How to Fix a Hole in the Wall: A Norfolk County Homeowner’s Guide

Have you noticed a hole in the wall? Drywall damage is one of the most common problems homeowners throughout Norfolk County face. Even though this material is a popular choice for homes and businesses throughout the United States, it can damage easily due to a wide range of factors. Perhaps your friends were helping you move furniture and your bookcase knocked against your wall. Or, maybe your children were playing catch inside—except they didn't do so well at the catching part. Maybe you're not entirely sure how the hole got there, and no one is fessing up. No matter what happened, there is a hole in the wall and you need to fix it.

There are two different options when it comes to fixing a hole in a wall in Norfolk County. You can either make it your next DIY project or hire a professional service to take care of the issue for you. For small holes, like nail and screw holes, DIY repair is an easy solution. If you're confident tackling home improvement projects, then you may even feel comfortable repairing slightly larger holes. However, large damage does get more complicated and may require a professional's expertise.

Not to mention, many Norfolk County homeowners may not have the time, inclination or tools required to patch a hole in a wall. This is completely understandable, your life is busy! Luckily, a Norfolk County handyman can help. Our team of experts will repair the hole in your wall quickly and efficiently. At Mr. Handyman of Central - Eastern Norfolk County & S.Shore, each of our technicians have years of experience, are highly trained and possess all the necessary tools to make sure the job gets done right the first time. Not to mention, we're recognized throughout Norfolk County and the South Shore for our dedication to outstanding customer service.

What is Drywall, and Why is it Important to Fix it?

Drywall, also known as Sheetrock and gypsum board, is made out of two paper boards that sandwich a lining of gypsum. A sulfate mineral, gypsum possesses numerous qualities that make it a desirable construction material. It's easy to install, lightweight and convenient to transport. Most notably, gypsum is non-combustible, which makes it ideal for homes across the United States, including Norfolk County.

Certain types of Sheetrock may also contain additives that reduce mildew growth and moisture absorption. However, although drywall has many benefits, it's not resistant to damage. In fact, it takes very little pressure to put a hole in your wall. And when that happens, you need drywall repair services as soon as possible.

There are many reasons why it's important to repair your wall promptly—whether through hiring an expert in Norfolk County or tackling the repair on your own. Some of these reasons include:

Preventing damage from worsening and resulting in more costly repairs.
Stopping moisture infiltration and water damage from causing wood rot, mold and mildew growth.
Inhibiting pests from infiltrating your home.
Helping keep the elements where they belong by preventing drafts.
Ensuring the noise barrier between different rooms is maintained.
Keeping your home looking aesthetically pleasing.

What Causes Holes in a Wall in Norfolk County?

More often than not, it's pretty clear what caused your Norfolk County wall hole. Perhaps you were the culprit, or you watched the incident happen. Maybe a very guilty teenager confessed to putting that hole in the wall after slamming the door in a fit of teen angst. Sometimes, what caused the hole can be a bit of a mystery. However, there is always a rational explanation for all kinds of damage. Indeed, there are many factors that can weaken your walls significantly—such as moisture damage from a burst pipe or poorly ventilated room.

Before we dive into a few DIY repair options for all sizes of Norfolk County wall holes, it's important to know some of the common causes of damage. This will help you pinpoint the issue and prevent similar problems from occurring in the future. Common causes in Norfolk County include:

Water damage from a leaking roof, pipe or fixture
Moisture incursion due to damaged siding or deteriorated caulking around windows
Repeated exposure to condensing steam in poorly ventilated bathrooms
Worsening wear and tear over time
Holes from nails, screws and drywall anchors used to support shelves, heavy artwork and mounted TVs
The natural settling if your home, causing cracks, loose joint tape and popped screws
Pets scratching your wall
Damage that is created or worsened by insect and rodent pests
Accidents, such as from children roughhousing indoors or people moving furniture.

How to Fix a Hole in a Wall | Norfolk County DIY Instructions

Whether you're a Norfolk County homeowner or a property manager who wants to know a few basic tips to help keep your property looking and functioning its best, it's useful to know how to fix basic damage like a hole in a wall. This useful skill can save you time and money—permitting you do it correctly.

Since the instructions for patching drywall vary depending on the size of the damage, we've broken it down for you. This guide explains the steps for fixing minor damage caused by drywall screws, nails and anchors. It will also dive into Norfolk County wall hole repairs for smaller holes, as well as what to do in case a large area is damaged.

Important to Know: Pro Tips

A drywall repair kit can be very helpful if you don't have the necessary tools on-hand—or don't feel like investing in them. Patching kits are available at most hardware stores in Norfolk County. These kits provide the necessary tools and instructions to repair small wall holes, including an adhesive patch to repair the damage.

Keep in mind a key part of all drywall repair jobs is that you need to paint over the patch once it's dried. Unless you plan on repainting your wall entirely, you'll need a paint that matches. Many homeowners in Norfolk County have spare paint cans in their garage or tool shed from the last time they painted their walls. If that's not you, it's possible to take a paint chip sample to your local hardware store. The paint department should be able to mix a color that is a very close match.

Also, keep in mind that patching drywall is a multi-day project—even for smaller wall holes in Norfolk County. This is because drywall putty needs to cure for 24 hours between coats. So for projects that are larger than a nail hole, it's important to allow yourself the necessary time.

