minimum amount of water, helping to ensure you don’t flood the material. Be sure to wring out the sponge before using it on your walls.

When using the sponge, wash in a downward motion. Scrubbing down ensures the sponge soaks up any water that squeezes out while cleaning the surface, allowing you to maintain a moisture-free wall.

Drywall Repair and Installation Services

Small drywall holes or cracks are common enough that homeowners feel capable of making repairs. Unfortunately, finishing drywall is not an easy process, especially when damage is widespread. You will want to find a handyman near me when your drywall experiences large cracks or significant damage. You may also want to call the pros for help making small repairs or installations because matching a finish to existing material is challenging.

Are you looking to repair a wall or install one in your home? Contact Handyman Connection and schedule an appointment with a licensed and experienced drywall repair and installation professional. The pro will assess your project and quote a fair and transparent price for you to consider.