Fix A Hole In The Wall in Hendersonville

Even if your home in East Nashville is sturdy and resilient, it’s not bulletproof—anything can suffer wear and tear over time. Besides, not everything is accident-proof. Perhaps you got angry in your home one day and punched a hole in a wall like they do in the movies. Or maybe you were moving in some complex pre-assembled furniture and one wrong turn punched another hole in the wall. East Nashville homes have many potential sources of wall damage.

The good news is that if it’s a small to medium-sized break, this wall hole repair guide will come in handy for you. On a brighter note, if you’ve only got a wall hole, then you probably know the exact cause of damage—unlike water stains caused by either a plumbing problem or exterior leak (e.g., roof and siding), which could indicate an even bigger problem for that hole in the wall.

If you're an East Nashville DIY professional and have fixed this kind of damage before, you probably don't mind being covered in chalk dust. But more severe problems like water damage pose a safety hazard, and you will need certified experts to handle them. Remember that a hole in your wall could cause further structural damage to your home, so it’s important to fix it correctly and quickly.

If you need help fixing a hole in the wall, you can rely on our East Nashville handyman professionals to get the job done right. We’ll ensure the four walls that surround you will continue to provide you with safety and security.

What is Drywall?

Drywall was officially invented in 1916 and is made of gypsum boards panels, also called Sheetrock and wallboard. Gypsum is a mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate and makes extremely durable and flexible drywall. It’s not only easy to install, but also cost-effective and non-combustible, which is why people have moved away from plaster and wood due to high prices and intensive labor.

Drywall is the type of indoor wall system that you’ll find throughout most modern houses in East Nashville, where they use up to 6,000 feet of it. 1/2-inch drywall is the average thickness, whereas 5/8-inch is the thickest. While it’s relatively durable—with some kinds being water-resistant—it’s not waterproof and won’t withstand water damage. It also won’t resist the kind of serious impact that could leave a hole in the wall.

Some types like cement board and green board have a waxed surface to resist water. Although many homeowners in East Nashville use these varieties behind tile installations in bathrooms, they can still suffer water damage if you ever have a shower leak behind your tiles.

What Causes Wall Holes in East Nashville?

Sudden impacts or accidental damage are the most common causes, but accidents aren’t always the cause of a wall hole in East Nashville. You might think that only wood attracts termites, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. Any type of cellulose is a target for termites, including the kind found in your wall materials, and the spaces behind your walls could also attract mice or other pests that dig a hole in the wall.

Pests and infestations are a serious problem. A patching job probably won’t keep those things at bay. They will continue eating their way into your home, causing more damage. You will need pest control services to get rid of all those creatures before having a specialist inspect your drywall damage. In many cases, your safest option would be a thorough cleaning and a replacement.

Please note that this guide is based solely on fixing accidental damage and helping you determine if there are any issues that require a more thorough investigation. If you are ever unsure, you can count on your local handyman to provide you with a detailed diagnosis for any issues that create a hole in a wall in East Nashville.

Other Signs of East Nashville Wall Damage:

It is important to identify repair warning signs fast. If you know your home well, any tiny telltale sign of concern should rouse you into immediate action. A hole in the wall isn’t the only problem you should look for. When it comes to walls, other issues are that indicate you need repairs include:

Cracks and openings
Bumps and bulges
Dents
Paint and wallpaper peeling off
Water damage
Discoloration and smells

In instances involving moisture or widespread damage, we recommend hiring a professional to ensure your home’s structural integrity isn’t compromised.

How To Fix a Hole in The Wall—East Nashville Wall Repair Steps:

There are many ways to fix a wall hole in East Nashville that vary based on the type of damage and its severity. We hope this guide will give you some insight into fixing a wall hole, whether it’s a larger or smaller hole.

You should never ignore minor damage, even if it is only a hairline crack. Cracks often signify that your home has settled, but they could be caused by more serious issues. Large cracks and holes could definitely be caused by structural damage related to the foundation or other issues that should be investigated immediately. Our team of experts at Mr. Handyman of E. Nashville and Hendersonville can evaluate the severity of the underlying problem. Whether it's merely poor taping or incorrect installation or something more serious, we will identify that problem for you—and help you fix it.

During your drywall repair preparation, ensure that you take all necessary safety precautions and wear appropriate clothing. If you’re doing it yourself, you’ll need safety glasses, gloves and a dust mask. Next, make a list of all these tools and materials ready for your DIY East Nashville drywall repair:

Tools:

Framing square
Putty knives (four and six inches)
Sandpaper, sanding block or sponge
Sharp utility knife
Mortar box
Drill
Screws
Screwdriver
Drywall saw
Pliers

Materials:

Drywall compound (joint compound)
Drywall tape
Mesh drywall tape
Drywall panels, drywall scrap pieces
Wood strips (plywood)

Important: Before you begin your repairs, inspect all areas behind your walls for any electrical wiring or pipes, so that you can avoid damaging them—especially if your repair will involve drilling, cutting and nailing.

I Have a Popped Nail!

