How to Get a Stripped Screw Out of the Wall

Posted on April 13, 2020 by Drywall By AMFA

Whether you forgot to drill a pilot hole or drove a screw too quickly, nothing puts a stop to your project faster than a screw with stripped head. Fortunately, there’s a smooth and efficient way to deal with this frustrating problem. All you need are a few tools and supplies, all of which are reasonably-priced and sold at any local home improvement or hardware store in your neighborhood.

Continue reading to review a basic guide to removing stripped screws from drywall.

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What You Will Need

☑ Drill
☑ Screw Extractor Set
☑ Long-Nose Locking Pliers

For Screw Heads Above the Wall:

Clamp your locking pliers onto the screw, positioning them as close to the wood as possible.

Once you have a solid grip, use the pliers to gently turn the screw counterclockwise. Be gentle to avoid snapping off the screw head.

You can use a piece of cardboard to place around screw to prevent any accidental scratching.

For Screw Heads At or Under the Wall:

For screw heads that are flush with the wood surface or slightly below, you will need to use your screw extractor set.

Using your drill, make a 1/8 inch deep hole in the top of the screw head. It should be large enough to accept the largest screw extractor that will fit the head.

Position the extractor into the hole you drilled, and then slowly turn it counterclockwise and press down until you feel the extractor threads catch.

Slowly turn the extractor to wind the screw out just enough to where you can grab it with your gripping pliers.

Tips for Preventing Stripped Screw Heads

☑ For screws 2 1/2 inches or longer, rub the heads with candle wax or beeswax to reduce friction.

☑ Do not forget to drill pilot holes for your screws.

☑ Choose a drill set that lets you drill pilot holes in multiple sizes to match your screws.

☑ Drill larger pilot holes for hardwoods to avoid splitting.

☑ Always choose the proper screws for your project.

If you have a home improvement project you’ve been waiting to get done, consider professional home remodeling services for outstanding results in a convenient time frame. Need a deck built? Or perhaps some drywall installed? These are the types of services that are better performed by a licensed contractor who retains the proper tools, training, and skills to deliver responsible work and professional results.

Did You Do a Little Damage to Your Drywall? No Problem!

Call Drywall by AMFA at 317-269-7319 when you need professional drywall services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured drywall company that provides residential and commercial drywall work at competitive prices. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.

What Can I Use to Safely Clean My Walls?

Posted on March 13, 2020 by Drywall By AMFA

Have your interior walls seen better days? Are they starting to look more like an interpretive finger painting? If so, there is still hope. You can get your level 5 drywall and paint finish back in just a matter of minutes. All you need are the right supplies and the proper knowledge. Continue reading to learn what items and supplies you can use to clean your home’s walls.

How to Clean Stains on Walls

Because there is more than one type of wall stain, you will likely need to use more than one type of cleaning method or solution. Each type of wall stain requires a different method of cleaning, so it is important to pay attention to what you are using. Common wall stains include water stains, smoke stains, dirt stains, and mold.

Water Stains

To treat water stains, you will need a soft sponge, a large bucket, clean water, household liquid bleach, and most importantly, a shellac or oil-based primer and some wall paint to match your existing shade. Combine equal parts of water and bleach, and apply to the stains using a soft sponge. You can choose to transfer your solution to a spray bottle for better control and convenience. Allow the solution to dry on the wall stain, and then apply a shellac or oil-based primer to cover the stain. Once the primer is dry, apply your paint.

Smoke Stains

For major smoke damage, professional renovation may be necessary, but as for minor to moderate staining, you will need a chemical dry cleaning sponge, a regular soft sponge, rubbing alcohol, and a floor fan. Use the chemical dry cleaning sponge to wipe the soot and char away. Apply moderate pressure to avoid smudging and smearing. Start side to side, and then top to bottom. This step may take some repeating. 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.

Everyday Dirt and Grease

Everything from fingers and pet dander, to dust, dead insects, and more, can cause dirt stains on walls. To remove a dirt stain, slightly dampen a chemical dry cleaning sponge, such as a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, and then using gentle pressure, wipe the smudge away in a circular motion. Finish by using a standard soft sponge and rubbing alcohol to gently wipe the wall clean.

Sometimes walls are too dirty to clean, in which case, you will likely be better off outsourcing professional drywall replacement. Contact a local Indianapolis drywall company for a free quote to get started.

Indianapolis Drywall Replacement You Can Trust

Call Drywall by AMFA at 317-269-7319 for licensed Indianapolis drywall services you can afford. 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.

