Drywall is one of the most common forms of wall materials. It is used in 96% of homes today. So, there is a good chance your home or business has it too. While it is the wall finish of choice, it can be damaged very easily.
You might wonder, “how much does drywall repair cost?” The cost will depend on the damage. Of course, holes will cost less than multiple water-damaged drywall panels with mold growing. Again, you can fix some cracks yourself, while larger issues require specialists.
According to Fixr.com, in 2019, homeowners spent an average of between $200 and $280. However, in 2022, the national average range has gone up to an average of $200 and $550. A considerable part of it is because of the recent Hurricane Ian. This disaster caused a lot of drywall damage, primarily from flooding.
We have you covered if you are running on a budget or simply would like to fix the drywall yourself. Fixing drywall is not too hard if you are willing to take the time to learn how to do it. You just need to follow a few key steps. Not fixing drywall after getting damaged by water can cause mildew to grow. Here is an in-depth guide on how to fix drywall issues.
First, you need to remove any loose paper on your drywall. You will most likely have some sort of old or ragged paper hanging off of the board. The best way to remove it is by using a utility knife. If you do not have one, use a razor. The edges of the tear should be smooth against the edges. So, it will be easier to start removing it from the edge.
Second, seal the exposed gypsum area. This step is crucial. The role of gypsum is to absorb moisture from paints. Not filling it correctly will cause blisters on the drywall. You can use drywall primer or sealer to seal the gypsum.
Third, cover the area with a thin layer of joint compound. A joint compound is also known as drywall mud. Use a putty knife for this because it helps with spreading it evenly across all areas. Apply the mud as evenly as possible.
Fourth, sand the area. You can use more comprehensive tools for larger sizes, but if you do not have any, sandpaper will still work. Make sure that the surface is not damp. You should sand the area after it hardens up. You can apply another layer of joint compound if you wish.
Finally, paint over your drywall. Painting over the drywall will hide any form of past tearing. Apply a thin layer of paint first and slowly over the wall in an up-and-down motion. The motion ensures that the surface is getting perfect coating across.
And that is it! You can now start to resurface your drywall yourself! It is not as complicated as it sounds. With the right tools, you can resurface drywall in no time. However, if the damage is too much, it is always a good idea to call a specialist.