Replacing Versus Repairing Drywall: Which is Right For Your Situation?

Can I still repair my drywall or do I have to replace it? That's the question you may be asking yourself after noticing signs of damage on one of your walls. To determine if you need home drywall installation or relatively minor repairs, we must assess the type of damage more closely. Let's go over some common examples of drywall damage and determine how they should be addressed.

Dealing with Dents

Dents on your drywall are not always noticeable. Even a bigger dent can blend into its surroundings quite easily. A dent is typically not something that causes structural issues either. You can repair the dents that have appeared on your drywall using similarly colored filler and some sandpaper.

Hiding Scratched Drywall

Portions of your drywall can get scratched up while you're moving furniture or other items around inside your house. A scratch often looks bad, but it's often pretty easy to patch up. Scratched drywall can be repaired the same way you would address one with dents. Prepare some filler again and use that to conceal the scratches. Finish by sanding down the area so it blends in smoothly with the rest of the drywall.

Addressing Drywall Holes

Things start to get a bit more complicated if you've found holes in your drywall. There's a chance that repairing it will suffice, but you should prepare for home drywall installation as well. The route you'll have to take will be based on the size of the holes. Smaller holes can be covered with drywall patches and filler. If the drywall panel has a hole bigger than six inches in diameter, you should consider replacing it.

Handling Cracked Drywall

According to the Home Efficiency Guide, interior drywall can last for up to 70 years in a well-maintained home. Once your drywall ages past that point, it will start to crack. Cracks may also emerge due to improper installation and accidental damage. Don't ignore the cracks that have appeared on the drywall. Work on replacing those cracked drywall panels as soon as possible.

Responding to Water Damage

Most of the time, a panel of drywall that has sustained water damage will have to be replaced. Repairing is only an option if you catch the damage early and it is still fairly well contained. If you want to err on the side of caution, replacing the drywall would be the better option.

Get in touch with us today if you need drywall repair or home drywall installation. No matter the drywall issue you're dealing with, we can provide the solution you need.