Drywall is the most common element in every home. If the drywall in your home is damaged, you may need to take care of it immediately. It can often be an indicator of a serious underlying issue. Learn whether the damage demands replacement of the drywall or a simple repair job will be sufficient.
When it comes to your home and other properties around you, one thing is common: use of drywall. It is a pretty standard, lightweight material used in home building and renovation projects. It is a popular alternative to the traditional brick and mortar wall because it is less messy and inexpensive. If you have installed drywall in your home, you must know that it is definitely not the strongest material. Constant cracks, incessant nail pops and multiple stains may force you to act. But, is replacing the drywall the right way to do things? Should you repair the drywall and save money? What should be your course of action? Let’s find the answer.
Quick Rules to Follow while Deciding about Damaged Drywall
Interior walls not only offer adequate support to your home but they also promise a canvas to manifest beautiful textures and stunning artwork. So, drywall becomes one of the most crucial components of your property. Taking care of minor nail pops and repairing the seasonal cracks in drywall are easy. But, deciding whether to change the drywall or repair it is difficult when there are multiple holes in the structure. If you are unsure about your final decision, remember a few rules.
1. Follow the 6x6 Rule
Having multiple holes in the drywall look tawdry and demand your immediate attention. Go for repairing the drywall hole only if it measures 6"x 6" or less. And, even after repairing the drywall, you must be ready for the patchwork to be visible. If the holes are larger than six inches, repairing them will not solve your problem. Usually, large holes damage the integrity of the drywall and patching them will not yield any positive results.
2. Water Damage
Another thing to consider is the reason for damage. If the damage has been caused by water or moisture, there are high chances of the drywall attracting mold on the insulation layer. In such a situation, it is best to hire a drywall installation expert. Now, do not think that you have no option but to replace the drywall panel. Not all water-damaged drywall panels need replacement. Sometimes, drying a damp drywall and re-painting it may solve the problem.
If there is a constant issue of moisture in your home, buy special mold-resistant drywall that is specially designed for moisture-prone areas such as basement, bathroom, laundry room, etc. You can choose it for durable results.
3. The Texture Test
When it comes to your home, every renovation project is an investment. You may feel installing a new drywall may cost you a lot of money. You may be okay if the bumps and bulges on the drywall. A little bit of discoloration may not affect you. But, in reality, it can cause immense damage to your home. If the drywall texture has changed, do not ignore the tell-tale signs of damage. Bumps on the surface can mean improper patchwork, water damage, moisture problems and even foundation settlement.
Replacing the old drywall become essential especially when you have textured walls. It is because any change done to the drywall will be extremely visible. If you want to avoid the wall to become an eyesore, replacing it is the only solution.
What is the cost of Drywall Installation and Repair?
Usually, repairing drywall can cost in the range of $150-$250. The cost will not be depending on the area of the room but on the number of holes in the drywall, features of the room, accessibility, etc. A handyman will fix a drywall hole for at least $50-$60. On the other hand, installing new drywall for a 12x12 feet room will be around $400-$700. The actual cost depends on the complexity of the job.
Now, you can buy a DIY drywall repair kit to take care of small holes in the drywall but when there is an issue of water infiltration and mold infestation, call an expert. It is because you may need to replace the insulation before working with the new drywall. Also, you need to be safe when working around electrical wires and plumbing lines. Work with an experienced drywall installation company to restrict the spreading of mold and mildew throughout your home. Improper cleaning of interior walls and inaccurate drywall installation can lead to repairs and deteriorate the air quality of your home. It can also be detrimental to your family’s health.
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