Top-Rated and Recommended Electronic Stud Finders

It’s not until we are older, wiser, and well, financially responsible for our own homes, that finding wall studs prior to hanging décor becomes a priority. No more do we use wall tacks for pictures, or blindly bang nails into drywall. Now that we are accountable homeowners, we make sure to locate wall studs for all our wall handing and decorating needs.

Locating wall studs is not something to be nervous about. There are several effective methods for finding wall studs fast and with ease. To make the process more accurate, it is recommended to use a stud locating device. Some of the most innovative technologies in stud finding can be found online or at your local home improvement stores!

Continue reading for some top-rated electronic wall stud finders on the market, including how much they cost and where to buy them.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Electronic stud finders come in a variety of brands, which range in price, model, size, and overall quality. It is important to read customer reviews, being careful to weed out the fake ones, in order to find a reliable and well-liked device. Some popular retailers to consider include Amazon, Lowes, Home Depot, and even your neighborhood hardware or home improvement store.

For some help, below are some top-rated and affordable electronic stud finders we recommend for you!

? Franklin® Sensors Professional Stud Finder

Average price $53 – Sold at Home Depot

? DeWalt® DW0100 Center Sensor Stud Finder

Average price $20 – Sold at Ace Hardware

? Zircon® StudSensor HD55 Stud Finder

Average price $20 – Sold at Home Depot

? Black and Decker® Self-Leveling Laser Line & Stud Finder

Average price $55 – Sold at Ace Hardware

? Bosch® Digital Multi-Scanner GMS120

Average price $65 – Sold at Amazon

Need Help With Drywall Repairs in Indianapolis?

Call Drywall by Renso at 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate for drywall repair and service 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 of course, moulding installation. Request a free estimate, today.

How to Spot Improper Drywall Installation

When drywall does not look or perform the way it should, it usually boils down to improper installation. Drywall installation is the key to longevity and appeal, making the decision of hiring a drywall contractor a serious one. If you are on the market for a new property, or perhaps have already purchased a new place, you may want to learn what improper drywall installation looks like. Spotting drywall problems early on can save you loads of money down the line.

Continue reading to learn the most common consequences of incorrect or poor drywall installation, as well as, who to call for drywall repair near you.

Indianapolis Drywall Repair 317-269-7319
Indianapolis Drywall Repair 317-269-7319

✨ Always Hire a Qualified Pro

If you do not hire a licensed and insured drywall installation company with the proper industry credentials, you can face a series of aesthetic disappointments, out-of-pocket costs, and various other inconveniences. Basically, professional-grade drywall installation starts with a skilled contractor who is fully-equipped and capable of taking on the job. Otherwise, these are some things that can go wrong with your property:

Inadequate Dust Management

If you have ever witnessed drywall being cut and installed, you know that the process is extremely messy. This is especially true when it comes to the finishing portion of the job, which is even messier if done improperly. The amount of dust and debris produced by drywall cutting, finishing, and overall installation, is massive, and can spread through vents and air ducts, and travel into the living quarters of the home. Not only is the cleanup a hassle, the inhalation of drywall dust and debris can be harmful, especially to young children and those with suppressed immune systems. You must hire a qualified drywall company that is equipped with the proper materials, equipment, and knowledge of technique, to abate dust and debris.

Un-Leveled Surfaces

If drywall finishing is not done properly, not only will it cause a massive amount of harmful dust and debris, it will also be uneven and look terrible. If you notice that certain areas of wall look lumpy, uneven, or off in anyway, it could be due to improper drywall finishing. Take a closer look at corners and edges of the walls too; if they are not taped and finished properly at the time of installation, these areas can appear uneven as well. To make matters worse, you may think that covering these imperfections with primer and paint will solve the problem, but the truth is, these mistakes are challenging to fix.

Cracking and Splitting

If you see areas on the wall that are cracked, splitting, breaking off, or fractured, you can chalk it up to poor installation. This applies to ceilings too. Although this could also be a result of the property’s foundation shifting or settling, most often, improper drywall taping and finishing are mostly to blame. Corners, edges, and seams are commonly affected areas to watch out for. Drywall blemishes like these can show up right after installation, or even years down the road. You would need to talk to a qualified drywall contractor for advice on the best strategies to remedy drywall cracking and breaking.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors You Can Trust

Call Drywall by Renso 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.

