how to repair broken drywall

How to repair broken drywall (gypsum exposed)

• Remove Loose Paper Using a Utility Knife. …
• Important: Seal the Exposed Gypsum. …
• Cover the Area with Joint Compound. …
• Sand the Area. …
• Apply another layer of joint compound. …
• Paint.

Full Answer

What is the best way to repair drywall?

Instructions

• Inspect and Trim the Face Paper. If any of the face paper on drywall puckers outward, this needs to be trimmed before you cover the holes with joint compound.
• Load the Drywall Knife. ...
• Apply the First Pass. ...
• Apply a Second Coat. ...
• Lightly Sand (If Necessary) Once the second coat is fully dry, run your hand over the patched area. ...

How to repair drywall like a pro?

• Premixed drywall compound
• A trowel, or possibly a few trowels of different sizes
• Drywall screws
• Cordless driver with drywall bit or screw driver (a screw driver is a fine but slower subsitute)
• Utility knife
• Drywall sanding block (you can fashion one with regular sandpaper over a balled up soft material)
• Metal straight edge or ruler

What tools are needed for drywall repair?

• Putty knife
• 120-grit sandpaper
• Carpenter’s knife
• Drywall saw
• Broad knife
• Trowel
• Dust mask
• Drill
• Drywall patch kit
• Pre-mixed joint compound

More items...

How to replace damaged drywall?

Instructions

• Clear out Attic Insulation. If the damaged ceiling is below an attic, chances are the attic has insulation. ...
• Remove the Old Drywall. With the area clear, you can see the perimeter of the drywall to be removed. ...
• Add Nailing Strips. After all the old drywall is gone, you may still have a bit of an obstacle. ...
• Screw in the New Drywall Panel. ...
• Tape and Mud. ...

How do you fix a broken piece of drywall?

1:513:09How to Repair Drywall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd use a knife to cut the drywall remove the damaged piece. And cut a new corner bead to fit secureMoreAnd use a knife to cut the drywall remove the damaged piece. And cut a new corner bead to fit secure the piece. Then apply joint compound to the corner. Finish all repairs with a light sanding primer.

What is the easiest way to repair drywall?

0:352:143 Easy Ways to Repair Drywall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first thing you're gonna want to do is clean up any rough edges around the hole and remove anyMoreThe first thing you're gonna want to do is clean up any rough edges around the hole and remove any loose debris drywall patches have an adhesive layer.

What's the difference in sheetrock and drywall?

Drywall is a flat panel made of gypsum plaster sandwiched in between two sheets of thick paper. It adheres to metal or wood studs using nails or screws. Sheetrock is a specific brand of drywall sheet. These terms are often used interchangeably.

What kind of putty is used for drywall?

Joint compound, also called drywall compound, is a putty that has the consistency of plaster and is designed for larger jobs. Joint compound is made by mixing gypsum dust and water into a paste. It's usually comes in a pre-mixed container for your convenience and is commonly used for taping and finishing drywall seams.

Do it yourself repair drywall?

2:557:41How to Repair Drywall -- Buildipedia DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis. It's going to be pressing into that patch. It's going to give a little bit start with a kindMoreThis. It's going to be pressing into that patch. It's going to give a little bit start with a kind of thick. Use your panda. Clean off the knife. And go back. And work on your patch.

How do you repair a large hole in drywall?

2:286:57How to patch and repair drywall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll have a rough edge around your cut the sand and wipe it down if there aren't studs behind yourMoreYou'll have a rough edge around your cut the sand and wipe it down if there aren't studs behind your hole attach a 1 by 4 inside your wall and screw your drywall patch to that.

What is the fastest way to fix a hole in the wall?

0:211:48How To Fix a Hole in the Wall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThese plaster patches are super easy to attach. You simply peel off the back and stick it onto theMoreThese plaster patches are super easy to attach. You simply peel off the back and stick it onto the wall. Just smooth down the edges even grab your spatula to make sure it's really smooth.

How do you repair a hole in drywall yourself?

2:4915:38How to Fix Holes in Drywall - 4 Easy Methods - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimilar with the first one you can buy a large patch that's a mesh adhesive patch like this one hereMoreSimilar with the first one you can buy a large patch that's a mesh adhesive patch like this one here we can actually just apply this eight by eight patch over the whole thing.

Small Dents and Dings

Scrape away loose debris from the hole. Cover the hole or dent with fast-drying spackle to bring the spackle level with the drywall surface and let it dry 24 hours -- or the time recommended by the manufacturer’s instructions. Sand smooth.

Popped Nail Heads

A popped nail isn't holding in the stud and backs out of the drywall, creating a popped nail head.

Small Holes

For small holes, like those created by a doorknob, a patch kit may be used.

Large Holes

For holes larger than 6 inches, you'll create a drywall patch with a different attachment method for the repair.

Corner Bead Patch

Corner bead is used where two pieces of drywall meet to form a corner. Corner bead is available in a variety of materials, including metal, paper and vinyl.

Finish the Repair

You're almost done. Here's where you make it look like nothing happened.

Repair Textured Drywall

Textured drywall is a bit more complicated, but still pretty simple to repair.

How do I repair a vertical drywall crack?

To repair the cracks, start by using a sanding sponge to sand the crack smooth. After sanding, vacuum the crack to remove all loose dust and debris.

How do I apply joint compound to drywall?

