I've been fixing drywall in Utah homes for over 20 years, and I can tell you that most homeowners face the same five problems. Some you can handle yourself, others need professional help.
Let me share what I've learned from thousands of drywall repairs across Salt Lake County, Utah County, and beyond. I'll show you which repairs you can tackle and when to call us professionals.
Utah's unique climate creates specific drywall challenges. Our dry air, temperature swings, and settling foundations cause different problems than you'd see in humid climates.
Dry Air Effects: Utah's low humidity can cause drywall compound to crack along seams. I see this constantly in newer homes in Draper and Bluffdale.
Foundation Settling: Our clay soils shift with moisture changes. This creates stress cracks in drywall, especially around doorways and corners.
Temperature Changes: Going from hot summers to cold winters makes materials expand and contract. This movement shows up as cracks and nail pops.
Water Damage: Despite our dry climate, water leaks from plumbing or roofing still damage drywall. The low humidity actually makes water damage worse because the drywall doesn't dry evenly.
These tiny holes come from picture hanging, wall anchors, or small screws. They're the easiest drywall repair you can do.
What You Need:
How I Do It: Clean out any loose drywall paper first. Apply spackle with the putty knife, pressing firmly to fill the hole completely. Scrape off excess so it's flush with the wall.
Let it dry for 2-4 hours in Utah's dry air (faster than humid climates). Sand lightly with fine sandpaper until smooth. Prime and paint to match.
This works for holes up to about 1/4 inch. Anything bigger needs a different approach.
These holes come from doorknobs, small accidents, or removed wall anchors. You can fix them yourself with the right materials.
What You Need:
Step-by-Step Process: Clean the hole edges of any loose paper or debris. Place the mesh patch over the hole, making sure it sticks well around all edges.
Apply thin coats of joint compound over the patch. I always tell homeowners to use three thin coats rather than one thick coat. Let each coat dry completely before the next.
In Utah's dry climate, joint compound dries faster than the package says. Check after 4-6 hours instead of waiting overnight.
Sand between coats with medium sandpaper, then fine sandpaper for the final coat. Prime before painting or the repair will show through.
Large holes need more skill to repair properly. I've seen many DIY attempts that look obvious from across the room.
DIY Method (Advanced): Cut a drywall patch slightly larger than the hole. Trace around it and cut the wall opening to match exactly.
Install backing material behind the hole - I use strips of drywall or plywood with screws. Secure the patch to the backing, then tape and compound like a regular seam.
This takes practice to get right. Most homeowners struggle with matching textures and getting smooth joints.
When to Call Professionals:
Not all cracks are the same. The repair method depends on what caused the crack.
Hairline Cracks (DIY): These thin cracks often appear along seams or in corners. Clean out any loose compound, apply mesh tape, and compound over it in thin coats.
Recurring Cracks (Professional Help Needed): If cracks keep coming back after repair, there's usually a structural issue. I've seen this in homes throughout Utah County where foundation settling continues.
Don't keep patching recurring cracks. Fix the underlying cause first, or you'll be repairing forever.
Settlement Cracks: Large cracks that run vertically or horizontally often indicate foundation movement. These need professional evaluation before repair.
Water-damaged drywall is tricky in Utah. Our dry air can hide moisture problems that create mold later.
Assessment First: Feel the drywall around the damage. If it's soft or spongy, it needs replacement, not repair. Check for mold with a flashlight - look for dark spots or fuzzy growth.
Small Water Stains (DIY): If the drywall is firm and there's no mold, you can paint over small stains with stain-blocking primer. Use two coats of primer before regular paint.
Soft or Moldy Areas (Professional Required): Cut out damaged sections completely. We often find damage extends beyond what's visible. Professional tools help locate all affected areas.
I recommend keeping these basics on hand:
Buy quality tools. Cheap putty knives leave streaks that show through paint.
Rushing the Drying Process: Utah's dry air tricks people into thinking compound is dry when it's not. Wait the full recommended time, especially for thick applications.
Skipping Primer: Drywall compound absorbs paint differently than the wall surface. Always prime repairs before painting or they'll show as dull spots.
Using Too Much Compound: Thick applications crack as they dry. Three thin coats work better than one thick coat.
Ignoring Texture Matching: Smooth repairs on textured walls look obvious. Learn to match your wall texture or call professionals.
Not Checking for Underlying Issues: Fixing symptoms without addressing causes leads to repeated problems.
Some repairs are worth doing yourself. Others need professional expertise:
Call Professionals For:
Professional Advantages: We have specialized tools for texture matching and large repairs. Our experience helps identify underlying problems that cause recurring issues.
Professional repairs also come with warranties. If the repair fails within our warranty period, we fix it at no charge.
DIY repairs cost $5-20 in materials for small holes. Medium holes might cost $15-40 in supplies.
Professional drywall repair typically costs:
Complex texture matching or multiple repairs often qualify for volume pricing.
Install Door Stops: Prevent doorknob holes with simple door stops or wall bumpers.
Use Proper Anchors: Heavy items need appropriate wall anchors rated for the weight.
Control Humidity: While Utah is dry, sudden humidity changes from humidifiers can cause problems.
Address Foundation Issues: Don't ignore recurring cracks. Fixing foundation problems prevents ongoing drywall damage.
Regular Inspections: Check for small problems before they become big ones.
Most DIY repairs fail at texture matching. Utah homes have various textures:
Each requires different techniques and tools. Orange peel needs a hopper gun. Knockdown requires timing and technique. Smooth finishes need perfect sanding.
I've spent years learning to match textures perfectly. It's often worth hiring professionals just for the texture work, even if you do the basic repair yourself.
Need professional drywall repair in Utah? Our team at Silver Bullet Construction has handled every type of drywall damage across Salt Lake County and Utah County since 2003. We'll assess your damage, recommend the most cost-effective solution, and guarantee our work. Contact us at (385) 484-8624 for a free estimate on your drywall repair project.
You can repair small nail holes and simple cracks yourself with basic tools. Hire professionals for holes larger than 2 inches, recurring cracks, water damage, or complex texture matching to ensure lasting results.
Drywall compound dries faster in Utah's dry climate, typically 4-6 hours between coats instead of overnight. However, thick applications still need full drying time to prevent cracking and ensure proper adhesion.
Recurring drywall cracks in Utah often result from foundation settling due to clay soil movement, temperature fluctuations, or structural issues. Address the underlying cause before repairing cracks to prevent them from returning.
We proudly serve communities across Utah, including Bluffdale, Draper, Utah County, and beyond. No matter where you are, Silver Bullet Construction delivers expert craftsmanship and tailored solutions to meet your construction and remodeling needs.
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