Easy Alternatives to Make Your House Warmer

Posted on February 25, 2020 by Drywall By AMFA

Is your heating system not cut out for this chilling Indiana winter? If you are still not warm enough, consider these simple and effective alternatives instead!

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How to Be Cozy Without Central Heat

❄ Fireplace – One of the oldest ways to stay warm and one of the best.

❄ Space Heaters – If using space heaters please be careful and make sure to turn off the unit when not being used. To maximize the effectiveness of the space heater, be sure to close doors or windows in the area being used.

❄ Lights – Use Incandescent lights instead of LEDs and compact fluorescents because incandescent lights produce heat and LEDs and fluorescents produce very little heat.

❄ Electric Blankets – More energy efficient than a space heater, and great for one or two people.

❄ Sleeping Bags – These are meant for outdoor weather and some can be effective in minus 40 degrees. Hopefully your house will not get that cold.

❄ Cozy Clothes – The best way to wear clothing to stay warm is to layer. Be sure not to wear so much clothing that it makes you sweat. Sweating in cold weather can lead to hypothermia.

❄ Warm Beverages – Warming yourself from the inside of your body can be very helpful at warming your core temperature.

❄ Cooking – The heat created by baking or cooking will not only warm the air but also be able to dry it out.

❄ Candles – Candles produce more heat than you would think but please be careful. Make sure all candles are blown out when the area is not in use.

❄ Cuddling – Cuddle up to someone warm-blooded, whether a loved one or a pet. Body contact from will allow you to stay warm on cold nights or days.

❄ Hair Dryer – For a quick warm up…try turning on the blow dryer and dousing yourself with warm. Just be sure not to get too close or you can burn yourself.

❄ Curtains – Keep open during the day and closed at night.

❄ Bushes and Trees – Trim up your bushes and trees so your house gets exposed to as much sun as possible.

❄ Rugs – Rugs allow for an additional layer of insulation, therefore keeping out extra chill.

❄ Unused Rooms – Closing the door to unoccupied rooms will save heat, while also diverting heat dispersion to high traffic areas where heat is needed.

❄ Windows – Be sure there are no gaps in your window and sills in order to prevent drafts.

❄ Doors – Doors with gaps can allow a lot of warm air out and cold air in. Sealing doors will prevent this.

❄ Insulation – Adding more insulation to your walls, attic, and closets can instantly increase your home’s warmth factor.

How to Improve Your Home’s Drywall Insulation in Indianapolis

Call Drywall by AMFA 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.

What You Need to Know About Wet Walls and Mold Growth

Posted on February 11, 2020 by Drywall By AMFA

If your home or commercial property has wet walls, or walls that sweat with condensation, then you may have a mold problem on your hands sooner than later. Mold grows in dark and moist environments; and since the inside of a wall is dark, when it’s wet, the porous wall material turns into a mold incubator. Wall boards, plywood, drywall, and other wall surfaces are quite absorbent, and can grow mold any time of year if it retains enough moisture.

In the meantime, continue reading to learn what you need to know about the correlation between wet, sweaty walls and mold outbreaks.

Black and Green Mold

One of the most common types of mold found growing in wet walls is called Stachybotrys Chartarum, or black mold, and has a greenish-black hue. This is not your typical harmless bathroom mold you’ve seen a time or two in your life; this mold is toxic, and can cause respiratory complications and illnesses after long-term exposure or inhalation. In the case of black mold, or any other mold growth in wet walls, it is crucial to outsource immediate mold removal and drywall replacement services.

Since mold is hazardous to our health, it is safer to have a professional company remove moldy walls and mold growth, rather than attempting to do it yourself. Remember, the mold is not the only problem with wet walls, the water leak is also an issue. Moldy wet walls will require drywall removal, drywall replacement, mold removal, plumbing repairs, water leak diagnostics, and fresh paint. This seems like a lot for fixing wet walls, but there is a solution for that too.

Drywall Repair Services for Moldy Walls

Wet walls can be caused by several things, but mostly poor plumbing or leaky pipes. Hiring a team of contractors is the best approach to fixing a wet wall mold problem. It is important to have a plumbing contractor provide professional diagnostics to determine the cause of your wet walls. From there, you need a professional drywall contractor to properly replace the damaged areas, and ensure they will withstand future humidity and moisture risks.

Indianapolis Drywall Repair Services at a Price You Can Afford

Call Drywall by AMFA at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall repair and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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.

The True FAQS About Gypsum Board

Posted on January 29, 2020 by Drywall By AMFA

Continue below to review some of the most pertinent frequently asked questions about drywall and gypsum board, and finally clear up your confusion!