Next, use a 4- or 6-in.-wide drywall knife to apply joint compound over the patch. Be sure to apply enough pressure to force the compound through the mesh. After the compound dries, sand lightly and apply a second, thinner coat of compound, making sure to extend it a few inches beyond the first coat. Repeat a third and final time. When dry, sand lightly, then prime and paint.

What is the difference between premixed and all purpose drywall?

The lightweight product weighs about a third less than all-purpose, it dries more quickly, and takes less effort to sand smooth. All-purpose compound dries harder and typically costs less.

What is the metal strip that protects drywall?

When two sheets of drywall meet at an outside wall corner, they’re protected by an L-shaped metal strip called a corner bead. Corner bead is nailed over the corner and then concealed by two or three layers of joint compound. Metal corner bead is pretty tough stuff, but it’s not indestructible.

How to fix a popped nail?

To fix a popped nail or screw, start by twisting the tip of a utility knife into the wall to carve away the joint compound from the fastener head.

What is the problem with drywall tape?

Seams between sheets of drywall are hidden behind paper drywall tape and several thin layers of joint compound. Occasionally the paper tape will pull loose and peel up , especially in bathrooms where the tape is repeatedly exposed to hot, moist air. And this problem often occurs at inside wall corners.

How much does a full sheet of drywall weigh?

sheets of drywall, and then cut them down to size, as needed. But, be advised that a full sheet of standard 1/2-in. drywall weighs about 54 lbs. Plus, drywall sheets are awkward to lift and carry.

How to repair a sanded area?

If you cut corners on sanding, the repair site will be noticeable, so take your time. Once the repaired area is dry, use a fine-grit (100 or 120) sandpaper. After the first round of sanding, add a second layer of mud, spreading it about 2 inches beyond the boundaries of the first layer. Once dry, re-sand.

Is drywall indestructible?

Drywall is tough, but it’s not indestructible. Over time, gypsum-board walls can sustain ugly cracks or holes. Fortunately, drywall is fairly easy to repair, but there is an art to it. Here’s what to do—and what to avoid—when fixing drywall damage so it’s indiscernible to landlords, homebuyers, or visitors.

Do you need a mask when sanding drywall?

DO use protection. The fine particulate of drywall compound could injure your lungs if inhaled. So always wear a dust mask when sanding drywall compound. Disposable gloves are also a good idea to protect your hands from the dehydrating effects of gypsum dust.

How to cut gypsum panel?

To cut the new panel, place a straight edge against your line and score it with a utility knife. With the scrap edge hanging over a flat surface just beyond your score, quickly snap the piece downward to break the gypsum. Flip over your panel and cut the backing paper to remove the excess. Do this for all sides to be cut.

What to cover a floor with before starting?

Cover the floor you will be working on with poly or a another covering such as a drop cloth or old sheet.

How thick is gypsum board?

Measure the thickness or depth of the existing gypsum board as well as the size of your newly formed hole. Gypsum comes in four thicknesses in most homes: – 1/4″ – generally used in curved applications, it is not common but may exist in some homes and is available but hard to find at most stores.

What do you do when you are satisfied with your joints?

Finishing. When you are satisfied with your joints, apply a coat of primer or your first coat of paint. At this time if you discover any imperfections, dips or divots, you can still add a small amount of joint compound and sand to correct before painting. Congratulations, you’ve completed your first drywall repair!

Do it yourself drywall?

Do It Yourself : How to Repair / Replace a Section of Drywall. As a homeowner, it can sometimes be helpful to know how to repair drywall yourself. The primary reasons for this could be damage incurred while moving furniture, replacement of a window or door, cutting current drywall for a new light fixture, etc. ...

How to cover a hole in drywall with drywall compound?

Be sure to spread the compound at least 4 inches beyond the hole. Cut a strip of paper drywall tape long enough to overlap the hole by at least 2 inches. Press the tape into the compound, covering the hole. If the hole is wider than one strip of tape, apply two strips, butting them edge to edge but not overlapping.

How to hold plywood on drywall?

On opposite sides of the hole, drive a 1-5/8-inch drywall screw through the drywall and into the plywood strip.

Why do drywall nails pop?

There are many reasons why nails pop, but it usually happens when the wood framing shrinks, the house settles, or the nails aren't driven solidly into the center of the stud or joist. Regardless of the reason, the repair is the same (and don't try to simply hammer it back in; there's no guarantee it won't pop back out).

What is crumpled corner bead?

Crumpled Corner Bead. When two sheets of drywall meet at an outside wall corner, they're protected by an L-shaped metal strip called corner bead. Corner bead is nailed over the corner and then concealed by two or three layers of joint compound. Metal corner bead is pretty tough stuff, but it's not indestructible.

How to fix a popped nail?

Regardless of the reason, the repair is the same (and don't try to simply hammer it back in; there's no guarantee it won't pop back out). Start by using pliers to yank the popped nail. Next, locate the exact center of the stud or joist. You can use an electronic stud finder, or a hammer and a finishing nail.

What is drywall called?

The interior walls and ceilings of most homes are covered with gypsum wallboard, which is commonly known as drywall. Over time, these surfaces inevitably get holes, cracks, and dents—and they must be repaired before you can apply a fresh coat of paint. Fortunately, all you need are some basic hand tools, the right materials, ...

Does paper tape peel off walls?

Unfortunately it's not uncommon for paper tape to pull loose and start to peel from the wall. This problem can happen in any room, but occurs most often in bathrooms where moisture helps loosen the tape.