Tag Archives: Indianapolis drywall repair

What You Need to Know About Drywall Cracks on Shared Apartment Walls

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Whether you live in an apartment, condo, or duplex, it is almost certain that you have a shared wall. A shared wall, also known as a party wall or demising wall, is any wall that is also a wall in another unit within your community. Now, whether or not that particular unit is occupied plays a major role in how you prioritize drywall crack repairs. If you do not have a shared wall, or the unit on the other side is vacant, you may not be in a hurry to repair any cracks in it; but you really should be. Regardless of what’s on (or not on) the other side of your shared wall, drywall crack repair should be a top priority.

Continue reading to learn all the reasons why.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

📾 Noise Reduction

If you do have a shared wall with an occupied unit, you might hear them from time to time. Depending on the quality of the drywall and installation, sounds like the television, stereo, dinner conversation, stair traffic, and more, can easily penetrate through to the other side. Even with good installation and product, sounds can still penetrate to a degree. Now add in some drywall cracks, and the sounds can seep through even more. This is just one reason why prompt drywall crack repair is so important to your indoor comfort.

👃 Unwanted Odors

As if noise wasn’t enough, it gets worse. Because sounds are not the only thing that can seep through drywall. Odors are another threat, especially for walls with drywall cracks. If you neglect to repair drywall cracks on a shared wall with an occupied unit, you risk stomaching any smells that are produced on the other side. Odors from cooking, pets, candles, chemicals, garbage, and more can seep through drywall cracks and into your home.

🔥 Fire Protection

Another important factor with shared walls and drywall cracks is fire damage. If a fire breaks out in the connecting unit, drywall cracks on shared walls can allow smoke, soot, odor, and even flames, to come through. Depending on code requirements, a shared wall in good condition can even help prevent the spread of fire by preventing oxygen from next door from feeding the fire.

Indianapolis Drywall Repair Near You

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for Indianapolis drywall repair and installation service. We are experienced drywall contractors who offer a wide range of residential and commercial drywall service, including repair, replacement, installation, new home construction, metal stud framing, custom drywall texture, grid ceilings, and much more. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.

How to Fix Small Cracks in Drywall

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After a while, tiny little fissures and cracks can appear in drywall and show through the paint. Although minuscule, these little cracks are quite frustrating since they disrupt the perfect, flawless finish of your walls. Most drywall cracks are a result of the old drywall compound dehydrating and shrinking. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to fix drywall cracks, so long as you have the right materials, the right knowledge, and a little experience patching holes in walls.

Continue reading to learn how to repair small cracks in drywall, and what to do if feel like the project is too much for you to take on.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

What To Get:

To fix small cracks in drywall, you won’t need a bunch of complex supplies and materials, but you will require the essentials. Here is what you will need to get for your drywall repair project:

⇒ Drywall Compound
⇒ Mud Pan
⇒ Utility Knife (paint scraper or chisel works just as well)
⇒ Drywall Trowel
⇒ Sandpaper (100 – 120 Grit)
⇒ Microfiber Cloth
⇒ Work Gloves

Getting Started:

Check the area of the crack to see if it extends through the paper, or has been pulled away from the wall. If on a straight seam (horizontal or vertical) use your utility knife to carefully pull open the crack to make these determinations.

If the drywall tape is still intact, you are dealing with a minor crack. Start your repairs by filling it in with some joint compound.

Swipe your drywall trowel across the surface of the crack both ways, until the blade is clean. Hold the trowel at a 70-degree angle for proper application.

Allow the compound to fully dry. Once entirely dry, you can sand the surface smooth with 100 or 120 grit sanding sheet. You can also use a sanding sponge or a 150 or 220 grit sand screen.

After you have finished sanding, you can wipe the dust away with a microfiber cloth. If the wall was previously painted, you will need to prime and paint using the same colors. If you do not have the same paint, you can have it matched at your local paint shop.

Don’t Think You Can Handle the Job Alone?

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for Indianapolis drywall repair and installation service. We are experienced drywall contractors who offer a wide range of residential and commercial drywall service, including repair, replacement, installation, new home construction, metal stud framing, custom drywall texture, grid ceilings, and much more. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.

3 Easy Steps to Get Rid of Old Wall Anchors

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After some time, old wall anchors can become more unattractive than useful. When this happens, it is possible to repair the problem all on your own. Continue reading to learn how to get rid of pesky wall anchors in just 3 easy steps!

