Drywalls are a crucial part of most building structures. It improves your home’s structural support and can also offer other benefits such as sound insulation and fire resistance. It’s also a customizable feature that adds to the aesthetics of a structure. Since it’s sturdy and comes at an affordable cost, it’s a common material used in most home construction. 

However, these benefits also mean that fixing drywall is a vital part of home maintenance. Drywall damage can weaken the strength of any room. It can result in water damage, structural damage, electrical problems, and mold growth among other issues. While you might be able to handle drywall repair yourself, the situation might require the best drywall repair services that the Bay Area has to offer. 

So, should you opt for a DIY repair project or call in the professionals? The right answer will depend on the factors for your home and situation. If you’ve spotted some drywall damage or want to plan ahead, it’s best to understand drywall damage. The discussion below will hopefully help you learn more about drywall and how to deal with it: 

Understanding Drywall Damage 

There might be a few reasons why your drywall is damaged. Let’s first take a look at the types of drywall and then the reasons why they might suffer damage: 

Types of drywall 

The kind of drywall you have can affect your repair decision. Here are some of the most common types to expect: 

Standard gypsum board, or regular drywall. This is the most common type of drywall available in assorted sizes and thickness ranges. It’s suitable for the interiors of both commercial and residential buildings. You can easily find it in large stores like Menards, Home Depot, or Lowe’s.

Moisture-resistant drywall. Some may call these greenboard or blueboard drywall. They’re designed to be resistant to moisture, thus preventing mold and mildew growth. Most homes or commercial buildings will use this type of drywall in areas that have high humidity like kitchens, laundry room, and bathrooms. 

Fire-resistant drywall. These are usually classified into Type X or Type C categories. The drywall is created with fire-resistant properties to help protect the building. Builders will usually add these drywall panels where fire protection is needed according to local building codes. These areas would include near furnaces, in the garage, fire-rated walls, and fire-rated ceilings. Professional painting companies will understand how to properly paint these types of drywall.

High-impact drywall. This type is the usual choice in commercial buildings such as schools. It’s more durable in design, which means it can withstand higher impact and rougher usage than traditional drywall. 

Soundproof drywall. This type is also known as acoustic or soundboard drywall. It has the ability to reduce sounds from going outside of the room with the drywall. If you are concerned about noise reduction in a building, this is a common drywall choice. The areas in a home where this type of drywall is used most often are home theaters, bedrooms, and shared walls. 

Paperless drywall. Traditional drywall is made of gypsum between two layers of paper. The paperless version is made with fiberglass instead of paper. Using fiberglass makes the drywall less prone to moisture damage, reduction in mold and mildew, and other forms of damage. It’s a wonderful choice for areas like basements or bathrooms with poor or little ventilation. 

Besides standard drywall, there are also other kinds of drywall that have distinctive features, such as being flexible, lightweight, or eco-friendly. Depending on your building needs, you will have to use the right type of drywall for each area. 

Common types of damage on drywall

If you have any damage to a special type of drywall, you should contact the best painting contractors in the Bay Area. Some of the usual ways that drywall can get damaged are:  

• Small cracks on the surface where the panels of sheetrock join 
• Minor scratches, dents, and marks from normal use (mostly from moving furniture, hitting door knobs, or children’s activities) 
• Larger cracks that go into the paper of the drywall or along the tape of the seam  
• Water damage, whether from leaks or flooding, can cause holes in your drywall or cause erosion, sagging, or other issues.

Evaluate the damage

Before you start fixing your drywall, evaluate how severe the damage is. This will help you estimate the expenses and the level of risk. Hiring exterior painting the Bay Area services can be costly, so doing it yourself may be a better option for small damage. However, you don’t want to compromise the integrity of the building. Custom Painting, Inc. offers a free estimate, so contacting them may be helpful.

There are several ways to evaluate the scope of the problem so you can make a wise decision. 

• Find out what caused the damage, if possible. If there is water-related damage, a larger problem may be the cause.
• Check to see if the damage is due to mold or too much moisture.
• Indentations, holes, dents, scratches, and other forms of damage around the area can occur due to varied reasons, but some could be only surface issues. A painting contractor will be able to help you evaluate them and let you know the best course of action to fix them.

All drywall damage is not the same, but some of it can be more extensive than you think. If a thorough inspection reveals a significant amount of damage or signs of other issues, it’s better to call in the experts. Take time to become aware of the distinct types of drywall repair services offered by several painting companies.

DIY Drywall Repair 

Homeowners often debate whether they should go the DIY route vs. hiring professional services to repair drywall damage, as well as other issues faced around the property. The debate, however, should be made after discussing the pros and cons of each option. 

Pros of DIY repair 

• In some cases, drywall repair will cost less than paying a professional.
• You can work when it’s most convenient to you rather than having to wait for the team’s schedule.
• You have control over the work being done and can adjust more easily if they are needed. 

Cons of DIY repair 

• If you begin the work and the repair goes wrong, it could end up costing more than originally planned.
• Since you are doing the work, it will take your time and keep you from other activities or rest.
• You may not have the tools or materials. You may also need to do research or wait for deliveries to arrive before you can begin work.
• You may not be as skilled as professionals, so the results might be messy or unsafe.
• Drywall repairs might be hazardous if you don’t follow the right precautions.

When to Contact the Experts 

If the drywall damage is small and you have the skills necessary to make the repairs, the DIY route might be the best choice for you. However, it’s best to contact drywall repair and painting experts in the following situations: 

• The damage is large and complicated. 
• There are some safety hazards such as a weakened structure that would be best resolved by skilled professionals.
• There are big holes, wide cracks, or intricate texturing on the drywall.
• You don’t feel you have the needed DIY experience with drywall. 
• The needed repair requires urgent attention. 
• You don’t have the right tools available to make the repairs. 

Advantages of Hiring Professionals 

There’s no doubt DIY drywall repair could be budget-friendly, but sometimes hiring professional services is more advantageous. Here are some advantages to consider when you need a professional to do the drywall repair: 

• They might solve the problem in one visit, saving you time, money, and trouble. 
• The team is usually dependable and skilled, meaning they’ll do a durable, excellent job. 
• Professional services have the skills to repair the damage so well that it’s not visible.
• They have the right tools to do the job and know how to use them.
• They will take care of the cleanup after the repairs are completed.
• Their work will come with a guarantee.

Overall, searching for some painting Bay Area services for your repair needs makes sense. Check out the repair packages at least three companies offer and decide if it’s a reasonable step to take or not. 

Conclusion

Professional services for drywall repair may seem expensive, but they can save you time and money overall. You need to think about the potential harm and hazards that could arise, as well as your own skills. If you are confident in your abilities, you can oversee small repairs by yourself. But for bigger problems and challenges, it is better to rely on the experts. If you need drywall repair and texture services or any other painting services, you may contact us at 925-294-8062 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.