Drywall damage is a fact of life in home ownership. From furniture that gets knocked into corners, to doorknobs that catch on finishes, to the natural process of structure settlement, imperfections in the form of cracks, holes and dents will appear in any wall. Also not all damage calls for new drywall. In most cases we can get it fixed up at a fraction of the cost of total replacement if you know what to look for.
At Atlantic Builders LLC which is what we at the company do we evaluate for our home owners between what is a small repair with a patch and what is a job that requires more in depth work. In this guide we put together details when drywall patching is the best solution and what you can expect to happen during the process.
What Is Drywall Patching?
In the trade we call on drywall patching which is the repair of surface damage like holes, cracks, or dents without the need to remove full sheets of drywall. We fill in the damage, sand down the repair job and finish it to make it look like the undamaged surrounding wall.
Whether it’s a little ding or a large hole, we can repair your walls with drywall surface repair which also is less expensive and less disruptive than replacement.
When to Use Drywall Patching
1. Small Holes and Dents
Accidents do occur. I may come home to find a dent from a door handle or a pulled out wall anchor that left a void. In which case, full panel replacement would be a step too far.
For small holes in drywall use joint compound or a patch kit out. This is an easy and quick fix which also works great for nail holes, screw damage, and minor impact dents. For what is mostly dent repair in walls no structural work is required just do the fill and finish work.
2. Hairline Cracks and Minor Splits
Over the years homes will settle which in turn may cause drywall cracks at joints, corners, or where the ceiling meets the wall. Though these may appear more serious than they are they tend to grow if left unaddressed.
Drywall cracks are fixed by using tape for reinforcement, joint compound to even out the surface and sanding to get it smooth. This is a time when a drywall patch does the job very well without the need for putting in new panels.
3. Seam Separation or Nail Pops
Repairing drywall seams which have pulled apart or exposed nails through the surface is a job for patching. These flaws are usually cosmetic in nature and very easy to fix.
In drywall joint repair we put on new tape, apply compound, and paint the surface which in turn restores the wall’s finish.
4. Isolated Water Damage (Non-Structural)
If you have a small leak that causes damage in a limited area which may include under an sills dry patch up will do once you fix the root of the problem.
Also it is very important to see that there is no mold or more in depth structural damage which you may have before you go for patch repair over full replacement. At the professional evaluation from a company like Atlantic Builders LLC you can get the best advice.
5. Damage from Electrical or Plumbing Work
When during renovation electricians or plumbers break into your wall to get to the wiring or pipes they will leave behind what we may call small rectangular openings. These neat cut out areas are ideal for patching as they are localized and do not affect the wall’s structural integrity.
Professionals will dry wall the cut out, put in back up support as required, and repair the damage with matching drywall, joint compound and paint.
When Patching Isn’t Enough
While in many cases drywall patching does an excellent job for that which is broken in a minor to moderate way, at the same time there are some cases where it is not the best solution:.
- Widespread moisture damage
- Multiple large holes or structural cracks
- Sagging or warped drywall
- Compromised insulation or mold growth
In this instance we see that at times full or partial drywall replacement is required.
The Drywall Patching Process
At Atlantic Builders LLC we pay close attention to every aspect of drywall repair and drywall surface repair projects:.
- Assessment: We determine the degree of the issue in order to see if patching is the correct action.
- Preparation: Loose materials are removed and we clean the edges for best adhesion.
- Application: We apply joint compound, use mesh tape as required, also we do any texturing which is needed.
- Sanding and Finishing: After the compound has dried out we sand and smooth the surface.
- Paint Matching: We create a perfect match in color and sheen.
This is a great attention to detail which makes our patches almost invisible once applied.
Final Thoughts
In many cases of wall damage large scale renovation is not required. Drywall patching is a great option which is also economic and efficient. If what you have is damaged drywall, crack repair, or a hole to patch in to determine if patching is the right solution for you which in turn will save you time and money.
At Atlantic Builders LLC we focus on professional drywall patching, drywall crack repair, and wall dent repair. Our experienced team will have your walls looking perfect again at a lesser cost and with out any unnecessary demolition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the size of the hole that can be patched in drywall?
Small holes which measure up to 6 inches can be fixed with mesh or metal plate. For larger holes we may put in a piece of drywall but we still consider this patching as opposed to full replacement.
Will patching over drywall match the original wall?
When done by pros the patched areas blend in perfectly with the texture and paint which in turn makes them almost invisible.
Is it better to repair or to replace drywall that has cracks?
Hairline and seam cracks are typically repaired by patching. For large or deep cracks which go to the structure we may have to do a replacement.
Can I patch drywall myself?
DIY patch kits do the trick for small holes, but in case of cracks, large scale damage or visible seams it is best to go with a pro which also includes a great finish and durability.
How long does drywall patching take?
Most for small repairs a few hours is all that is required but drying out and painting may take from one to two days.