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Are Drywall and Gypsum Board the Same Thing?

Drywall is a construction material made from thin panels of gypsum board. It is used to construct walls and ceilings in residential and commercial structures. Drywall is also called wallboard, gypsum board, and plasterboard. It is called “drywall” because water is not required to use it for wall and ceiling construction.

Gypsum comes from the Greek term, “gypsos”, meaning plaster. It is a naturally-occurring mineral found in sedimentary rock formations. It contains large amounts of water bound in crystalline form, making it less prone to combustion. Gypsum board is a generic term used to describe a family of panel-type products that retain a non-combustible core. These boards are layered with gypsum rock and specialty paper material.

When Was Drywall Invented?

Drywall was first introduced to the market in 1916 after being invented by the U.C. Gypsum Company (USG). Back then, drywall went by the term, “Sackett Board” named after a USG subsidiary called the Sackett Plaster Company. It started off as small, fireproof tiles, and after ten years, eventually transitioned into the product we know today as drywall. By 1945, it was one of the dominant building materials in our country.

What is Chinese Gypsum Board?

Chinese drywall is a term used to reference an environmental health situation involving defective drywall material manufactured in China and imported to the United States in 2001. Laboratory testing revealed that the defective drywall emitted sulfurous gasses, including carbon disulfide, carbonyl sulfide, and hydrogen sulfide.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began investigating the effects of Chinese drywall in 2009, and concluded that there are short-term health implications from exposure, including respiratory problems, asthma irritations, sore throats, chronic headaches, and more. Long-term exposure can have health implications like chronic fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, and more.

Is Gypsum Board a Good Choice for Wall Finishing?

Drywall, or gypsum board, is beneficial for several reasons. It is fire-resistant, economical, versatile, durable, noise-mitigating, easily decorated and painted, easy to repair and replace, and much more!

Is Gypsum Board a Man-Made Material?

Gypsum, as mentioned earlier, is found in naturally-occurring crystalline formations in sedimentary rock. To acquire it, gypsum must be mined. Millions of tons of gypsum are mined every year in North America, and most of it is to manufacture drywall products.

Can I Install Gypsum Board?

If you are familiar with drywall work, and you feel comfortable taking on a project, it is possible to hang and finish drywall yourself. However, it is recommended to stick to small projects, like patching holes, and leave the larger projects to a trained team of professionals. When it comes to increasing the value of your home, you want to be sure every precaution is taken when installing new drywall. For this reason, it is best to outsource professional drywall services rather than take on a drywall project on your own.

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How to Hang Ceiling Drywall By Yourself

Posted on January 6, 2020 by Drywall By AMFA

Do you have a ceiling drywall installation project that needs to get done ASAP, but you don’t have access to any helping hands? No problem! With a simple, easy-to-learn handyman hack, you can hang ceiling drywall all on your own, without a partner to assist in the heavy lifting! Continue reading to learn what to do.

DIY Drywall Hanging Tips and Tricks

If you plan to hang drywall on your own, it is important to be experienced. This is especially true for ceiling drywall. For beginners, any scope of drywall work is a difficult project, regardless of having help. So, when it comes to ceiling drywall, experience is even more vital. If you are planning to hang ceiling drywall, be sure you are experienced with drywall work before taking on the task alone.

How to Do it Alone

The trickiest part to hanging ceiling drywall without a partner to assist is holding the board to the ceiling while you are attaching it with your tools. In conventional drywall installation, one person would be supporting the board while the other secures it into place. However, when doing this part by yourself, all you need are the right tools to take the place of an assistant. Here is the secret:

To support the drywall board as you attach it to the ceiling, just get yourself a 2×4 piece of wood and some screws! Screw the 2×4 into the wall studs just below the ceiling, but leave just enough space to slide your gypsum board above, securing it into place.

There you have it! You are ready to install your drywall ceiling all on your own! Still unsure about the whole project? Simply hire a licensed and qualified Indianapolis drywall contractor for professional assistance you can trust!

Professional Drywall Installation in Indianapolis

Call Drywall by AMFA at 317-269-7319 for affordable Indianapolis drywall grid ceilings service 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.

4 Ways to Locate a Stud in the Wall

Posted on December 26, 2019 by Drywall By AMFA

There are plenty of things we need to hang on our walls. From cabinets and mirrors, to pictures, décor, and more, our walls provide us an open canvas to exhibit our unique personalities and trend-setting tastes. However, what you are hanging is really of no concern; how you hang it is what really matters. We are talking about wall studs, of course. Whether you are hanging a mirror or a painting, your best bet is to attach it to a wall stud. Otherwise, you can risk your wall décor falling off, or worse, cracking your drywall. Not sure how to locate wall studs? No problem. The task couldn’t be simpler, so long as you have the right knowledge.

