5 Telltale Signs Your Drywall Needs Repair
One of the most common repairs almost every homeowner faces is fixing drywall damage. There are only so many times that you can hide a problem with a framed picture, a mirror, or piece of furniture. If you’ve never dealt with this type of repair, you may not know what to look for. These are some of the most typical types of drywall damage you’re likely to see in your home.
1. Holes, cracks, and dents.
The walls in your home should be clean and smooth. They’re not really supposed to attract attention. That’s why one of the most obvious signs that you need to make a repair is when you see things like nail holes from where you may have hung a picture. Small holes can also occur if you bump the wall with a sharp corner of a piece of furniture. Over time, normal wear and tear and settling can cause cracks to appear as well.
2. Water damage.
Any time there’s a leak – either from outside the house or from a leaky pipe or water heater – the drywall acts like a wick and soaks the water up. Signs of water damage include visible stains, areas that appear swollen, and surfaces that feel soft or spongy to the touch.
3. Cracking or peeling paint.
Often, underlying drywall damage can be hidden from sight, and only becomes visible if the paint on the wall starts to peel or crack. It may seem minor at first glance, but it could be an early sign of more severe problems inside the wall. It could indicate that there is mold hidden in there, which can affect your health. Another possibility is that there is structural damage behind that cracking and peeling paint.
4. Uneven surfaces.
If you see uneven surfaces on your walls, it could indicate that the drywall has been damaged or was not properly installed. This can also occur due to shifting of the foundation or moisture damage. An uneven surface can make it challenging to paint or apply wallpaper. Plus, it’s just not attractive.
5. Noisy creaking or cracking.
When you hear cracking or creaking sounds coming from inside your walls, it could be a sign of structural damage. All houses shift and settle over the long run, which could cause these types of sounds. Moisture or certain types of insects, as well as a rodent infestation, can also cause damage.
If you experience any of these issues and decide to take it on as a DIY project, be sure to leave yourself plenty of time and make sure you have all the right tools and materials before you start. Alternatively, if you want the repairs done quickly and seamlessly, so that you can’t even tell that a repair was done, it’s always a good idea to contact a qualified professional like Hole in the Wall Drywall Repair.
