Holes in sheetrock walls are a common problem in homes. There are many things that can cause a hole–doorknobs, furniture being moved, or even kids who are playing a little too rough. Fortunately you don’t have to live with these blemishes forever. Sheetrock repair is not all that tricky and most people can fix it themselves if they follow these simple instructions.
The first thing you’re going to do is cut away the loose sheetrock that surrounds the hole. This can be done with a sharp utility knife or a drywall saw. If you can, make the hole a rectangular shape, as this will make your life a lot easier.
Cut two thin strips of plywood or wood shims so that they are about six inches longer than the hole. Then insert the strips behind the hole and screw each end to the sheetrock so that you have makeshift “studs” you can attach the new piece of sheetrock to.
Cut a piece of sheetrock that fits the hole perfectly, and using drywall screws, screw the new piece into place.
Apply a mesh drywall tape over the joints between the old wall and the new piece you have just installed. Then use joint compound to cover the mesh tape and all screw holes that you created. In a day or so the joint compound will have dried enough for you to use a drywall sandpaper to sand it smooth. In most cases you will want to apply another layer of joint compound and sand it once again to assure a smooth appearance. Once you are satisfied you can paint over it to match the rest of the wall.
As you can see, repairing sheetrock is not a difficult task. The trickiest part is going to be applying and sanding the joint compound, but this shouldn’t be a problem for most homeowners. Like any simple home repair project, repairing a hole in sheetrock can be done with a little bit of patience and a willingness to get it done right.
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