Drywall is a versatile, easy-to-install construction material used on the walls and ceilings of homes. This material may become chipped, cracked, or dented over time, reducing its functionality. Will Be Handy offers drywall repair services to safeguard your home’s safety, value, and appearance. Here’s why holes and cracks in drywall should be fixed:

Risks of Damaged Drywall 

Damaged drywall poses some safety risks to a building’s occupants. Large holes or cracks in drywall can weaken the structure of walls or ceilings. As the material breaks down, it may fall, posing an injury risk. Degradation also limits the material’s ability to support the weight of shelves, light fixtures, or picture frames. Cracks and holes make it easier for moisture to enter the walls and floors, which can encourage mold growth. The drywall is also porous, making it difficult to eliminate mold after it has spread.

Drywall in older homes or buildings may contain lead-based paint. When drywall is damaged, these toxins are released into the air, creating a health risk. A building’s electrical wiring is also usually installed behind drywall. Cracks and holes may expose wiring, increasing the risk of electrical shock or fire caused by moisture interacting with the electricity. To mitigate these safety concerns, schedule drywall repair with Will Be Handy before cracks expand. If the damage is extensive, panels may need to be replaced.

How To Know if You Need Drywall Repair

Repairing your drywall will help prevent further damage and address the safety and aesthetics of your space. Visual signs, such as sagging areas or gaps around doors and windows, can help you determine when to schedule a drywall repair. Other signs include:

Holes

Any holes punctured into your walls or ceiling should be repaired. Holes are commonly caused by impact from door knobs, moving furniture, or improperly installed nails and screws. Pests like termites also create small pinholes in walls. Small holes can usually be fixed with a mesh patch and spackle, then sanded smooth and repainted. Large holes or a panel with many holes may require drywall replacement.

Cracks

Hairline cracks in drywall, similar to those in glass, can spread. They often form as a building’s foundation settles or due to frequent fluctuations in temperature or humidity. If unaddressed, cracks can lead to crumbling walls or large holes. Cracks may be filled with a thin coat of spackle or drywall tape.

Tears

When adhesives are removed from walls or ceilings, the paper coating of drywall may be stripped. Mounting strips, double-sided tape, or adhesive tiles are some of the causes of torn drywall layers. Though primarily aesthetic damage, these patches should be repaired with drywall mud.

Water Damage

Drywall easily absorbs water, making it prone to mold and mildew growth. Water can also cause the material to break down, reducing its structural integrity. If you notice water damage, contact Will Be Handy to inspect and replace the affected panels.

Tips for Protecting Drywall

Regular home inspections and preventive measures can protect your walls from further damage. Since drywall is an absorbent material, applying waterproofing primer before painting helps minimize water damage. This may be key in moisture-prone areas like laundry rooms and bathrooms. Regularly inspecting plumbing systems for leaks also helps to prevent extensive water damage.

Doors that frequently swing open and collide with walls or ceilings may dent or puncture the drywall. Install door stoppers to prevent this damage from occurring. Avoid painting over drywall before it is repaired. The exposed drywall core could absorb moisture from the paint, leading to further deterioration.

Repair Your Drywall Today 

Drywall is fire-resistant and helps insulate your home. Timely repairs of holes or cracks in your walls and ceilings help reduce safety risks, prevent heat from escaping your home, and maintain a room’s visual appearance. Contact Will Be Handy today for professional drywall repair.