Drywall Installation and Repair 317-269-7319

Drywall Installation and Repair 317-269-7319

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Each item on the list of tools and supplies below can be found at any local home improvement store, like Lowes®, Home Depot®, or Menards®. They are all reasonably priced, so you do not have to worry about spending too much on a small project! Just be sure to get the right drill bit size to avoid project hang ups and delays. Here is what you will need to get:

✒ Power Drill
✒ Drill Bit (or Bit Set)
✒ Drywall Patching Compound
✒ 180+ Grit Sandpaper
✒ Putty Knife
✒ Plastic Painters Tarp (or old sheets, newspapers, towels, etc.)

If your drill bit set is not complete, you at least need to have one that is around two sizes bigger than the wall anchor opening. If you plan to paint the wall afterwards, be sure to plan for enough time to dry and prime first. Furthermore, it is wise to purchase new wall anchors that are easily removable for more convenience in the future.

3 Steps Start to Finish:

Step ❶ ⇢ Take out the screw from the wall anchor and choose a drill bit that is 2 sizes larger than the screw hole.

Step ❷ ⇢ Center the drill bit inside the screw hole and use its resistance to drill the anchor out of the wall. It is okay if it falls into the wall cavity.

Special Note: Do not use too much pressure and maintain constant control of your drill. There could be electrical wires or plumbing pipes behind the wall that you do not want to disturb or damage.

Step ❸ ⇢ Use your putty knife to apply drywall compound to the residual hole in the wall and let it dry completely. You may need to fill the hole, little by little. Now all that’s left to do is sand, prime, and paint!

Indianapolis Drywall Repair and Installation

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for affordable Indianapolis drywall repair and installation services you can trust. We service all of Central Indiana, as well as the Metro Indy areas. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial drywall services, including new home construction, grid ceilings, metal stud framing, and more.

How to Remove Odors From Walls

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In a previous blog, we discussed how to remove smoke stains from walls. But even after you eliminate char and soot stains, smoke damage can still leave a lingering odor behind. So in this blog, we’ll talk about a popular method for removing wall odors caused by smoke. All you need are a few affordable supplies and a couple of hours set aside to get the job done right. Now continue reading to learn how to remove odors from walls!

Indianapolis Drywall Installation 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Replacement 317-269-7319

What You Will Need:

❍ Plastic Drop Tarps
❍ Clean Warm Water
❍ Large Bucket
❍ Mild Dish Detergent
❍ Soft Sponge or Cloth
❍ Clean Dry Towel
❍ Step Stool/Ladder
❍ Oscillating Fan (optional)

① Getting Started With Step One

Always start by first protecting the surrounding area from water damage, such as carpets, floors, and furnishings. Do this by prepping the surfaces below your workspace with plastic drop tarps or covers. Then reposition the tarps as you move around the room and work.

② Step Two

Fill your bucket with clean, warm water and add your soap. Only use a few drops of mild dish soap or laundry detergent. So not use too much soap because it will leave a film of residue on the walls.

③ Step Three

After your furnishings and floors are covered, you are ready to begin cleaning. Using your soft sponge, start at the top of the walls and then work side-to-side on your way down. Use your step ladder to reach the upper areas.

④ Step Four

As you work your way around the room, use your towel to dry up any excess moisture after you finish a section. You may need more than one towel if you have a large room or multiple rooms to clean.

⑤ Step Five

Open windows and doors to ventilate the room and dry the walls. You can use an oscillating fan for added ventilation. Be sure the walls dry completely before painting or decorating.

Indianapolis Drywall Repair

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for Indianapolis drywall repair and installation service. We are experienced drywall contractors who offer a wide range of residential and commercial drywall service, including repair, replacement, installation, new home construction, metal stud framing, custom drywall texture, grid ceilings, and much more. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.

Tips for Mildew and Mold Protection After Heavy Rains

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We have all grown up with the annual phrase, “April Showers Brings May Flowers.” And it is so true! But sometimes, the rainy season doesn’t stop in April, and instead, continues throughout the entire year. Rain is certainly good for the environment, however, there is a downside to all the moisture caused by this much precipitation, which is the potential for mold and mildew growth. In the wintertime, the likelihood of mold growth is higher since snow and ice add to the total amount of precipitation. For home and property owners, basements, crawl spaces, attics, air ducts, and even HVAC systems are primary targets because they harness the perfect dark and wet environment that mold thrives on.

