8 Most Common Causes of Drywall Damage

Scuffs and dings are nearly impossible to avoid on the drywall in your home. When the mysterious damage shows up it can be the only thing you can see. CertaPro Painters of Colorado Springs offers drywall repair services to ensure your finished painting project is perfect. Here are the 10 most common causes of drywall damage.

Minor Damage

1. Popping Nails

Sometimes, nails are not securely set and over time they can work their way out of the drywall. Do not smack the unsightly nail head with a hammer as you could further damage the area. Instead, remove the nail, find the stud and replace it. Once completed, you’ll need to fill, sand and paint to cover the repair.

2. Scuffs

If you have moved any large items or have kids, scuffs are almost inevitable. As a minor injury to walls, these are fairly simple to fix. Try using a mild detergent and sponge to repair the area. If not, move up to an eraser sponge, but know you could damage the paint or finish requiring a more involved repair.

3. Holes

Small holes crop up from moving hangings, punch throughs from a door opening too hard or any other number of reasons. Some of this damage cannot be avoided. Use joint compound to repair holes, then avoid further damage with door stops or backing plates.

4. Joint Tape Loosened

Joint tape is used to apply a thicker layer of joint compound to your drywall. Occasionally, joint tape comes loose from moisture and becomes very noticeable. For repairs, cut the tape and spread a joint compound over it. Place a new piece of tape and let it dry overnight. The next day, sand, prime and paint to hide the repair.

Larger Damage

5. Water Damage

Water damage can cause structural and expensive issues in your home. If you suspect water intrusion, get repairs done fast. Do not attempt any repairs to drywall until the underlying cause of the water damage has been repaired. Once it is, you’ll likely need a contractor to assist you with cutting out drywall and hanging repair pieces.

6. Cracking

It’s just a little crack, right? Wrong. A little crack can later turn into a big problem. Cracks can signify larger problems happening within the walls. Have an expert investigate the cause and perform repairs before attempting to cosmetically repair the crack and paint.

7. Dented Corner Bead

Corner bead is an L-shaped piece of metal that is used to cover corners in drywall after joint compound has been applied. Regular wear and tear on corners can cause damage and dent the corner bead. Repairing this issue requires taking a hacksaw to the area and recreating it. That being said, it’s best left to a pro.

8. Tile Removal Damage

Removing tile from walls and leaving a piece of drywall intact can be a tricky undertaking. When you peel the tile away, use a wide-blade putty knife and a heat gun. Even so, likely the drywall will be left bruised and in need of professional care.

If you are looking for drywall repair in conjunction with painting, learn more about our drywall repair services. Schedule a free estimate today.