Fixing a nail hole can be challenging. To re-secure your drywall, you’ll first need to locate the popped nail and remove it. Use a utility or putty knife to dig through the compound and a pair of pliers to pull out the nail. If it’s a drywall screw, use a screwdriver or drill to remove it.
The next step is to drill in a new 1 ¼-inch drywall screw about one or two inches above the old screw—not too tight, but it should be deep enough to secure the panel without cracking your wall.
Fill all affected areas with joint compound, using a putty knife to spread it evenly. If you caused minor damage after removing the old nail or screw, you should apply some mesh tape and another thin layer of compound on top of it.
Once the first coat of compound dries overnight, apply a second one and, if necessary, a third.
After drying, scrape off any ridges with a sanding sponge.

How Do You Fix a Small Hole in a Wall?

For smaller holes that are four to five inches in diameter; you’ll be safe to use a mesh patch to fix it up. Follow these instructions:

If you don’t have the required tools already, you can purchase a drywall repair kit that includes an 8x8 inch mesh patch at most hardware stores in East Nashville.
Before tackling the hole, smooth out the surface around the hole with sandpaper. Then wipe off the dust with a damp cloth and allow the area to dry.
Peel the paper backing off the square mesh patch and apply it carefully to your drywall, covering the hole.
Use a 6-inch putty knife to spread your first coat of compound.
Let it dry overnight and gently sand the ridges the next day.
Apply a second coat and use your best judgment to determine if it requires a third layer.
Allow the final layer to dry before sanding it smooth.

How Do You Fix a Medium Hole in a Wall?

Larger holes from six inches will need substitute drywall panels.

Cut the drywall panel into a square two inches larger than the hole’s size. For instance, if it is six inches in diameter, cut out a square that’s eight inches.
Use a utility knife to cut a seven-inch square on the back of that piece of drywall. The cut should be deep enough so you can snap the edges off.
The one-inch gypsum edges should snap off easily, leaving the paper backing behind.
Hold the square panel against the hole and use a pencil to draw a square around it. (Note: Do not include the paper borders.)
Following your pencil drawing on the wall, cut out the square with a drywall saw.
Gently sand and clean the edges.
Grab your drywall panel, apply compound to the paper border’s back and carefully fit the square panel into the hole in your drywall.
Ensure the square is secure and in place.
Use a six-inch putty knife and press the paper backing that’s soaked with compound and gently even it out.
Finally, add your first proper layer of joint compound over it.
Let it settle overnight and apply a second layer the next day after sanding the ridges.

What If I have a Wall Hole That’s Larger Than Six Inches?

Some accidents cause larger holes and may need more support during a drywall repair project. If the damage is larger than six inches in diameter, we recommend following the previous DIY instruction until point number six.

Once you have cut out the square (rectangular shape is also possible) with a saw and sanded the edges, ensure you have two pieces of wood strips that are a few inches longer than the square hole.

From there, please follow these instructions:

Install the two strips on either side of the square hole by driving drywall screws through your drywall into the strips. (Two screws per strip on either side, a total of four screws.)
Install your drywall patch into the hole and secure it with four more screws into the strips.
For extra security, tape the seams with mesh tape.
Lastly, you can cover your successful patchwork with your first coat of compound and follow the same instructions as the previous instructions.

Last But Not Least

Important: When you’re done with your compound application, you might want to paint your walls. As most surfaces are porous, you must prime your walls before applying paint. A good-quality primer from any hardware store will help your paint adhere to the wall.

Those are the most basic, practical methods for fixing holes in a wall. Severe damage may require more advanced solutions. We understand that home improvement and repair projects are not for everyone, which is why we are here to help, no matter how big your drywall project is. Our local handyman experts are reliable and versatile, with additional specializations in a wide variety of home repairs and maintenance, such as siding repair, window replacement and home remodeling in East Nashville.

Do I Need a Handyman to Fix a Hole in the Wall in East Nashville?

Sometimes DIY East Nashville drywall repair might be too risky, especially when unsure if any underlying issues are evident. Severe damage and building complexity are easy topics to talk about, but the actual practice can be overwhelming. In many cases, it’s best to hire certified technicians who follow building codes.

Besides, if you’re no fan of cutting, mudding, sanding and so on (it’s messy business!), your experts at Mr. Handyman of E. Nashville and Hendersonville will gladly do it for you. Our pros know exactly how to fix a hole in the wall because they bring many years of drywall repair experience. Whether it’s patching a hole or an entire wall replacement, you can count on our workmanship to get it done right the first time.

Can a Handyman Inspect My Drywall?

Certainly! If you ever notice any signs like unusual drafts or high energy bills, it could be related to worn-out drywall, which is supposed to back up your HVAC system along with your siding and attic insulation. An expert can help you find out if those issues are being caused by a hole in the wall.

Additionally, we can check your attic insulation, windows and doors. If you encounter frequent bug visits and you have secure screens on your windows, it’s worth inspecting your drywall, siding and attic for holes and cracks.

Are You Looking for A Drywall Repair Specialist to Fix a Hole in A Wall in East Nashville?

Whether you are in a part of East Nashville like Donelson or a nearby area, such as Mt. Juliet or Goodlettsville, you can rely on our professionals at Mr. Handyman of E. Nashville and Hendersonville for top-quality workmanship and friendly customer service.

Give us a call today at 615-551-4653 to schedule a service appointment or find out more about what we can do to enhance your property through professional East Nashville home repair—for both your interior and exterior!