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Drywall Problems? Knowing When To Repair Or Replace

Most homeowners are familiar with what drywall is and what it is used for. What many don't really know is when it needs to be either repaired or replaced. Drywall is an important and vulnerable component in your house, and there are a few common reasons why you might need to contact a remodeling contractor to address repairs or replacement of the drywall in your home. Here are a couple of things to consider.

Is There Water Damage?

Water is hazardous to drywall. Because of its construction, drywall can nearly disintegrate when it's too wet. If you have had a pipe leak, see dark spots on your walls, or notice a damp, musty odor anywhere in your home, you've got water damage. The sooner you have the drywall inspected and addressed, the better your chances of potential repair instead of complete replacement.

If the water damaged area is small and confined, your contractor may be able to just cut the damaged section out and then patch it with new drywall. However, if the damage is over a larger area, or is extensive, that may mean having to replace entire sections.

Are There Holes?

Holes in the drywall aren't necessarily a big deal. Small holes, like those from hanging pictures and other small items, can easily be patched with putty. However, if you're dealing with a hole that's too large to cover over with putty, such as a doorknob hole, you'll have to contact someone to replace that section. It cannot easily be patched and still retain the structural integrity, so you'll need a whole new piece put in where the hole is.

For any holes that you do patch with putty, make sure that you smooth the putty layer out before it dries. That will make the sanding stage much easier. Then, you can just paint the surface so that everything looks as it should.

Is The Drywall Unhealthy?

It isn't common that drywall can prove to be unhealthy, but it does happen. Sometimes, errors in manufacturing can lead to drywall that causes pipes to corrode, and can make you ill. If you smell sulfur odors, have respiratory issues in the house, or had your drywall installed in the early 2000's, you might want to have it tested. There is the potential that it could be faulty and need to be replaced.

The more you understand about your drywall, the easier it is to determine if you can repair or replace certain sections. Talk with a local residential drywall contractor today for more information.