Drywall has numerous benefits over plaster. It is quicker and less difficult to install and is relatively cheaper than plaster. A lot of people undertake the DIY drywall installation project quite easily and save the cost of hiring a professional contractor. Although drywall installation is simple and straightforward, DIY drywall installation isn’t recommended.
There are some common mistakes that DIYers end up making during the drywall installation that affects the integrity and appearance of drywall panels. We have listed some common drywall problems along with their simple solutions.
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1. Over-Sanding of Drywall Paper
In an attempt to achieve a perfectly smooth surface, what many DIYers do is sand the drywall panels vigorously. Over-sanding of the drywall panels might result in sanding into fiberglass or paper tape that covers the seams or the surface of other drywall panels surrounding it. It compromises the integrity of the drywall installation. What many DIYers do to rectify the error is to retape the seams.
The right way to go about to prevent over-sanding is to install a light such that it forms a low angle to the wall. It would highlight any bumps or rises on the surface, and thus, you’ll know where exactly sanding is required.
2. Screws Driven too Far
Another common mistake during drywall installation is that the nails or screws are driven too far. As a result, they damage the paper surface of the wallboard. Once the paper’s face is damaged, the screw loses most of its holding power, which makes this mistake a significant problem.
To make sure you don’t end up driving the screws too deep, drive the screw-head directly over the paper cover’s surface and give it an extra quarter or half-turn to push the screw just below the surface. In case you accidentally puncture the paper, do not try to remove it as it will only make the problem worse. Instead of trying to remove it, add another screw.
3. Tight Joints
Another common problem that arises during the drywall installation is that the joints are secured too tightly. It may not seem like a big problem, but it is. There has to be some gap between the drywall panels to allow natural expansion and contraction of the underlying materials. When drywall panels are fitted too tightly, it can cause the panels to break.
There is no solution to this problem. You have to make sure that you leave a gap of 1/8-inch between each panel during installation so that the problem doesn’t arise in the first place.
4. Misaligned Holes for Electrical Sockets
Cutting perfectly aligned holes on a drywall sheet is extremely difficult. It is not something a DIYer can pull off easily. Moreover, once it’s done, there is no going back. There are numerous tricks that you can use to ensure that all holes are well in line. Misaligned holes look extremely unappealing and ugly. The best way to tackle this problem is to hire a professional.
Summary
DIY drywall installation is easy, but a DIYer can’t achieve the finishing that a drywall professional is capable of. Therefore, to ensure that your drywall panels are installed right, hire a professional, and save yourself time and trouble.
