Drywall Repair Techniques

Several drywall repair techniques can be used to patch holes and fix cracks. There are three common methods used for patch repair. These are used for smaller holes, but holes larger than 13 inches are best to cut in the surrounding area back to the nearest stud, then a piece of drywall is installed. It requires enough backing that is independent of the surrounding gypsum board.

Drywall Patch Methods

Strapped backing patch repair is best to patch medium to large size holes in your drywall. For gypsum board to be strong, it needs solid backing. This technique uses a short metal stud or a 2 by 1 inch wood. The strap is put behind the hole, extends past the edge, and secured to the drywall. The patch is screwed onto the strap. This technique is best used for patching holes in ceilings.

Hammock, also called Ohio drywall patching, is not commonly used and is a versatile technique. It is ideal for small and medium holes, or for up to 13-inch size, that does not need to be square. If the board was cut out, the same drywall can be used to patch using this method. It is not suited for ceilings. Another technique used by home drywall experts is called California drywall, which others call butterfly patch. This is best for patching small holes but is not suited for those in ceilings. It can cover up an unused outlet hole, or other square hole.

Thus, the method used to repair holes depends on whether they are in the wall or ceiling and the size of the hole. Spackling is a general term used for repairing small holes. Damages in these two areas may have similar and unique requirements. The damage in the walls is repaired first followed by the ceiling, but first, mudding and taping is done for basic cut patches. Joint taping or compound is available in various types, and offer unique properties. Hot mud sets a cut in place, before taping. Taping speeds up dry time and repair process. The speed dry type of mud in powdered form is not for final coating, but is mainly used for curing and bedding. You can find redi-mix type to be a multi-purpose variety. It is a suitable finish and bedding compound, and is ideal for sanding. Holes in the wall are commonly treated using spackling. For the sturdiest fixing, it is best to replace existing ones with new drywall sections, or board swapping.