Drywall (often called sheetrock) is easy to damage and, done right, easy to repair. The difference between a repair you can see and one you can't usually comes down to finishing. Here's how drywall damage is assessed and fixed in San Antonio homes.
Common causes
- Settling cracks at door and window corners. Expansive clay soils make these common in San Antonio.
- Nail and screw pops as framing dries and moves.
- Impacts from doorknobs, furniture and moving day.
- Water leaks from roofs, plumbing, AC condensate lines or windows.
- Old repairs that were never textured or primed properly.
Patch, panel or ceiling replacement?
| Damage | Usual repair |
|---|---|
| Nail pops, small dents | Reset fastener, fill and refinish |
| Holes up to a few inches | Patch with backing, tape and mud |
| Large holes or crushed areas | Cut out and replace a section to the studs |
| Water-soaked or crumbling board | Replace the damaged area once dry |
| Sagging ceiling | Replace and check framing and fasteners |
Water stains: fix the source first
A stain means water got in. Before repairing, find and fix the source, then confirm the area is dry. A licensed plumber handles plumbing leaks, and HVAC condensate problems go to a licensed air conditioning contractor. Painting over a stain without fixing the cause only hides it for a while. If the damage is widespread, see our guide to rebuilding after water damage.
Repeated cracks
Cracks that keep coming back in the same place, or that are getting wider, can point to foundation movement. Doors that stick and gaps at trim are other signs. In that case, have the foundation evaluated before you keep patching.
Matching texture and paint
San Antonio homes commonly have knockdown, orange peel or smooth finishes. A good repair:
- Feathers joint compound well past the patch
- Matches the texture pattern and scale
- Primes the repair so paint absorbs evenly
- Repaints the whole wall or a natural break, not just the patch, so sheen and color match
When drywall is part of a bigger project
Drywall repair is often part of a remodel, a reconstruction after a leak, or prep for painting. Doing repairs before painting saves a second visit.
What to expect on repair day
- Furniture moved and floors covered
- Dust control around the work area
- Drying time between coats of compound
- Texture, primer and paint, sometimes on a later day
What changes the budget
- Size and number of repairs
- Ceiling versus wall work
- Texture type
- Whether full walls need repainting
- Access, such as tall stairwells
For our services, see painting and drywall and insurance repair and reconstruction.
Planning drywall repair in San Antonio? Book an estimate consultation with 214 Veteran Solutions, a veteran-owned general contractor, or call (210) 796-3695.