Continue reading to learn the top 4 ways you can find wall studs all on your own, as well as, what to do if your previous attempts at hanging stuff on your walls caused some drywall damage.

❶ Knuckle Taps

Your first option for located wall studs is to simply use your own fist. Using your knuckles, tap the wall a few times, and then horizontally move over every couple of inches and tap some more. The wall should emit a sound that implies hollowness when you tap, until you tap on a stud. When you tap on a stud, the sound will change to a more abrupt reverberation, letting you know there is something behind it. This option is a good method when you are not equipped with any supplies or tools, but you want to check out the wall stud assembly in the moment.

❷ Rare Earth Magnet

Metal wall studs are often used in apartments and commercial buildings. To locate them, you can use a rare earth magnet. These magnets are incredibly strong and will instantly attract to hidden nails or screws within walls when passed over them. You can purchase these types of magnets online, or at your local home improvement store. You might also be able to find them at a nature or holistic sciences store. Run the magnet horizontally along the wall until it feels like it is sticking. Once it does, you are likely on top of a metal stud.

❸ Light Switches

When working with plaster walls, it can be challenging finding wall studs because they throw off the readings of a stud finder device. In this case, you can rely on your light switches. Most often, light switch plates are installed inside the first wall stud by the nearest door frame since the box that holds all the electrical wiring needs to be connected to something sturdy. Start with one light switch and implement the tap test. You can also just remove the light switch plate and look behind the wall.

❹ Stud Finder

The most common way to locate a wall stud is to use a stud finder. This tool will electronically detect the edge or center of a wall stud. You can purchase these at any local home improvement store, hardware store, or online. They range in size, brand, quality, and more, which means they will also vary in price. Expect to pay anywhere between $15 and $45 for a quality stud finder. See our blog, “Top-Rated and Recommended Electronic Stud Finders” for some suggestions.

Got Some Drywall Damages?

Do You Have Sweaty Walls?

Posted on December 11, 2019 by Drywall By AMFA

If your home or commercial property has wet walls, or walls that “sweat” with condensation, then you may have a mold problem on your hands sooner than later. Mold grows in dark and moist environments; and since the inside of a wall is dark, when it’s wet, the porous wall material turns into a mold incubator. Wallboards, plywood, drywall, and other wall surfaces are quite absorbent, and can grow mold any time of year if it retains enough moisture. Wet walls can be caused by several things, but mostly poor plumbing or leaky pipes. It is important to have a plumbing contractor provide professional diagnostics to determine the cause of your wet walls.

Continue reading to learn why your walls are sweating, as well as, what you can do to solve your sweaty wall problems for good.

Indianapolis Drywall & Painting 317-269-7319 — Indianapolis Drywall and Painting 317-269-7319

Black Mold and Green Mold

In the case of black mold, or any other mold growth in wet walls, it is crucial to outsource immediate mold removal and drywall replacement services. Since mold is hazardous to our health, it is safer to have a professional company remove moldy walls and mold growth, rather than attempting to do it yourself. Remember, the mold is not the only problem with wet walls, the water leak is also an issue.

Moldy wet walls will require drywall removal, drywall replacement, mold removal, plumbing repairs, water leak diagnostics, and fresh paint. This seems like a lot for fixing wet walls, but there is a solution for that too. Hiring a professional for mold remediation is the first step to dealing with a mold outbreak problem. From there, you must have your plumbing repaired to ensure there are no other water leak or moisture risks in the future. They will inspect the plumbing to determine what’s causing the water or moisture in your walls, and then implement the necessary remedies and repairs before moving forward with drywall demolition and replacement.

When these tasks are complete, you are ready for drywall restoration! Contact a licensed Indianapolis drywall repair company as soon as your mold and plumbing are handled. They are trained in both drywall and painting services, which can save you time and money.

Indianapolis Drywall Repair You Can Really Afford

Call Drywall by AMFA at 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate for drywall repair 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. Request a free estimate, today.

How to Patch Up Plaster Walls

Posted on November 29, 2019 by Drywall By AMFA

Remodeling a home can bring to light many unexpected surprises, like an old plaster-over-lath wall for instance. Many homeowners immediately feel the urge to rip down plaster and replace it with drywall. But sometimes, a plaster wall can be salvaged if done correctly. Continue reading to learn how to patch a plaster wall and more!

