Drywall is a common material used to create walls. Unfortunately, it can become very problematic as it ages. It can crack, buckle, get holes, and weaken with a water leak. It can also be challenging to repair because of how it’s installed. While typically it is easy to repair small holes in drywall, the larger the hole, the more difficult it will be to fix. This means you may have to replace the entire sheet of drywall for a more permanent fix, depending on the damage. Here are the top five ways that your drywall can become damaged!
- Plumbing Leaks: Water is one of the worst things to hit drywall. It can break down that material, especially if the drywall is older. It will create bulging in the wall, which could lead to cracking along the wall. You need to get this fixed as soon as possible to avoid mold, mildew, and other issues.
- Poor Fastenings: Believe it or not, drywall is sometimes installed with joint fastening tape. It’s a thick, heavy-duty tape that helps keep the material secure on the wall. As the tape ages or is exposed to moisture, it loosens up from the drywall, causing it to buckle. You may also notice nails are sticking out instead of being flush against the wall. It could be because the drywall is shifting or because the nail missed the stud.
- Cracking: Cracking happens when the drywall is installed incorrectly. Most of the time, cracking can be seen in the ceilings. This is a safety issue because it can collapse on people in the room. It can also be an indication that something is wrong with the roof or the floor above because the house has settled or another issue. If you see cracks in the walls, make sure you get it checked as soon as possible.
- Termite Damage: Once termites get into your home, they can do a considerable amount of damage if they’re not taken care of fast. They tend to create pinholes, damaging the wood. There will be a hollow sound when you strike the wall. Calling an exterminator is the first course of action. Once the termites are taken care of, you’ll be able to repair the drywall, wood, paint, etc.
- Holes: Holes will be the most obvious reason to get the drywall fixed. This could be from furniture knocking into the wall, too much pressure from something, kids hitting their toys against it too hard, and much more. If the section isn’t braced up against a stud, there’s a chance it can get damaged. While yes, not great to look at, it’s also a structural issue. If you catch it soon enough, you might be able to have it patched and repaired. If you let it go, cracks can form, forcing you to replace the entire sheet.