Benefits of Using Aluminum Mesh Patches for Drywall Repair

If you have a small hole in your wall, you likely want a fast and affordable solution. Aluminum screen wall patches are a product that can make this happen. Continue reading to learn more about aluminum mesh patches for drywall, as well as, additional materials you may need for your drywall repair project.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Traditionally, repairing a hole in the wall requires you to cut out a square around the hole, install a wood panel backing, cut out a patch of drywall, screw it in, tape it up, mud it, cure it, sand it, and more. This tedious process, although full-proof, is time-consuming and requires a lot of materials. Alternatively, you could use aluminum screen patches for easier project completion, and still get the same results.

Aluminum Mesh Patches

Aluminum mesh patches are an abundant drywall installation product available at any hardware, home improvement, or paint store. They are inexpensive, ranging in price between $1 and $5, depending on retailer, brand, and size. Generally, they come in 4 inch, 6 inch and 8 inch squares, which are large enough to cover a hole, but thin enough to be rendered indistinguishable with tape and mud.

Application Tips

First, you will need to choose a mesh patch that is large enough to cover the hole, with an inch of material to spare on all sides. Start by cleaning off the edges of the wall around the inside of the hole. Then position your aluminum patch over the hole, sticky side down, so that one inch of patch is overlapping on each side. Press down firmly, to ensure the patch adheres to the wall.

Now just apply the drywall compound using your trowel. You want to spread this first coat thin enough so that you can see the outline of the mesh screen. Allow it to dry overnight, then add a second coat of drywall compound wider than the first coat.

Allow this second coat to dry, and then repeat for a third time, spreading the compound out 8 to 12 inches past the outline of the mesh screen in all directions. After the third layer of compound dries, sand it down to match the surface level of the wall. Then just prime and paint as usual!

What You Will Need:

⇀ Aluminum Mesh Patch

⇀ Drywall Compound

⇀ Taping Knife (12 inch)

⇀ Utility Knife

⇀ Trowel

⇀ Drywall Tape

⇀ Sanding Sheet or Sponge (120 grit)

⇀ Mud Pan

⇀ Paint and Primer

Professional Drywall Help

Call Drywall by Renso at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are licensed, bonded, and insured drywall contractors with over 10 years of experience in the industry. Our drywall services include installation, repair, replacement, new construction, metal stud framing, remodels, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

Tips and Tricks for Locating Wall Studs Without a Tool

Whether you are making some minor drywall repairs, or hanging a heavy mirror overlooking the dining room table, it is necessary to know where those hidden wall studs are located. Why? Well, there are many reasons that make wall studs an imperative component in your home’s structural makeup.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about drywall studs, including some fantastic home hacks to locating them without using any equipment.

Indianapolis Drywall Repair

Indianapolis Drywall Repair 317-269-7319

What You Need to Know About Studs

The primary purpose of walls studs is to hold up drywall on interior walls, as well as, wood sheathing on exterior walls. This is good news for you, and the first trick to locating wall studs, because it means that you can always count on finding a stud at the top, bottom, or corners of walls. Furthermore, it is good to know that the average spacing used for wall studs is 16 inches on center, and seldom greater than 24 inches on center. In fact, the actual lumber dimensions of 2×4 wall studs are 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches.

Now you have some basic information about wall studs, you are ready to learn some tips and tricks for finding them without using any stud finding equipment! Here’s how:

Wainscoting and Trim

Look at the trim in the room to determine where those wall studs are hiding. Trim is generally nailed to wall studs, so you can confidently assume that a wall stud exists behind the nailed parts of crown molding, base boards, and shoe molding.

Electrical Boxes

Most of the time, electrical boxes are connected to one side of a wall stud. So if you can locate any nearby light switches or electrical outlets, you will likely find wall studs too. At least one side of a switch or outlet will be connected to a wall stud.

Windows

If your room has a window, you are really in luck. Wall studs are present on both sides of windows. You can perform a knock test to determine where the support is, or use the 16” on center measuring approach to determine where the studs are located.

Wall Corners

As mentioned, you can determine the location of wall studs by measuring from the corner of the room. If wall studs are typically 16” on center, you can use this as a basis to begin your search. Keep in mind that not all rooms are perfectly divisible by 16, so it is likely for a stud to be less than 16 inches from one corner of the room.

If You Made Some Holes in the Wall…

Contact Our Indianapolis Drywall Contractors Today!

Call Drywall by Renso at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. We provide residential and commercial drywall repair at competitive prices. Trust us for outstanding results at a competitive price! Request a free estimate, today.