Drywall Installation and Repair 317-269-7319

Drywall Installation and Repair 317-269-7319

Managing Mold and Mildew Outbreaks

It is vital to do what you can to prevent mold and mildew growth in your home. It is equally important to remediate areas of your home that have mold and mildew damage, such as drywall, ceilings, fur downs, inlays, and more. Fortunately, you can easily protect your property from mold and mildew outbreaks, as well as, manage them if they occurs. Continue reading to learn how to keep your home or property protected from mold and mildew, and what to do if your home has experienced structural damages as a result of an outbreak.

Tips for Preventing Mold and Mildew Growth Indoors:

☑ Re-caulk weather-stripping on doors and windows to lock in conditioned air.

☑ Eliminate leaves and debris from downspouts and gutters to support proper drainage.

☑ Leave one inch of space between furniture and walls to promote increased air circulation.

☑ Ensure that downspouts are facing downwards and slope away from the property.

☑ Maintain indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%.

☑ Check for water stains on walls and ceilings (contact a professional if present).

☑ Check for condensation or moisture build-up on windows.

☑ Contact a licensed Indianapolis ☑ drywall repair company for affordable and professional drywall replacement services following mold remediation.

Drywall by Local Builders

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate for drywall installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of drywall services, for both residential and commercial properties, including new construction homes, remodels, repairs, metal stud framing, ceiling grids, and more. Call 317-269-7319 and speak with our Indianapolis drywall contractors about your home remodeling needs, today.

How to Clean Smoke Stains on Walls

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Drywall Installation and Repair 317-269-7319

Drywall Installation and Repair 317-269-7319

Whether you are renovating after a fire, or simply flipping houses, knowing how to remove smoke stains from walls is a necessary skill set to have. Long-term, indoor tobacco use can cause walls to discolor or stain in certain areas, while even the smallest fire can cause smoke damage to its surroundings. For this reason, smoke stain removal is a common chore among homeowners, remodelers, and professional cleaners. If you are someone who has smoke stains to remove from your walls, continue reading to learn the process and how to get started.

Smoke, Soot, and Char

Smoke particles are also known as soot or char. Since they smudge easily, improper cleaning can make them worse. For the best results, it is important to remove smoke, soot, char, and other related smoke-damages as soon as possible. Of course this is not always possible, especially for house flippers who purchase an older property to remodel, or for homeowners who discover smoke damages later on. But regardless of how long the smoke stains have been there, there is always a solutions. For major smoke damage, professional renovation may be necessary, but as for minor to moderate staining, there is some easy, DIY options. Here’s where to begin:

What You’ll Need:

☑ Rubber Gloves
☑ Protective Eyewear
☑ Chemical Dry Cleaning Sponge
☑ Standard Soft Sponge
☑ Rubbing Alcohol
☑ Step Stool
☑ Floor Fan
☑ Tarp/Drop Cloth

You can purchase individual chemical dry cleaning sponge at any local hardware store or home improvement store for $5 to $7. Keep in mind that dry cleaning sponges DO NOT require water, and should be used dry; but once a sponge is saturated with soot, rinse it clean and let it dry completely before reusing. It helps to buy more than one for larger projects so you don’t have to wait for it to dry between uses. In place of rubbing alcohol, you can use paint thinner instead. Be sure to lay down your drop cloths below the work area to prevent floor and carpet damage. Once you gather all your supplies, you are ready to begin the first step.

Step ❶

Position and turn on the fan to ventilate the area. Harsh fumes from the paint thinner or rubbing alcohol can irritate the senses in large doses. Proper ventilation is a vital part of the smoke removal process.

Step ❷

Lay down the tarps or drop cloths to protect the floors from stains.

Step ❸

Put on your eyewear and gloves. Harsh chemicals can cause skin irritation and burns.

Step ❹

Use the chemical dry cleaning sponge to wipe the soot and char away. Use moderate pressure to avoid smudging and smearing. Use your step ladder to reach high areas. Start by working side to side, and then top to bottom. This step may take some repeating.

Step ❺

Once you have removed as much soot and char as possible, wet the standard soft sponge with rubbing alcohol and gently wipe the walls clean. This step may also take some repeating.

Step ❻

Allow the walls to air dry completely.

