Did you know that cracked drywall can indicate a serious problem with your foundation? Damaged drywall can be caused by foundation shifting, water damage, and holes. While some reasons should not concern you, others can be major.
If you woke up this morning and found damaged drywall, don’t panic. Keep reading to learn more about what you should do if you notice drywall damage in your home!
Determine the Cause
The first step to dealing with damaged drywall is to determine the cause. Here are some of the most common types of drywall damage:
- Water damage
- Foundation shiftings
- Termites
- Holes
The best way to determine the cause of the damage is to look at the drywall. Here is a breakdown of each cause of damage.
Water Damage
If your drywall has been damaged by water, you will notice it bubbling up and pealing. This could be caused by a rook leak or issues with your plumbing.
Be sure to fix the leak before fixing the drywall, or you will continue having the problem. You should fix water damage immediately because it can cause mold and mildew.
Foundation Shifting
Shifts in your home’s foundation can cause cracks in the drywall. Cracks can also occur if the drywall isn’t installed correctly.
If you happen to notice a crack in your drywall, you should learn more and get it inspected by a professional right away. Cracks can indicate a serious problem that needs to be fixed.
Termites
Another cause of drywall damage is termites. The best way to identify termites in your wall is to check for tiny holes. You also can knock on the wall to see if it sounds hollow inside.
If your home has termite damage, you will need an exterminator to get rid of them before fixing the drywall.
Holes
Nails, or other impacts to the wall, can cause drywall damage. Luckily, drywall holes usually aren’t a big concern, and they are a simple fix. All you will need to do is patch the hole and repaint.
Repair the Damage
Once you have decided what caused the damaged drywall, it will be time to repair it. If the problem is small, such as a hole caused by a nail, you will easily be able to repair the wall yourself.
Just be sure to fix the underlying issue before you repair the damage. If not, you will waste your time and money on fixing the drywall.
Replace the Drywall
If the damage to the drywall is beyond repair, you will need to replace it. While you can do it yourself, a professional can help ensure the quality of the replacement. The last thing you want is to need to fix the drywall again in the future.
Paint the Drywall
After you have repaired or replaced the drywall, the last thing to do is paint! You will want the new drywall to match the rest of your walls. This could even allow you to change the room color if you desire.
Are You Ready to Fix Your Drywall Damage?
Drywall damage can range from being a minor problem to a serious issue. If the damage is a simple hole in the wall, it could be an easy fix. But, if your home has a foundation problem that has caused a crack, you could be facing major repairs.
Did you enjoy reading this article on drywall damage? If so, check out our other articles in the home category for more related tips!
