17 Sep Should I Repair or Replace My Drywall?
If you live in a relatively modern Winnipeg home, chances are that your walls are constructed of inexpensive drywall. This product is ideal for walling in homes because it is fast to install and does not cost much. It has certainly grown in popularity over the years. However, it is not impervious to damage like dents and dings. Homeowners often wonder how to tell if they should simply repair their drywall or replace it.
If you have a few areas of your home that may need drywall replacement, here are a few ways to tell if you can repair the area or if you should replace it.
Holes
Over time, it is common to find that the walls of your home accumulate some holes. These may come from screws in the wall or accidentally banging furniture into the wall. Fortunately, small to medium holes are often able to patch. There is a chance that you will be able to identify where this area was repaired though.
Sometimes, the holes are too large or you may have too many holes that are very close together. In this type of situation, you are jeopardizing the structural integrity of the drywall to attempt a patch in these areas. It would be better for you to replace the entire sheet of drywall instead.
Cracks
Cracks are typically a sign of a larger issue that needs to be addressed. They are often caused by a misplaced seam where there is too much pressure on this one area. Most homeowners notice cracks develop around their windows and doors. While drywall repair can certainly fix these cracks cosmetically, it may not last for the long haul.
Your best option is to replace the drywall in these areas and correct the pressure distribution around the window or door frames. Unlike small drywall repairs which can sometimes be handled by a handy homeowner, correcting cracks should be left to the professionals.
Water Damage
If you have a flood in your home, most homeowners automatically assume that their drywall needs to be scrapped. They anticipate the potential for mold and mildew growth that can have serious health implications.
Depending on the severity of the flood or leak and how high up on the walls it reached, you may be able to simply allow the drywall to dry out. Discoloration may occur, but this is not dangerous and does not require replacement. You can simply paint over top of it to make it look as good as new.
In some situations that involve major flooding, you may notice that the drywall is visibly damaged. It might bulge from the water that it is holding, crumble into dust, or simply collapse. If you had a major pipe burst or experienced flooding due to a natural disaster, this is quite possible. This type of water damage will require replacement of the drywall in large sections. Call in the professionals to help you discard your old drywall and get new hung up quickly.
Drywall Repair vs. Replacement
There is a time and a place for both drywall repair and drywall replacement. Understanding which one your home needs can be a bit tricky, but these guidelines should give you a great starting point. If you are unsure whether you need drywall replacement or drywall repair for your Winnipeg home, it’s time to consult the professionals.
At Pinnacle Painting, our experienced technicians will come out to your home and help you to make a final decision. Give us a call today to see how we can help you make your walls look flawless once more!