How to Remove Water Damaged Drywall

If your property experienced an interior water leak, chances are that you have some water soaked drywall on your hands. If so, you will need to take immediate action to resolve such damage in order to preserve the structural integrity of your home or building. Waiting too long to repair water damage can lead to dangerous mold growth, electrical problems, and more.

Continue reading to learn the basic steps to removing water damaged drywall, and who to call for trusted drywall replacement services near you.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

It is important that you have experience in the construction industry when it comes to removing water damaged drywall. Not only will you need to ensure your work is correct and up to code, you may also require professional assistance from a plumber and electrician before any drywall and insulation replacement can ensue. Furthermore, you wouldn’t want to accidentally take out a load-bearing wall or disturb any plumbing and electrical systems. This is especially important after a major flood or water leak. It is strongly encouraged to hire a professional company for water damaged drywall repair.

If you are confident in your construction skills, you can get the project started by removing the water damaged areas of drywall soon after discovering the leak. Below you will find a list of what you will need and which steps to follow. If you have any questions, contact a licensed Indianapolis drywall contractor for professional advice and assistance.

What You Will Need:

Replacement Insulation
Pencil or Chalk
Utility Knife
Hammer
Large Garbage Bags
Industrial Fans or Blowers
Gloves
Safety Glasses
Full Coverage Footwear
Floor and Furniture Coverings
Moisture Meter (optional)

Getting Started:

Set Up Your Work Space

First, put on all of your personal protective gear, including gloves and safety goggles. Then prepare your work space by setting up all your materials and laying down protective floor and furniture coverings where needed. To protective floors and furniture, you can use plastic tarp or old bed sheets.

Mark the Wall

Next, mark the wall. Start at the floor and make a straight line up. You want to remove all water soaked areas, but keep in mind that you will need to go farther than where the drywall is wet since water travels upward. So make your line extend up 2 to 4 feet above the visible wet drywall. Do this on both sides so that you have two vertical lines parallel to one another. Connect them at the top, making a large square around the entire affected areas.

Begin Scoring the Surface

Take your utility knife and score the drywall along your marked lines, inserting the knife only halfway through the thickness of the wall.

Remove the Damaged Drywall

Using your hammer, carefully tap out a hole in the drywall directly beneath your top score line. Then insert your fingers into the hole and gently pull back and forth on it to loosen the affected areas away from the studs behind them. Then just manually pull out the damaged drywall and fill up your garbage bags.

Remove All Wet Insulation

Now that you have your giant hole in the wall, your next step is to remove all of the water soaked insulation. Be meticulous here, and really try to remove all of the damaged insulation, soaked and mildly damp. Water soaks into insulation deeply, allowing it to travel much further than in drywall. If you are not sure whether or not the insulation needs to be removed, remove it all. It is very cheap to replace, so it is better to be safe than sorry.

Set Up Your Fans

With all the water damaged wall and insulation removed, you are ready to set up your fans and blowers. Allow them to dry the area for 48 to 72 hours, or longer if need be. This should sufficiently increase air flow behind the walls and dry out the wooden studs and sub-floors. Set up your moisture meter as well to monitor the moisture levels around the affected area.

Indianapolis Drywall Replacement

Call Drywall by Renso at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall replacement in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. 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.

An Easy Guide to Removing Stubborn Wall Anchors

Stubborn old wall anchors can be extremely frustrating when it comes time for them to be removed. In fact, many homeowners are nervous to try it on their own because they fear damaging the surrounding drywall. If you have old drywall anchors that need to go, but you also feel intimidated by the task, you are in the right place.

Continue reading to review a simple, step-by-step guide for removing unwanted wall hangers all on your own, safely and efficiently.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

First Gather Your Supplies:

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

What You Need to Know 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-By-Step Guide:

Remove the screw from the wall anchor.

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.

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.

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.

Sand, prime, and paint!

And When the Job is Too Big For You…

Call Drywall by Renso at 317-269-7319 when you need professional drywall service 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.

How to Fix Small Cracks in Drywall

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?

Call Drywall by Renso 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.

Popular Moulding Materials to Choose From

Whether you prefer crown, base, plinth, chair, or rosette, moulding provides a decorative and functional accent. When added to any room, it can instantly transform a dismal environment into a stunning, elegant space. As a highly-versatile home furnishing, it can be installed on walls, ceilings, bases of floors, around doors and windows, and much more. In fact, it is so versatile that it comes in various styles and designs, all of which ranging in look, size, quality, texture, and more.

