Top Causes Of Drywall Damage

Jun 07, 2024

Man Breaking the damaged Drywall - Two-Day Painting

 

Drywall is a popular choice in modern construction due to its versatility and affordability. However, it can sustain damage from various sources. Understanding these top causes will help you identify problems early and take steps to protect your walls.

  1. Water Damage – Water damage is one of the most common threats to drywall. Whether it’s from leaks, burst pipes, or flooding, water can cause significant deterioration. You may notice stains, bubbling, or even crumbling sections where water has seeped through. If the damage is extensive, consider contacting a professional to assess and repair it.
  2. Poor Installation – Poor installation can leave drywall susceptible to cracking or sagging. Problems can arise when panels aren’t properly secured, or joints aren’t adequately taped and mudded. Over time these installation issues may worsen and require extensive repairs.
  3. Impact Damage – Accidents happen and drywall is easily dented or cracked from impacts. Furniture collisions, doorknobs hitting walls, and children playing roughly can all lead to noticeable dents and holes. Minor damage can often be patched up yourself, but more extensive damage may call for a drywall repair service to handle the job.
  4. Settlement and Foundation Issues – Homes naturally settle over time, and this can lead to drywall cracks. If your foundation shifts even slightly, it may cause stress on the walls, resulting in diagonal cracks extending from corners and window frames. Addressing these kinds of structural issues will help prevent further damage.
  5. Termite Infestation – Termites aren’t just a threat to wood, they can also harm drywall. While they don’t consume the gypsum core, they can burrow through the paper layers, leaving hollowed-out spaces and small holes. If you see these signs of termites, consider consulting a pest control expert.
  6. Temperature and Humidity Fluctuations – Rapid changes in temperature and humidity can cause drywall to expand and contract. Over time, this movement may lead to warping and cracks. If your home is subject to fluctuating conditions, it might help to keep the temperature stable and monitor for cracks in the drywall.
  7. Poor Quality Paint or Wallpaper Application – Applying low-quality paint or wallpaper without adequate preparation may result in bubbling, peeling, or cracking. Proper surface preparation, priming, and using higher-quality products can reduce the risk of damage and keep your walls looking fresh.
  8. Nail Pops – Nail pops occur when drywall nails or screws back out of their holes, creating visible bulges. This often happens in newly built homes as framing adjusts or with normal settling. Nail pops are generally easy to repair but could indicate deeper settling issues.

Conclusion

Understanding the top causes of drywall damage helps identify issues early and minimizes costly repairs. If you’re unsure how to tackle a repair yourself, consider contacting a professional drywall repair service. They can offer expertise on how to patch drywall, repair drywall damage, and handle termite infestations. Taking preventative measures and addressing issues promptly will keep your walls in top condition.

Two Day Painting in Waukesha is Southeast Wisconsin’s premier drywall and painting contractor,  known for delivering exceptional results. Our skilled tradespeople ensure quality workmanship with clean work sites and precise finishes. We adapt the crew size to your home, completing projects promptly. Our organized business systems ensure thorough communication, keeping you informed at every stage. We emphasize trust and professionalism, delivering your project on time with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Discover the “Two Day Difference” and contact us today.

 For more information about our company or the services we provide, contact us via our website or give us a call at 262-312-2182.

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