For thousands of years, plaster made from sand, lime, and other ingredients was used to create a smooth interior finish. Later on, the evolution of the building industry brought the discovery of gypsum that is the raw material in making drywalls.
Ever since then, drywall became widely used in the US. The material is quick to install, anti-flammable, and cost-effective, cutting off a considerable amount of the labor fees and your valuable time.
However, drywall can get damaged by cracks, dents, and holes. On the other hand, it is relatively easy to repair, especially with the help of a skilled handyman. Like any damage, it can be minor to extensive. Getting to know what kind of issues you’re dealing with can help you determine whether you can repair it yourself or you should call an expert right away.
Let’s start with the easiest and most common damage to repair; cracks in drywall can either be a cosmetic issue or a structural issue.
Cosmetic Cracks
Your house can have fine, straight cracks on the ceiling, windows, and doors. These minor cosmetic cracks are often the result of drywall joints and seams, which were not adequately reinforced with drywall mud and tape.
If you decide to fix these minor problems yourself, here are the following materials:
-face mask
-drywall compound
-utility knife
-joint knife
-sandpaper and hand sander or a sanding sponge
-drywall screws and drill
The process of repairing minor drywall cracks can be relatively simple, but its success is also tied to choosing suitable materials. Different types of drywall tape, compound, and fasteners are available, and each has its advantages and uses.
Choosing the wrong materials can complicate even the simple repair. With this, it is best to reach out to a handyman company to help you with those fixes.
Structural Cracks
While you can repair minor cracks by yourself, some require professional help.
If your ceiling has many minor cracks, the thickness of the drywall may be the problem. These tiny cracks won’t be a structural problem at first, but they can be unsightly later. You can improve or repair the breaks by sanding the surface or reapplying drywall compounds. However, the technicality of the job may require a handyman professional.
When a home builder attached the drywall panels to your roof’s trusses, the drywall may crack when exposed to temperature fluctuations. This could cause the trusses to expand and pull up, leading to structural cracks. You will need to detach the drywall from the trusses and reattach it to another base.
Also, cracks that are discolored, more than 1/8″ wide, and cracks that occur along with a sagging ceiling shouldn’t be ignored. These cracks can be a sign of structural problems or a leak. Fixing these cracks yourself risks papering over a severe issue. Sooner or later, this will be a bigger problem.
A better solution is to call an experienced professional. An expert can help you investigate the cause of these cracks. He can then correct the problem at its source.
Conclusion
Fractures in your drywall can be a headache, especially when it will cause the beauty of your interior space. Gather the proper materials, take your time, and those cracks will be history. And if you’re still not sure how to repair drywall cracks, make sure to find a reliable and experienced handyman near you!