Indianapolis Drywall Repair and Installation

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for affordable Indianapolis drywall repair and installation services you can trust. We service all of Central Indiana, as well as the Metro Indy areas. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial drywall services, including new home construction, grid ceilings, metal stud framing, and more. Call 317-269-7319 for drywall repair and installation in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding locations today.

Tips for Avoiding DIY Drywall Mistakes

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Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

When people attempt to do their own drywall repairs, the potential for making mistakes is high. Without the proper resources and knowledge, drywall repairs can be messy, complex, and unpredictable. They are not the everyday chore you can easily tackle. However, for small jobs, do-it-yourself repairs are possible. If you are preparing to fix a small hole or area of damaged drywall, it is important to review some common mistakes so that you do not repeat them.

Continue reading to learn the most common DIY drywall errors, and how to avoid making them yourself.

Be Sure You Have Proper Edge Support

Many people make the mistake of not checking the framing at the inside corners before starting their drywall repair or installation project. You must have adequate framing and support, or the drywall you hang will be too heavy. For most jobs, you need at least one inch of exposed framing. If you do not have this extra framing, you’ll need to attach an additional 2×4 to provide alongside the framing you do have. You may also have to add blocking, so be sure to check the top of the wall that runs parallel to the ceiling.

Mark Your Framing

Do not forget to mark your framing members. If you forget, and go on to cover your framing with drywall, you will have a lot of trouble finding the proper places to screw. You need to mark the ceiling joists, and then the center of each stud in the floor, as well as the ceiling.

Avoid Tapering Drywall Corners

A tapered edge of a sheet of drywall will not do you any good once it comes time to install the corner bead. This will cause the corner bead to hang too low, which will make it a challenge covering the joint compound. If you have cut edges, place them on the outside corners of the framing.

Trim Openings Before Fastening Drywall

It is common to measure incorrectly or come across an outlet that doesn’t fit. This is why it is important to always check the fit before you fasten anything to the framing.

Use the Longest Drywall Sheets Possible

You want to avoid adding extra joints, especially butt joints. Taping around these joints is time-consuming and complicated, so reduce the quantity by procuring the longest and biggest drywall sheets possible for your project. For the average 8 to 9 foot wall, it is recommended to get specially-cut 54 inch wide drywall sheets. If you have a larger job, you should use 12 foot sheets, but it is recommended to get the materials delivered. They are heavy, and difficult to transport.

Call a Professional Indianapolis Drywall Repair Company

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for professional Indianapolis drywall repair at an affordable price. We are highly-trained and licensed drywall contractors that offer a wide range of drywall services for residential and commercial properties. Trust us for outstanding results at a competitive price! Call 317-269-7319 to request an estimate for Indianapolis drywall repair, today.

Tips for Drywall Water Damage Clean Up

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Drywall Installation and Repair 317-269-7319

Drywall Installation and Repair 317-269-7319

When floods happen, the damage they cause can be monumental. To make matters worse, repairs and renovations for water flood damage are expensive. This is why it is important to have premium insurance coverage for accidents like water damage, especially if you live in a flood zone or near a large body of water. If a flood happens in your home, there are ways to mitigate the damage and work toward restoring your home.

Continue reading to learn some tips for cleaning up after drywall water damage has occurred. Talk to a licensed Indianapolis drywall contractor for help with determining the best strategies for remediation.

Quickly Dry the Flooded Area

The primary goal you should have after your home experiences a flood is to eliminate the moisture as soon as possible. Mold, mildew, and wood rot will begin to set in after just 48 hours. Mold grows quickly in drywall, and spores travel undetected all throughout the ventilation system, which can cause serious health implications for people and pets. So within the first 48 hours, it is imperative to do what you can to dry out the walls and ceilings.

Remove Water-Damaged Drywall

In order to dry out your home efficiently, you must have all water-damaged building materials removed as soon as possible, including everything from drywall to insulation. Anything soaked with water needs to be removed. You will need to hire a professional company for the project since special tools and training are required. You wouldn’t want to accidentally take out a load-bearing wall or disturb plumbing and electrical systems! This could lead to even more costly repairs.

Use Fans Everywhere

After you remove saturated building materials, they cannot be reused once they are dried. They should be thrown out as trash. To increase drying time, place industrial fans all around the affected area, but be sure to keep electrical cords away from any pooling water. You can also buy a moisture meter to measure the moisture levels in your home after a flood.

