When it comes to home maintenance, drywall is an important component that needs to be taken seriously. Drywall is used to cover the interior walls of your home and, if not properly cared for, can become damaged over time. Knowing the signs that your drywall needs to be fixed can help you take appropriate action before the problem becomes too severe.
Today, we want to share with you a couple of signs that your drywall needs to be repaired or replaced:
1. Small and Large Holes
It is fair to say that no holes are wanted on any drywall. However, there are just some holes that are more obvious than others, and while they can be patched up, visible marks will be left. In panels where such marks aren't wanted, a complete replacement will be required. Additionally, if there are too many holes, a replacement is warranted because holes can affect the structural integrity of the entire drywall.
2. Water Damage
In certain cases, water damage may not require drywall replacement. If the area of the damage is minor, then it may simply be dried out, and the panel repainted. Discolouring could be a sign of a leaking issue but is not necessarily a cause for alarm unless the damage is quite severe. If the leak is discovered quickly enough, it is possible to save the drywall. However, bulging, crumbling, or even a collapse of the panel will usually require replacing it.
3. Cracking
Cracks in walls or ceilings are often a sign of a faulty installation. These cracks usually occur when a wall seam is placed too close to the corner of a window or door frame, making the area around the seam weak and vulnerable to movement from the frame. To properly fix this issue, the damaged drywalling must be removed and replaced in a way that will evenly distribute the force from the frame, which is something that is best left to professionals.
4. Bulging
Bulges in walls or ceilings can signify water damage or too much moisture in the air. If the area appears discoloured, it is likely due to water damage. If it is not discoloured, the cause could be anything from bad patchwork to the house settling. It is best to replace the panel rather than try to fix any patchwork, as it will not only look better but will also be more secure.
5. Splintering
Splintering along the edges and seams of drywall is not usually a problem because it is made of plaster and paper. However, if plywood is used instead, it can be a sign of significant damage from settling, water damage, rot or just because the materials are getting old. It is best to replace older and substitute forms of drywall with something more reliable.
Conclusion
All in all, any of the signs above are good reasons to replace your plaster. Remember, repair might be possible, but depending on the severity of the issue, replacing might make more sense financially and even time-wise. But of course, if you have any problems with your drywall, always reach out to a professional for an inspection. They can lay out your options on how you can overcome the issue and help you make the right decision.
Patterson Bros Drywall is a trusted insulation and drywall provider, offering quality work to residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural clients. If you want a drywall company to address your drywall-related problems in Medicine Hat, reach out to us today!