A first step in choosing the right moulding for your home or office is deciding on a species or material. Traditionally made of wood, moulding is now available in several alternative materials too. Continue reading to learn the most popular species and material options for moulding.

Indianapolis Moulding Installation 317-269-7319
Indianapolis Moulding Installation 317-269-7319

Top 10 Moulding Materials

Aspen Aspen is a soft wood that has a straight grain and fine uniform texture. It is commonly used for more decorative moulding silhouettes.

Fir Fir is a wood species with two grain patterns: mixed grain and vertical grain. Mixed grain is course, and comes in light to dark hues. Vertical grains have tighter grain patterns and less color disparity. It generally requires staining prior to application.

Medium Density Fiberboard Also recognized as MDF, medium density fiberboard is a high-grade, composite material commonly used for moulding because it is durable and easy to paint.

Oak Oak is a hardwood that, when applied in the moulding manufacturing industry, it primarily derived from Red or White oak trees. It has attractive grain pattern qualities and it is very easy to work with.

Pine Pine is a wood species that, in the moulding manufacturing and consumer industry, is appealing for its unique textures and random knots.

Poplar Poplar wood is among the most preferred in the design industry because of its natural crisp grain lines and rich wood tones.

Primed Finger Joint Products Speaking of pine and poplar, primed finger joint products are derived from both. It is engineered moulding comes in smaller pieces that must be fitted together to make a whole board.

Polystyrene This is a prefinished moulding admired for its light weight and easy workability. They are slightly flexible and moisture resistant, making them a great choice for “untrue walls” and rooms that have higher levels of moisture, like kitchens and bathrooms.

Polyurethane Polyurethane moulding is a man-made material composed of high-density polyurethane. It is warp, rot, and split resistant, making it a prime choice as an alternative to wood materials.

PVC PVC, or polyvinylchloride, is another man-made material that flawlessly mimics the look of wood. It’s a popular choice because it’s easy to cut and install.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors

Call Drywall by Renso 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 of course, moulding installation. Request a free estimate, today.

3 Easy Steps to Get Rid of Old Wall Anchors

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

Call Drywall by Renso 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.

Fundamental Information About Installing Water-Proof Drywall

If you are preparing to install water-proof drywall in your home, there are some things you need to know first. Continue reading to learn some basics surrounding “green board”, including what it is, what it does, and how to install it correctly.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Green Board Drywall

Drywall contractors often refer to water-proof drywall as “green board” because it is green. However, it is an important material because of its water and moisture-resistant qualities. For these reasons, green board is often used in rooms like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other rooms where moisture is frequently in the air. Although traditional drywall that is constructed with a gypsum-based core works well for all other areas of a home, places like bathrooms and kitchens require a specialized material that will combat the excess moisture production and retention.

Water-Proof vs. Water-Resistant

One of the biggest misconceptions regarding green board is that it is water-proof. The truth is that green board is water-resistant, not water-proof. Although it cannot completely stop water penetration, it is still highly resilient against linger air moisture and leakages. This type of drywall is meant for rooms that experience higher levels of humidity and moisture, however, they are not meant to be installed directly behind shower tile, underneath bathtubs, around kitchen sinks, or any other area that has direct contact with water. These areas require a different type of specialized drywall, one of the most popular being fiber cement board.

Installation Tips and Guidelines

When installing green board, it is important that you have the proper experience, knowledge, and resources to do so according to industry best practices and code standards. If you do not meet these credentials, it is vital that you leave green board installation to a licensed Indianapolis drywall contractor you can trust.

If you have installed drywall before, then you should brush up on the fundamental steps involved in the process. Installing green board is very similar to installing regular drywall. Start by examining and measuring the area you are working with. Then be sure to score your green board accordingly.

After you have scored your drywall, bend it at the markings and use a utility knife to make a clean cut on the top layer of paper. Next, attach the drywall to your framing, and connect it using drywall screws or nails in the areas where the framing aligns with the green board.

Using one continuous piece of drywall tape, cover the seams between the sections of drywall. Extend the tape from top to bottom, all across the walls and in the wall corners. Now it is time to apply your drywall mud to the taped-off areas. Be sure to fill in the indents caused by your screws, too. Once the mud dries, you are ready to prime and paint!

Need Professional Drywall Installation?

Call Drywall by Renso at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are licensed, bonded, and insured drywall contractors with over 10 years of experience in the industry. Our drywall services include installation, repair, replacement, new construction, metal stud framing, remodels, and more. Request a free estimate, today.