How To Prevent Drywall Damage

As a building material, drywall has many advantages. It is inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to handle and install. However, drywall also has a major disadvantage, which is that it is relatively delicate and susceptible to damage. Drywall services in Scarborough can repair or replace the drywall as needed, but it is better to avoid any issues in the first place. Here are some tips for protecting your drywall from damage.

Address Water Damage Immediately

The number-one most damaging drywall threat is water. Drywall is a porous material with the ability to absorb water. Water damage can cause the drywall to swell, become discoloured, and ultimately break apart. It can also promote mould growth, which is impossible to remove if it really gets down into the pores.

The proper installation provides some protection for drywall against water, but any leaks or floods could compromise it. Remember that water can seep into the seams between the walls and the floor, so if you have a leak in one room, the problem could extend into another. If you have drywall that appears water damaged and you are wondering, “Should I call a handyman near me to look at this?” the answer is definitely yes.

Repair Nail Pops Correctly

Drywall panels are secured to studs with nails or screws. Sometimes these pop out of place as the house settles over time. Popped nails extend out slightly from the drywall surface; they usually do not break through the paint cover, and you may not even notice them unless you are looking carefully.

There is a right way and a wrong way to try to repair nail pops. The wrong way is just to pound them back in place with the hammer. This does not address the underlying problem that caused the nail to pop out in the first place, so it will probably just do it again. Furthermore, you could damage the drywall further by trying to pound the nail back in. Drywall services in Scarborough can replace the nail correctly and determine if there is a more serious problem you have to deal with that caused the nail to pop in the first place.

Use Door Stoppers

The first time a door swings open and crashes into the wall, it may not damage the drywall. However, as the doorknob continues to hit the wall in the same place over and over, it can cause damage over time. Furthermore, one vigorous swing may be enough to put a hole in the wall.

Fortunately, there is an easy to way prevent drywall damage of this nature: Install door stoppers. There are a couple of different kinds, including a backing plate that sticks to the wall at the level of the doorknob or the tightly coiled springs with rubber tips that stick out from the walls at the baseboards.

Do Not Put Furniture Too Close to the Wall

Putting the furniture close to the wall can make the room look bigger, but it also puts your drywall at risk for scuffs, dings, and holes. The risk of drywall damage from furniture is similar to the risk from doors; the damage may be due to one large impact or many small ones over time. You do not necessarily need a lot of space; at least an inch will do. You might also want to think about having chair rails installed to form a barrier between the furniture and the wall.

Hire Drywall Services in Scarborough From Handyman Connection

It can be difficult to know whether your drywall can be repaired or needs to be replaced completely. Our drywall experts can make the assessment and perform the services for you. Contact us to learn more about our drywall services.