The Secret to Drywall Longevity

Drywall is a necessary but fickle component to your interior remodel. When installed properly, it can provide your room a beautiful, seamless finish. However, when shortcuts are taken it can also leave unsightly peeling and cracking that adds to your home repairs. Sheetrock repair in Woodstock is not uncommon in new constructions, but that doesn’t mean it’s unavoidable. Here’s what you need to know about drywall and what you can do to ensure you limit any future touchups.

Proper Installation Is Essential

The first step to avoiding time-consuming sheetrock repair in Woodstock is to have installed correctly by professionals. Too often homeowners are convinced they can hang drywall effectively, only to discover cracks in the finish months later. Experts understand the finer points of sheetrock installation that most DIY-ers overlook, including proper taping and fastening.

Joint Tape Is a Fickle Substance

Mastering the art of drywall taping takes years of practice and experience. Unlike the panels, which are durable and manufactured to last, the tape between the joints is much weaker and susceptible to moisture, stress and peeling. Because these "weak links" are more vulnerable to damage, they must done correctly. Additionally, in new construction especially, joint tape is particularly susceptible to movement. As your home settles into the foundation, these small shifts cause the tape to buckle and peel, resulting in unsightly blemishes in your finish.

Using the Right Screws

Often overlooked, the kind of nails and screws used in drywall installation is essential to avoiding repair sheetrock in Woodstock. Each drywall panel is compressed between two thick layers of paper which provide the grip strength to hold them in place. However, if the wrong fasteners are used, or if they are fastened too tightly, the paper can rip, reducing the amount of hold against the stud. As a result, nails and screws begin to pop up, ripping joint tape and peeling the paint.

What Should and Shouldn’t Happen

While some drywall problems are unavoidable, others shouldn’t occur if the work is done properly. For instance, some peeling is expected in new constructions because shifting naturally occurs. Unfortunately, even with the best techniques, some damage is unavoidable. However, other problems, such as popped nail heads or bad caulking, are a direct result of poor installation. In understanding the difference, you can hold shoddy contractors responsible for the ensuing repairs.

Whether you need repair or installation, make sure you find the experts who do the job right. Find an interior remodeling company you can trust in your area today.

Kevin Smith is a writer and an avid reader. He writes about business, marketing, health, pets, or relationships etc.