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Should I DIY Or Call A Pro For My Drywall Repair?

Use Professional Drywall Services or DIY It?

Is drywall repair or installation a part of your upcoming home improvement project?

Did you know damaged drywall can create a number of hidden dangers in your home?

Not sure where to get started with your drywall repair? here are 6 tips to help you determine whether you can DIY the drywall repair job or hire our professional drywall repair and installation services from Local SD Painting!

Common Types of Drywall Damage

Drywall damage can occur in a number of ways.

Small surface cracks often occur at the juncture of two sheet rock panels. Minor dents, dings, and scratches result from doorknobs, moving furniture, kids, or regular wear and tear. All of these require drywall repair.

When a crack extends into the paper or throughout the seam’s tape it is considered a deeper crack.

Drywall damage can be related to water damage, such as leaks or flooding. Consequently erosion, sagging, or holes can be created. This type of damage is a breeding ground for mold and mildew. In addition it can also create electrical or structural hazards.

Drywall Tools and Supplies

If you plan to DIY your drywall repairs, you’ll need a few tools that can be sourced from Home Depot, Lowes, or any local hardware stores.

Here’s a quick list of drywall repair and installation tools and materials you’ll need:

  1. Dust mask
  2. Mud pan
  3. Drywall mud or putty
  4. Painters tape
  5. Putty knife
  6. Utility knife
  7. Paper drywall tape
  8. Joint compound (pre-mixed)
  9. Setting compound

Depending on the extent of damage and your walls, you will probably need a sanding tool or sandpaper and paint to match the rest of the wall.

Assessing the Drywall Damage

The first step in a drywall repair project is to assess the damage.

First, ask yourself how the damage occurred. If it is water-related damage, be prepared to check for mold buildup and damage extending past the immediate area.

Drywall Repair Process

  • After assessing the damage by eye, you can begin the repair process which also starts by evaluating cracks.
  • For superficial cracks, use a chisel to widen the crack to see if it extends throughout the paper along the seam.
  • For small holes in the drywall, fill the hole with the drywall mud, scrape it until it’s flat. Once it’s dry, sand it until it’s flush. For larger holes, you’ll need to make a patch with a piece of drywall.

Hiring A Drywall Professional

Hiring a professional contractor for drywall repair or installation services can take a lot of the headache out of assessment and repairs.

A professional like Local SD Painting will know how to:

  • Evaluate the damage immediately.
  • Have all the necessary tools and be able to source materials at a cheaper cost.
  • Bring a team of drywall repair and/or installation on board, if necessary.

For larger projects and water-related damage, hiring a professional to replace or repair your drywall is a surefire way to get the job done safely, quickly, and at a low cost.

Do You Need Drywall Repair or Installation Services?

Depending on the severity of drywall damage, the work involved in repairs can range from quick and easy to time-consuming and laborious.

Not sure if you can handle a drywall repair job in your home? We at Local SD Painting be happy to help with any questions about drywall services!

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