When you plan a home improvement project that involves wall work, drywall is a better choice than plaster due to several factors, including its affordability, strength, and ease of installation; making drywall the preferred building material for home renovations.
Homeowners, however, should be aware that, while drywall is sturdy, it is prone to damage. The best way to avoid having to repair damaged drywall is to prevent it in the first place which we will guide you on here.
1. Foundation Problems
It’s natural for foundations to settle over time, but if it happens frequently enough, it can cause damage to the house, including to the drywall. If you see cracks in your drywall, it could be an indication that your foundation is shifting.
When a foundation moves it pushes on the walls, causing your drywall to split. Scary, we know! Although certain foundation problems are unavoidable, you may lessen the risk by keeping the soil outside your home moist, planting greenery away from the foundation, and making sure landscaping is done at the proper slope to avoid erosion and encourage optimum drainage.
2. Leaks and Water Damage
Water exposure, whether from plumbing, flooding, or leaks, can be a major cause of drywall damage. Water typically leaks into homes if doors, roofs, or windows are damaged, so if your drywall stays wet it will become weaker and softer the longer it is exposed to the elements.
In addition to destroying the structure of your drywall, water encourages mold growth. You can avoid this problem by investing in moisture-resistant drywall and regularly checking the plumbing, windows, and roof for leaks.
3. Holes, Scratches, and Dents
Some of the most common drywall issues are holes, scratches, and dents. Normal wear and tear or clumsiness, such as a door being opened too forcefully, or furniture being too close to a wall, are common causes for this type of damage. In comparison to holes or dents, drywall scuffs are usually minor.
However, if you notice a hole make sure it’s repaired and sealed right away to avoid further cracking or crumbling, which could lead to a total wall replacement.
4. Pests
Pest infestations, such as termites or ants, can cause serious damage. Termites eat the paper found in drywall and wood framing, while carpenter ants may attack drywall that has been damaged by water because they are looking for a place where water and wood mix and rot. Carpenter ants also enjoy nesting in drywall. If this is your case, we advise that you call an exterminator right away to come to handle the situation. Trained exterminators can help you recognize the indicators of an infestation. Once pests are completely eradicated the damaged sections of the drywall will need to be repaired or replaced.
5. Improper Installation
If drywall installation is done incorrectly, it can lead to problems down the road. Rough surfaces, misaligned panels, and exposed joints can all be the result of poor drywall installation.
Because drywall installation is a craft best left to a professional, working with a specialist will help you avoid disasters and costly mishaps down the road. If you worked with a professional and spot visible seams, fasteners, ridges, or crooked corners after they finished the job, request a repair as soon as possible before the problem worsens.
Dependable Services 4 U
If you need drywall installed or repaired in your home, Dependable Services has the expertise and experience to help. Our handyman and home renovation company serves Broward and Palm Beach County, Florida, and can quickly install or repair drywall as well as assist you with other home repairs. Give us a call at (954) 793-8898 to learn more about our services and schedule an in-home quote.
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