Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Home Maintenance

Repair or replace? What you should know about busted drywall

By

For a home to look as clean, polished, and modern as possible, make sure the condition of your walls is in tip-top shape. If your drywall starts to show some imperfections, be it small nicks or gaping holes, address the issue and bring the room back to its former glory. As long as the structural integrity of the drywall panel isn’t compromised, you can repair minor damage quickly and without spending a fortune.

SJ Duran / Shutterstock

Repairable damage

Repairing drywall may seem like a hefty or overwhelming task, but fixing cosmetic damage is actually a pretty simple process. In many cases where the damage isn’t too expensive, all you need is some DIY knowledge to patch up these blemishes.

Recommended Videos

Minor dents, dings, and scratches

Since drywall isn’t the toughest construction material on the market, it’s susceptible to the nicks and scratches that come along with everyday life. You can repair nail holes, dents from doorknobs, and even scratches from the furniture with just putty and a few sheets of sandpaper.

Related

Small or medium-sized holes

Even if the doorknob goes straight through the drywall or a rogue piece of furniture crashes through the wall during a move, you still may not need to replace the whole panel. Drywall repair kits are readily available, so you can patch up smaller holes and give your wall a much-needed facelift. Even in the case of medium-sized or large holes, you may still be able to cut out the damaged portion and insert a new piece of drywall without removing the whole panel.

Localized water damage, caught early

When pipes leak, it can cause some serious damage to your drywall. However, if the water damage is fairly localized on one panel, the fix might be simple. You may be able to pull the panel off to dry it out before replacing it or simply cut out and repair the exposed portion as you would a hole of the same size. Of course, repairing is only an option as long as the water damage is caught early and no mold or bulging is present on the drywall.

Sergiy1975 / Shutterstock

Damage that requires replacing drywall

Unfortunately, there are some instances that will require a full replacement. If the drywall panel is unstable or unsafe to keep, a repair or patch alone won’t solve the problem. If you’re seeing any of the below situations, replace your drywall completely to avoid costly renovations in the future.

Cracks

Large cracks in your drywall, particularly around doors and windows, are an indicator that the panel is not properly placed. Improper placement leads to increased pressure on specific points on the wall, causing the drywall to crack and buckle over time. In this circumstance, you’ll have to pull out the whole panel and replace it (properly) with a new one.

Large or numerous holes

Gaping holes or a group of smaller holes can create structural damage, weakening the whole section of drywall. Simply repairing these holes won’t do, as the wall will eventually begin to buckle and crack. Typically, any hole larger than six inches in diameter is not a good candidate for a patch.

Extensive water damage

If water is present on a large portion of the panel, drying or repairing the panel is not an option, especially if the water damage wasn’t caught right away. Moisture softens and weakens drywall after only a couple of days of exposure, compromising the structural integrity of the wall. If you’re seeing discoloration, bubbling, or softer-looking areas, these are good indicators that extensive water damage is present.

Mold growth

When moisture is left on drywall for an extensive period of time, there’s a good chance it will lead to mold. Mold growth on drywall is a bit of a death sentence, and if it’s present on your walls, you need to pull out the drywall, clean up the source of the mold, and put up new drywall panels.

Drywall isn’t necessarily known for its strength and sturdiness, so cracks, holes, and dents are quite commonplace. Luckily, drywall is also inexpensive and easy to repair, so before you set up a full demolition, consider repairing the damage yourself. If the problems are minor enough, a quick repair kit or even a drywall spackle can mend your deformed wall.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Veronica Sparks
Veronica Sparks
Contributor
Veronica Sparks is a writer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who loves writing about gardening, home décor, and DIY life. She’s…
How to eliminate that musty ‘basement’ smell
Mold and mildew are big basement problems, but they can be solved
Finished basement with wood paneling

Do you avoid spending time in your basement because of its unpleasant odors? Whether it's finished or not, basements are typically cool, damp, and have little airflow going through them, which are all factors that contribute to its musty smell. Unfortunately, it takes more than general cleaning practices and air fresheners to rid the space of mustiness for good. Take a look at some of these tried-and-true methods for how to get rid of musty smell in basement spaces, so you can keep it smelling light, airy, and fresh.
1. Find the culprit of the musty smell

If you smell that common musty stench, the culprit is often mold or mildew. Since basements tend to be damp and have little airflow, they are common hot spots for mold and mildew growth. The first step in preventing further growth by sealing any leaky spots and inefficient drains.
Leaking windows and doors
Check your basement's exterior doors and windows for signs of moisture. Since leaks on the first floor can often drain into the basement, check the windows and doors on the main floor as well. If you find moisture around these entry points from rain or condensation, re-seal the area or call a professional to repair it.
Leaking pipes
Whether pipes are visible in your basement or not, you need to check them regularly for leaks. Examine any water and sewage pipes for signs of leaks and repair any cracks or poor seals. If plumber's tape or epoxy putty can't repair the leak, it's time to call a professional.
Dried-up drains
Basement floor drains direct water out of the home to keep the floors dry and prevent them from flooding. The stagnant water in this drain also traps bad odors emanating from the sewage system below. However, these drains can dry up from infrequent use, releasing stench into the air. If you notice smells arising near your floor drains, just pour a few cups of water into the drain to block the gases from escaping.
2. Clean up the basement

Read more
What is engineered wood? The pros and cons to know
Understanding your options when it comes to home improvement materials
Yellow and black marker pen on brown wooden table

If you're diving into home renovations, you've probably come across the option of engineered wood. This versatile material has gained popularity in construction and home improvement projects for its strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. But what is engineered wood, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of using it?

We're going to explore what engineered wood is and the different types available, and weigh the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision for your next project.
What is engineered wood?

Read more
What is enamel paint (and when should you use it)?
A tough, hard shell for all your high-traffic surfaces
Painting exterior house white

Enamel paint is a versatile and durable option for various painting projects, known for its glossy finish and long-lasting protection. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just looking to refresh your space, understanding what enamel paint is and when to use it can significantly impact your project's success. Let's dive into the specifics of this type of paint, explore its pros and cons, and highlight the best painting applications for this robust paint type.
What is enamel paint?

Enamel paint is a type of paint that dries to a hard, glossy finish, providing excellent durability and resistance to wear and tear. It's often used for both interior and exterior surfaces that require a tough, resilient coating. Enamel paint can be an oil-based or water-based product, with oil-based varieties offering superior durability and water-based options being more environmentally friendly and easier to clean up.

Read more