My Guide to Patching Holes and Cracks in Drywall

No matter how careful you are sooner or later patching and repairing drywall becomes inevitable. The most common repairs are holes caused by doorknobs and stress cracks produced as a building settles.

When done properly all repairs will become a permanent and unnoticeable part of your homes interior. Some repairs are simple, just needing two thin coats of patching compound, while others will require additional framing and multiple coats of joint compound.

Repairing Drywall Cracks

Small surface cracks don’t require extensive repair to be ready for painting. Use your finger to fill the crack with lightweight spackle. While filling the crack rub the spackle lightly to minimize sanding.

Stress cracks typically occur above doorways or windows and are caused by movements or settling of a home. When these cracks occur near a seam the tape may be loose. Also a stress crack can happen where there is no seam or joint in the drywall.

First remove all loose material with a razor knife. This will produce a "V" grove along the length of the crack. Widening the cracked will increase the bonding area for drywall joint compound.

Now check for movement by applying hand pressure around the crack. If any movement is noticed on either side of the crack apply drywall screws to the nearest framing member. This will make the drywall more solid, reducing the chance of future cracks.

Large cracks need to be taped and finished with three coats of drywall joint compound. Cover the entire crack with fiber mesh tape for added strength. After applying three coats of joint compound sand and retexture to match the existing finish.

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Drywall Hole and Dent Repair

Repairing Small Holes and Dents

Holes and dents left by doorknobs are easy to repair. Begin by removing any loose material. Now you have two choices concerning how to proceed.

• Choice #1 is to pre-fill the hole or dent with joint compound. Then apply fiber mesh drywall tape and additional coats of joint compound until level with the surrounding surface. Lightly sand and apply texture to match the existing surface.
  
  This works great for holes 1 inch or smaller. Larger holes should follow the recommendations in "Choice #2".
• Choice #2 is for larger holes that go through the wall. Pre-filling these holes will be difficult, providing some kind of backing is needed.
  
  The hole can be enlarged and either 1x2 lumber or plywood inserted and secured with drywall screws through the outer edges of the hole. Or a metal drywall patch can be used. Cut the purchased patch 1 inch larger than the hole and apply 2-3 coats of patching compound.

Drywall repair kits are very helpful when repairing small holes up to 4-6 inches. These repair panels are self-adhesive metal and fiberglass that provide a very strong surface when covered with joint compound.

Repairing Large Holes in Drywall

For holes and damage that goes beyond the ability of a simple metal patch you will need to use different methods to achieve a strong and invisible repair.

• First start by cutting the area back until you reach solid drywall. Cut a piece of drywall a little larger than the damaged area and use it as a template for your cut. The shape of the drywall hole repair patch can be a square, rectangle or circle.
• Hold the drywall patch over the damaged area and trace its outline on the wall. Use either a razor knife or drywall saw to cut out the damaged area.
• The piece of drywall will need to be attached to a strong surface with screws. You have two choices for attaching the piece of drywall before any taping and finishing can take place. Using furring strips, 1x2 lumber, or metal drywall repair clips.
  
  The first choice and standard is using 1x2-furring strips to provide a fasting surface. Cut the furring strips 6 inches longer than the hole. Slide the lumber into the hole and hold in place with drywall screws secured through the drywall panel and into the lumber. Use one screw on the top and bottom and three or more down the sides. Repeat this procedure on the other side of the hole.
  
  The alternative method is to use metal drywall repair clips. These clips are held in place by screws and offer attachment points for the drywall patch. Use four or more for the best results. The metal clips will work for small holes, 10 inches or smaller. For larger holes the furring strips should be used.
• Now you can tape the patch. First pre-fill any large gaps with patching compound. Next apply fiber mesh tape and another coat of patching compound. Usually three thin coats are required before sanding and texturing.

All patches require proper drywall finishing techniques in order to be invisible. Always use thin coats, feathering the edges to avoid excessive sanding.