Posted on April 4th, 2023.

Drywall is a common material used in modern home construction, and over time, it's bound to become damaged. Whether it's from normal wear and tear, accidents, or just age, holes and cracks in drywall can be unsightly and frustrating. But fear not, with the right tools and techniques, you can easily repair and patch drywall to make it look like new again. In this post, we'll cover everything you need to know about fixing drywall, including the different types of drywall, how to patch holes, and why hiring a professional can save you time and headaches.

Types of Drywall

Before we dive into how to fix drywall, it's important to understand the different types of drywall that are commonly used in home construction. Plaster and sheetrock are two common types of drywall. Plaster is a traditional material that has been used for centuries, while sheetrock, also known as gypsum board, is a more modern material that is easier to install and repair. Regular drywall is a standard, unfinished type of drywall, while fire-resistant drywall is treated with special chemicals to provide an extra layer of protection against fire.

Another type of drywall is moisture-resistant drywall, which is designed to withstand moisture and humidity in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. It has a special coating that prevents water from penetrating the surface, which helps to prevent mold and mildew growth. Soundproof drywall is another type of drywall that is used in areas where noise is a concern, such as media rooms or bedrooms. It contains multiple layers of gypsum board with a layer of viscoelastic material sandwiched in between, which helps to absorb sound waves and reduce noise transmission.

Understanding the different types of drywall can help you choose the right type for your specific needs. Whether you are building a new home or repairing a damaged wall, knowing which type of drywall to use can make a big difference in the overall durability and appearance of the finished product. If you're not sure which type of drywall is right for your project, a professional handyman service like Erik's Helping Hands can provide expert advice and guidance.

How to Fix a Drywall Hole with Multiple Coats?

Fixing a hole in drywall is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. First, you'll need to prepare the damaged area by cleaning and sanding the edges of the hole. Next, you'll need to cut a piece of drywall to fit the size of the hole and secure it in place with drywall screws. Then, you'll need to apply joint compound to the edges of the patch and the surrounding wall. This will require multiple coats, with each coat being sanded down and smoothed out before the next coat is applied. Finally, you'll need to prime and paint the repaired area to match the rest of the wall.

It's important to note that the number of coats required will depend on the size and depth of the hole. Larger holes may require more coats and more sanding to ensure a smooth finish. It's also important to let each coat of joint compound dry completely before applying the next coat. This process can take several hours or even overnight, so be sure to allow enough time for the repairs to fully dry before proceeding to the next step.

While it is possible to fix drywall holes on your own, it can be a time-consuming and potentially frustrating process. Hiring a professional handyman service like Erik's Helping Hands can save you hours of work and ensure that the job is done correctly the first time. Our team of experienced professionals has the tools and knowledge to handle all types of drywall repairs, from minor holes to extensive damage.

How Long Does It Take to Fix Drywall?

The time it takes to fix drywall will depend on the size and severity of the damage. A small hole can be patched and repaired in just a few hours, while larger holes or more extensive damage may take several days to repair. Hiring a professional drywall repair service can help ensure that the job is completed quickly and efficiently, without any additional headaches or delays.

In addition, hiring a professional drywall repair service can also help ensure that the repair work is of high quality and will last for years to come. Professional contractors have the expertise and experience to assess the damage and determine the best course of action for repairs. They also have access to high-quality materials and tools, which can make a significant difference in the outcome of the repair work. Overall, while the time it takes to fix drywall may vary, hiring a professional drywall repair service can ultimately save you time and money in the long run.

Why Hiring a Professional May Save You Hours and Headaches?

While fixing drywall can be a DIY project, it can be time-consuming and require specialized tools and knowledge. Hiring a professional drywall repair service can save you hours of frustration and ensure that the job is done correctly. Professionals have the tools and experience needed to quickly and efficiently repair drywall, leaving your walls looking like new.

In addition, professional drywall repair services can help identify underlying issues that may have caused the damage in the first place. This could include issues with plumbing, wiring, or structural problems that require additional repairs. By hiring a professional, you can have peace of mind knowing that the root cause of the damage has been identified and addressed, preventing further issues in the future.

At Erik's Helping Hands, our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing high-quality drywall repair services to the Milwaukee area. We understand the frustration that comes with damaged drywall and aim to provide a stress-free and efficient repair process for our clients. 

Drywall Repair Services in Milwaukee

If you're located in the Milwaukee area, Erik's Helping Hands is here to help. Our handyman services include drywall repair, and we're proud to serve Milwaukee and surrounding neighborhoods, including Riverwest, Shorewood, Fox Point, Walker's Point, Whitefish Bay, Glendale, and Mequon communities. We have the tools and experience needed to handle any drywall repair job, big or small.

In addition to drywall repair, our services also include mounting, assembly, painting, finish carpentry, custom carpentry, minor home repairs, snow removal, lawn service, and power washing. We take pride in providing high-quality work and exceptional customer service, ensuring that our clients are satisfied with the final result. 

Should I ask my Electrician or Plumber to Repair their Holes in my Drywall?

When hiring an Electrician or Plumber to repair a problem, they may need to create holes in your walls or ceilings, in order to access the areas that need repair.

They will likely ask you if you’d like them to repair the drywall damage or if you’ll handle it. There are usually two reasons for this: 

1) They’ve had years of training and have created their business to specialize in Electrical or Plumbing work, so drywall repair is not their preferred way to add value. 

2) Because of the licensing and specialized tools, their hourly billing rate is usually higher than drywall professionals.

You can ask them for an overall estimate of the drywall repair, but nine times out of ten, it will be less expensive to have a Drywall professional do the work.

One key to success is to ask the tradesman at the beginning of the project to attempt to keep the cut piece(s) intact and set them aside for your drywall professional to use later. Electricians will often cut multiple 6 inch disks or pucks to help run new wiring. Keep these disks, and we can help get them back into place.

For larger repairs, the tradesman may need to cut a larger rectangle from the wall. Ask your tradesman if they would recommend converting this into an access panel or if it should just be patched up and smoothed over.

Request an Estimate for Drywall Repair

If you're in need of drywall repair services in the Milwaukee area, don't hesitate to reach out to Erik's Helping Hands. Our team of experienced professionals is here to help you with all your home repair needs. Contact us today to schedule a quick call and see how we can assist you in fixing your drywall or any other handyman service. Submit a Drywall Estimate Request” to get started .