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Basics of Patching Plaster

Plaster is applied to latticework, or laths, which are basically narrow boards or strips of wood that create a framework for a wall. Overtime, plaster can pop off its laths. Sometimes, if the plaster is firm and falls off in large pieces, they can simple be reattached and re-sealed. Other times, crumbled or soft plaster will need to be completely removed down to the latticework and to the outer edges of firm plaster, and then re-done from start to finish. Either way, patching up a plaster wall is possible and can be done all on your own with the right tools and knowledge.

Step-By-Step Instructions

First, gather all your necessary supplies. You will most likely need a chisel, a trowel, lime putty (combination of hydrated dolomite lime and water), clean dry cloths, fiberglass mesh tape, angle plane or drywall screen, a bonding agent, a mixing board, and a colorless sponge.

With all supplies ready to go, use the chisel to remove the old plaster from between the latticework. Be sure to wipe away all the loose plaster crumbs, dust, and debris.

Now, use your angle plane or drywall screen to smooth out the hole around the plaster. Next, apply the bonding agent over the latticework, as well as, all the plaster that is to be patched or re-coated.

Cover all of this, except for the small cracks, with your fiberglass mesh tape.

Next, prepare your lime putty by combining your hydrated dolomite lime with water until you get a consistency similar to yogurt. Allow the lime to disintegrate in the water for at least 20 minutes, until a thin layer of water rests on the top. This ensures even re-hydration.

Apply a heap of the putty to your mixing board in a ring shape. Pour some bonding agent in the center and continue to mix in handfuls of gauging plaster until you achieve the proper consistency.

Use your trowel to mix all of this until you get a dough-like result. Apply this mixture to the exposed laths and around the edges of the holes, using firm pressing motions. Leave a slight decompression for the final coat later on.

Cut out another sheet of fiberglass mesh at a size that matches the hole and firmly press it into the wet plaster.

Mix another batch of the lime putty mixture, this time using less gauging plaster to get a softer product that’s easier to work with.

Apply a thin and final coat over the mesh and previously-lain plaster. Use your sponge to touch up any inconsistencies or imperfections on the wall.

Wait at least 30 minutes for everything to dry. Sanding should be necessary!

Consider Professional Drywall Services

Patching up a plaster wall is not a novice job. It takes practice and a bit of handyman knowledge to do a good job. For this reason, most homeowners would better benefit from hiring a licensed general contractor for accurate and professional drywall or plaster wall repair services. And you’d be surprised just how inexpensive these services cost.

Is the Job Too Tough?

If the whole plaster wall patching project seems too challenging to take on yourself, just call Drywall by AMFA at 317-269-7319 for Indianapolis drywall repair you can afford! 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 Take Out Dry Wall Anchors

Posted on November 21, 2019 by Drywall By AMFA

Old, exposed drywall anchors are not appealing. So it is only natural to want them removed. But many homeowners are scared to try this task on their own because they are concerned about damaging their drywall. Also totally natural. If you are in the same position right now, you don’t have to fret much longer with your DIY decision. Waiting for you below is a simple step-by-step guide that just might change your mind about removing unwanted dry wall anchors by yourself!

Continue reading to get started!

What You’ll Need

✅ Drill
✅ Drill Bit (or Set)
✅ Putty Knife
✅ Utility Gloves
✅ Old Towel

Before You Begin

It is important to gather all your items and supplies before you start. The gloves will protect your hands from scratches or blisters, while the towel can be laid on the floor below to manage any drywall mess. It is also important to choose the correct drill bit size for the best results. If you do not have a full set of drill bits, simply purchase one that is a couple sizes larger than the opening in the wall anchor.

Keep in mind that if you plan to paint the wall you are working on, you will first need to prime the patched areas where the wall anchor holes were. And if you are planning to install new drywall anchors, be sure to buy ones that can be easily removed for future convenience!

Step One

Remove the screw from the wall anchor.

Step Two

Place the bit inside the center hole of the wall anchor and begin slowly drilling. Use a drill bit that is two sizes larger than the width of the center hole of the anchor. The bit should sit perfectly outside of the edge of the hole, without slipping inside.

Step Three

Once you begin drilling, the collar of the wall anchor should break free from the wall and automatically push itself out. Let it fall on the floor so you are not tempted to grab it while the drill is rotating. Be careful not to let the bit push deep into the wall cavity, which can interrupt electrical wiring or plumbing pipes.

Step Four

Push the residual drywall material back into the hole using your putty knife. You may have to fill this hole in stages for best results.

Step Five

Sand, prime, and paint!