If this all feels a little overwhelming for you, then don't worry. There is no rule saying that all homeowners in Norfolk County should be able to fix a wall hole. If DIY repairs are not up your alley, then call in our experts at Mr. Handyman of Central - Eastern Norfolk County & S. Shore. We'll ensure the patch is so seamless, you won't be able to tell where the damage was to begin with. Not to mention, we'll clean up our work area so you don't have to worry about dealing with a big mess once the job is complete.

Gather Your Tools

Before beginning any DIY project in Norfolk County, it's important to have all the necessary tools and materials prepared. When it comes to patching a hole in a wall, be sure you have the following:

Joint compound (also called plaster or spackle)
Drywall patch
Drywall saw
Pencil
Measuring tape
Protective eyewear
Mask
Drywall knives or utility knife
Scrap piece of drywall
Scrap lumber or a piece of plywood
Screws and screwdriver
Sandpaper
Fiberglass drywall tape
Moist sponge or damp cloth
Wall texture spray
Paint
Paintbrush
Stud finder
Drop cloth or plastic sheet (to catch loose debris and drywall during sanding)

How to Repair a Nail or Screw Hole

Now that you know what tools and materials you may need, it's time to get down to business. We'll start with fixing issues caused by nails, screws and anchors. This method is fairly straightforward and ideal for very small holes in Norfolk County homes.

1. Mix drywall putty according to the manufacturer's instructions—unless it came premixed.

2. Fill the damaged area with spackle, either using a putty knife or your finger.

3. Ensure it's as level and even as possible. It should be flush with your wall.

4. Let your compound dry completely. This should take around 30-minutes or so for such a small amount.

5. Once dry, use sandpaper to smooth it down and remove any rough edges.

6. Use a small paintbrush to cover patched areas with paint.

Fixing Small Holes: DIY Steps

Small punctures are one thing, but if you need to know how to fix slightly larger damage you will need to step things up a notch with your Norfolk County wall repairs. For damage bigger than a nail hole, but smaller than four-inches in diameter, you will need an adhesive drywall patch.

1. Carefully cut away any loose or dangling Sheetrock remnants to smooth the hole's edges.

2. Place your prepared self-adhesive mesh patch over the hole.

3. Use a drywall knife or utility knife to spread joint compound across the patch. You'll need a generous amount, so don't be stingy! Apply in a crisscross pattern, smoothing as much as possible around the edges, so that it blends in with your wall.

4. Let everything dry completely. This usually takes around 24-hours or as long as the manufacturer recommends.

5. Sand down and clean the dried patch.

6. Apply a second coat once dry, following the same process as above.

7. Let dry completely, and sand down. Wipe away any excess dust with a damp cloth.

8. Apply a texture spray. This will help the smooth patch blend with the rest of your wall. If you look closely, you'll notice your walls are slightly stippled. A texture spray will help the patch match more seamlessly.

9. Paint over the patch.

Repairing Large and Mid Sized Holes

Finally, we come to the most difficult DIY Norfolk County wall hole repair—but one that you can still tackle on your own with a little patience and attention to detail. If you need to fix a hole in the wall that is more than four-inches across, be aware that this isn't a quick fix. The steps are much more involved and there is a greater risk that things could go wrong. You should also be comfortable cutting into the wall using a power tool—so be careful of electrical lines and any plumbing that may be located nearby.

1. Use your pencil to mark lines around two-inches above and below the hole.

2. Use a stud finder to locate studs on either side of the damaged area. Mark where they are using your pencil.

3. Measure roughly 3/4 of an inch into the stud. Mark this spot.

4. Use your drywall saw to cut along those lines you just marked until you reach the wall studs.

5. Locate the marks on the stud. Carefully remove overlapping drywall using a utility knife. You may have to score numerous times to remove all of it.

6. Remove the damaged drywall piece. You should have a rectangular hole cut-out and be able to see part of each stud.

7. Cut a piece of plywood or scrap lumber so it's roughly three-inches longer than your hole's height. This will act as a support.

8. Install your support piece vertically within the hole, between each stud. Keep in mind that it does not need to cover it entirely. Screw into place carefully.

9. Use your drywall knife to cut a piece of drywall into a rectangle the same size as your hole. Use a measuring tape to ensure it's correctly sized.

10. Place the patch on the support, ensuring it fits as tightly as possible.

11. Screw your patch into the wall studs and support piece.

12. Cover the borders of your patch with drywall tape—it should overlap slightly with your existing wall.

13. Spread joint compound across the tape, ensuring it's as smooth as possible and flush to your wall.

14. Let dry completely. This will take around 24-hours.

15. Sand your patch until smooth. Wipe away excess dust with a damp cloth.

16. Apply a second coat of joint compound, let dry for 24-hours, and sand smooth. Wipe away excess with a damp cloth.

17. Apply texture spray as needed.

18. Paint over the patch with a medium-sized brush or roller. You may choose to paint the entire wall for a seamless finish.

Need Help to Fix a Hole in the Wall in Norfolk County? Call the Pros at Mr. Handyman!

By this time, maybe you feel ready to tackle a DIY project like Norfolk County wall hole repair. Or, maybe you're thinking this is a task better left to the pros. If that's the case, don't hesitate to call our repair experts at Mr. Handyman of Central - Eastern Norfolk County & S.Shore. We've helped numerous homeowners with a range of repair tasks throughout Norfolk County and South Shore, including in Braintree and Weymouth.

To get started today, give our pro team a call at 508-465-2092!