Pittsburgh Drywall Repair

Drywall is the most common material used in new construction to create the surface for interior walls and partitions. It is inexpensive (both in initial price and in installation) and it is easy to put up. While drywall is a reasonably durable material, certain things can cause it harm. It is especially susceptible to damage caused by impact or excessive moisture. In Pittsburgh, drywall repair often deals with one or both of these issues.

Common Pittsburgh Drywall Repairs
In the three rivers area, moisture damage to drywall is a pretty big concern. When this material is exposed to too much sudden moisture or a small amount of moisture over a long period of time, it becomes very weak. In fact, moisture damaged drywall actually breaks down and becomes soft and easy to dent (or to make a hole in). Especially for places like finished basements where moisture from the ground can become an issue, drywall repairs often call for the replacement of these softened sections.

Basements aren't the only places at risk for moisture damage. In Pittsburgh, drywall repairs may also be necessary for walls and ceilings under bathrooms or beneath where a leaking roof has allowed water to seep in (a condition that is often caused by aging roofing materials but can also be due to damage caused by impact on the roof or wear and tear from many heavy snowfalls). Pittsburgh residents should get regular roof inspections to identify problems before they begin, and make sure not to ignore watermarks on walls and ceilings.

Impact is another common cause of drywall damage. In most cases, this damage is not severe enough to require the removal of entire boards. Impact can put a mean dent, or even a hole in drywall, but the problem area can usually be filled or patched with spackle. For dents, the process involves little more than filling the recess with spackle, leveling it with a putty knife, then sanding and painting over the damage after the spackle dries. An actual hole is more difficult to repair, but kits are available at any hardware store with everything you need to do the job, plus step-by-step directions. For very large holes, replacing part or all of a drywall board might be necessary. For this type of job, you might want to call in a professional.

A very particular drywall issue arises when taking down old wallpaper. If the wallpaper is adhered directly to the surface of the drywall (not using a primer/sealant is a common mistake), pulling it off can cause significant damage to the wall's surface, as well as pull up the tape that was used at the joints between boards. Repairing this kind of damage may also require an experienced hand; finishing drywall is not as easy as it may seem.

Prices for Drywall Repair in Pittsburgh
For a minor drywall repair, Pittsburgh residents can expect to pay between $100 and $300. Major repairs can run as high as $1,000 and might take 2 or 3 days to finish. These figures are consistent with the national average for drywall repairs, which is about $500. In the grand scheme of things, drywall repair (as well as its installation) is pretty inexpensive, and in most cases, people are happy with the appearance of their finished wall or ceiling as well as the price.