Drywall is a popular material for constructing walls and ceilings. Several more structures – like bookcases and partitions, too. This material is usually easy to use and is sturdy, but several factors cause damage. While some of these factors are uncontrollable, knowing them will allow you to avoid the preventable ones. It is the reason why we have listed the most common causes of drywall damage people usually encounter.
Awareness will allow you to determine whether it’s time for drywall repairs or replacement. So, look at the list below to see if you recognize some of the following causes of drywall damage:
Leaks
Your doors, roof, and windows are intended to prevent outdoor elements from penetrating your home. But, if any of these three lose their integrity, water can enter your home, which often causes drywall damage. Once you notice dark spots and dampness on your drywall, contact a reputable drywall contractor to know whether you need a replacement or repair. Delaying a repair could only make the problem worse.
Termites
Termites are the leading enemy of homeowners. They can damage your walls by hollowing them out, making them weak and unsightly. Contact a pest control company when you see signs of termites infestation in your home to eliminate them. Afterward, call an interior painting service provider to fix the issue on your drywall.
Foundation settling
A building’s foundation plays a crucial role in holding up the entire structure. But for some reasons like weather and time, your home’s foundation gradually sinks into the ground. As a result, it can cause your drywall to have cracks and other kinds of damage.
Since foundation settlement is caused by natural factors like time, season, and soil type, you can only prevent it by taking specific measures before constructing your home. The signs of foundation settlement include cracks on drywall and ceiling, unlevel floors, wobbly furniture, and more.
Small holes
There are several reasons why small holes could appear in your drywall. A drywall adjacent to a door usually experiences this damage due to the knob. To prevent this damage, apply an adhesive backing plate to the drywall.
You can also repair a small hole by using a joint compound to patch it. Afterward, place drywall tape to keep the spot covered, then smooth it out. Let the compound dry before sanding it the following day. Finally, paint it the same color as the drywall to hide the repaired area or ask an interior house painting company to do the job.
Popping nails
A nail popping through the drywall is another cause of damage. It happens if you try to nail it back, which could easily damage the wall. So instead, what you should do is remove the nail. Afterward, locate the stud and nail it at a different angle to know if it’s securely and properly fastened.
Furniture scuffs
Scuff marks on a wall are rather unsightly. Your furniture can cause these marks on your drywall, which look like a marker or pencil stain. If you have this issue with the recently bought home, it’s best to invest in a new drywall installation.
If the problem is minor, you may utilize a cleaning sponge to remove the marks. You should also avoid placing huge furniture items near the walls. Also, make sure to move your furniture carefully to avoid creating scuff marks.
Bigger holes
There are many ways your drywall would have big holes. One example is when you accidentally trip and bump toward the wall. Replacing the damaged area is the only way to fix this issue. Ensure no wires or pipes are in the damaged area before cutting out the holed part.
Apply a joint compound and use drywall tape to make the repaired area unnoticeable. Let the compound dry before smoothing it using sandpaper. After sanding, paint the area with a color that matches the wall.
Cracking
The cracks on the drywall could indicate bigger problems. So, do not ignore even a tiny crack as it could become bigger over time. Upon noticing cracks on your walls or ceilings, call your trusted drywall contractor to determine what’s causing the issue. Cracks with traces of moisture could indicate leaks, while others could be due to wrong drywall installation.
Loose joint tape
A joint tape helps apply a thick layer of joint compound to the drywall. When moisture seeps in, the tape could become loose. You can cut the tape and then cover it with a joint compound to prevent further damage. Put a new joint tape over it, then leave it overnight to dry. The next day, smooth the area by sanding and applying prime and paint for a better appearance.
Faulty installation
It is not surprising to see poorly installed drywall damage over time. The instability of the wall could lead to building seams, excessive joints, and uneven sheets.
Overall, these factors are the most common reasons behind drywall damage. Once your drywall shows signs of damage, discuss your options with professional drywall repair contractors to find the best fix.