5 Common Drywall Problems and How to Fix Them

Drywall is the unsung hero of most interior walls and ceilings. It provides a smooth, sturdy surface for paint and decor, yet it's often overlooked—until something goes wrong. At Floor and Wall Guys Inc., we’ve seen it all when it comes to drywall problems. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or considering calling in the pros, understanding drywall types, tools, and repair techniques is essential. Here's a guide to five common drywall problems and how to tackle them like a pro.

Understanding Drywall Types and Sizes

Before we dive into common problems, it’s important to know your drywall:

• Types of Drywall:

  • Standard Drywall: Ideal for most interior walls and ceilings.

  • Moisture-Resistant (Green Board): Perfect for bathrooms and kitchens, where humidity is higher.

  • Fire-Resistant (Type X): Used in garages or shared walls between homes to slow the spread of fire.

  • Soundproof Drywall: Adds mass and density to reduce noise transmission, great for home theaters.

• Common Sizes:

  • 1/2-inch: Standard thickness for interior walls and ceilings.

  • 5/8-inch: Used for fire resistance or added durability.

  • 1/4-inch: Ideal for curved surfaces or overlaying existing walls.

• Screw Sizes:

  • 1 1/4-inch screws: For 1/2-inch drywall.

  • 1 5/8-inch screws: For 5/8-inch drywall.

  • 1-inch screws: For attaching drywall to metal studs.

    

Knowing the right type, size, and size screws ensures a solid foundation for any repair or project.

Common Drywall Problems and Solutions

1. Small Holes (From Nails or Screws)

   Solution:

   Use a spackling compound for quick fixes. Apply the compound with a putty knife, let it dry, then sand smooth. For a hole slightly larger than a golf ball, reinforcement with a self-adhesive patch before applying compound may be necessary.

   
   

DIY Tip: For a clean finish, use a sanding sponge instead of coarse sandpaper to avoid scratching the surrounding drywall.

2. Cracks Along Joints

   Solution:

   Remove any loose material around the crack. Apply joint compound (all-purpose works best here) and embed paper joint tape over the crack. Smooth out the tape with a putty knife, feathering the edges. Apply two to three more coats of compound. Sanding and dusting between layers is highly recommended. Some people forget this step and it isn’t mandatory but it sure does help shorten the labor time and laboriousness of sanding only at the end after all the layers. It also makes for a better and much smoother transition. The overall goal is to leave a finish that once the primer and paint is applied it is as if there was never a hole in the first place. I’m not saying it can’t be done but as the old

   saying goes “work smarter, not harder.”

   
   

Know When it’s Time to Call a Pro: If cracks keep reappearing, it may indicate structural movement or foundation issues. This may need a more experienced eye to really get to the bottom of the issue to attain the proper fix.

3. Sagging or Warped Drywall

Solution:

Check if the drywall is securely fastened. Use longer screws if needed to pull the drywall closer to the stud to re-secure loose panels. Try not to use screws longer than 1 5/8-inch, longer than that tends to defeat the purpose and the drywall starts popping past the screw. If moisture is the cause, first locate and fix the source of the leak before repairing or replacing damaged drywall.

DIY Tip: For warped ceilings, consider adding extra screws to the studs every 12 inches for added support. VERY IMPORTANT: if you see little black freckles, this could be a sign of mold in the ceiling. In this case it is highly recommended to replace than repair.

4. Dents and Dings

Solution:

For small dents and dings, a quick swipe of lightweight joint compound will do the trick. However for larger indents and dings that can’t be quickly passed over, sanding the area slightly before applying compound will help to ensure the compound's proper adhesion.

Best Practice: Always prime the area after repairing to ensure the paint adheres evenly and properly.

5. Large Holes

(Over 6 Inches)

Solution:

Cut a piece of drywall slightly larger than the hole. Trace it onto the wall and cut along the outline. Insert a backing board or 2 into the hole and secure it with screws. Some may call them a backing board and some may say nailers both are the same. Now place the new drywall patch over the hole and fasten it with screws to the nailers. Use fiberglass joint tape for durability, then apply joint compound in layers, again sanding between coats, feathering the edges for a seamless blend.

Know When it's Time to Call a Pro: Large holes in ceilings or walls with plumbing or electrical work behind them are best left to professionals

Choosing the Right Joint Compound and Tape

• Compound Options

  • All-Purpose Joint Compound: Great for most repairs; easy to sand.

  • Topping Compound: Perfect for final coats, leaving a smooth finish.

  • Quick-Setting Compound ("Hot Mud"): Dries fast, ideal for urgent repairs but harder to sand.

• Tape Options:

• Paper Tape: Strong and reliable but requires careful embedding to avoid bubbles.

• Fiberglass Mesh Tape: Self-adhesive and easy to use, best for larger repairs or areas prone to cracking.

• Corner Beads Options:

  • Paper Corner Beads: Lightweight and cost-effective, ideal for low-traffic areas with a smooth, seamless finish but requires careful application.

  • Metal Corner Beads: Extremely durable and impact-resistant, perfect for high-traffic areas, though prone to rust in moisture-prone spaces.

  • Plastic Corner Beads: Flexible, rust-proof, and great for moisture-prone areas, but less impact-resistant and may not create as sharp edges as metal.

• 

DIY Tips for a Smooth Repair

• Use the Right Tools: A quality putty knife and mud pan can make all the difference.

• Sand Gently: Over-sanding can damage the drywall surface. Use light pressure and fine-grit sandpaper.

• Feather Edges: Always taper the edges of joint compound to blend repairs seamlessly into the surrounding wall.

• Prime Before Painting: Unprimed repairs can cause uneven paint finishes.

Know When it’s Time to Call a Professional

Some drywall problems require more than a DIY approach. If you’re dealing with structural damage, recurring cracks, or extensive repairs, it’s time to bring in the experts. At Floor and Wall Guys Inc., we have over 35 years of experience in drywall installation and repair.

Get a Free Estimate Today

Whether you’re fixing a small dent or tackling a major drywall overhaul, our team at Floor and Wall Guys Inc. is here to help. Contact us for a free estimate and let us make your walls look as good as new.