Indianapolis Drywall Repair and Installation

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for affordable Indianapolis drywall repair and installation services you can trust. We service all of Central Indiana, as well as the Metro Indy areas. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial drywall services, including new home construction, grid ceilings, metal stud framing, and more. Call 317-269-7319 for drywall repair and installation in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding locations today.

How to Remove Water Stains from Drywall

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As soon as you start to notice water stains accumulating in areas of your walls and ceilings, it is important to act fast. Your first priority should be to locate and remedy the source of the water staining, which is generally a water leak. Once you have your water leak under control, you can move forward with treating your drywall to remove the unwanted stains left behind. Continue reading to learn one of the most recommended practices for removing water stains from drywall and plaster.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Tools and Supplies to Get:

→ Large Bucket
→ Bleach
→ Clean Water
→ Rubber Gloves
→ Soft Sponge
→ Towels
→ Drop Clothes
→ Oil-Based Primer
→ Water-Based Paint
→ Paint Brush or Roller

Step ❶

After you gather all your needed materials, start by laying down your drop cloths under your work space. You can use old bed sheets or plastic tarp as well.

Step ❷

Once your surrounding floors and possessions are protected with drop cloths, mix together equal parts of bleach and water in your bucket.

Step ❸

Put on your rubber gloves, and begin to apply the bleach solution to the drywall using your soft sponge. You may also pour the solution into a clean, plastic spray bottle for easier application. The bleach and water combo will remove any mold.

Step ❹

Allow the drywall to dry completely from the bleach water application.

Step ❺

After the area is dry, apply a shellac or oil-based primer to cover the stain. One coat should be enough. You may use a spray can or a roll-on primer.

Step ❻

Allow the primer to dry completely.

Step ❼

Apply your acrylic or water-based paint over the area covering the stain. You may need to re-paint the entire wall or ceiling to ensure the paint shades match.

Indianapolis Drywall Repair

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for Indianapolis drywall repair and installation service. We are experienced drywall contractors who offer a wide range of residential and commercial drywall service, including repair, replacement, installation, new home construction, metal stud framing, custom drywall texture, grid ceilings, and much more. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.

Why Did My Drywall Crack?

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Indianapolis Drywall Repair 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Repair 317-269-7319

A crack in your drywall might as well be a cannonball-sized hole; because a simple crack becomes the main focal point of your wall, distracting from the rest of your home’s beautiful décor. So when they appear, you begin to panic, and probably start thinking about all the questions you have for your drywall installation contractor. But before you blame the crack on a poor installation job, learn a few other reasons why drywall cracks, and then move forward with the solution that makes the most sense for your type of drywall damage.

Continue reading to learn several common causes for drywall cracks, and who to call for affordable drywall repair you can trust.

Causes for Cracks in Drywall

Drywall cracks come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, depths, and scopes. And often times, the appearance or location of a crack can say a lot about how and why it showed up. The best way to determine where you cracks originate from is to contact a professional drywall contractor for an in-person assessment. In the meantime, continue below to learn some common causes for cracked drywall.

⇒ Foundation Settling

After a home is built, it begins to exponentially “settle” in terms of its foundation. This can happen at different times and in different areas of the home. The slow downward movement that occurs with settling can create cracks in the walls and ceilings of the home overtime. Common places to see this type of cracking include tops of door frames, ceilings, walls, and near corners where wall and ceiling meet. And they are generally diagonal in direction.

⇒ Moisture

Too much moisture can create a lot of problems for a home. And among those problems is drywall cracking. There are a few places in drywall that are moisture-prone or tend to attract moisture. Here is where you are likely to see drywall cracks as a result of rust accumulation. Areas like screws and wall studs are common moisture attractors.

⇒ Wall Décor

Unless you use the proper wall anchors and installation tools, heavy wall décor can cause cracks in drywall overtime. Since they are usually behind whatever’s hanging on the wall, they often remain hidden. Sometimes, they are discovered when the wall anchor gives out and the hanging decor finally drops to the ground.

Indianapolis Drywall Repair

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for Indianapolis drywall repair you can trust. We are highly-trained, licensed, and insured drywall contractors that offer a wide range of drywall services for both residential and commercial properties, including repair, installation, and replacement. We also offer new home construction, metal stud framing, custom drywall texture, grid ceilings, and much more. Call 317-269-7319 to request an estimate for drywall repair in Indianapolis, Indiana today.