Routine Wall Maintenance Tips You Need to Know

Posted on August 12, 2019 by Drywall By AMFA

Just like so many other assets and commodities in the home, walls require a certain level of routine maintenance. So if you want to maintain that level 5 drywall finish and professional paint job, you will need to learn the best methods for taking good care of your walls, and then adopt them as a permanent plan. This includes implementing regular upkeep and care.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about getting started with routine wall maintenance, as well as, what to do when you are stuck with a wall-related problem.

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Odor Control

It is not reasonable, nor entirely possible, to change your life around in order to prevent your walls from absorbing everyday odors like cooking grease, smoke, pets, and more. But you can implement some strategies to help abate the absorption of such smells. For starters, you can choose a paint that is formulated to retain less odors. Otherwise, it is effective to simply clean your walls on a periodic basis. See our blog, “How to Remove Odors From Walls” for a step-by-step guide.

Stain Control

Aside from odors, your walls are also prone to stains. Everything from fingers and spills, to pet dander, dust, and more, can cause walls to stain or discolor. To remove a wall stain, use a chemical dry cleaning sponge, like Mr. Clean Magic Eraserâ, then finish by using a standard soft sponge and rubbing alcohol to gently wipe the wall clean.

Damage Control

A small defect can quickly evolve into a large one if it is not dealt with in a suitable time frame. A good approach to routine wall maintenance is to stay ahead of drywall and ceiling repairs. Have a hole patched up as soon as it happens, and have cracks filled when they begin to spread. This will prevent a small problem from turning into an invasive, time-intensive, costly drywall repair.

Professional Drywall Service and Repair

Call Drywall by AMFA 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.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Frequently Asked Questions about Hanging Drywall

Posted on December 26, 2018 by Drywall By AMFA

Whether you are refinishing your basement, or simply need to fix a hole in the wall, drywall repair is not simple feat. It requires an ample amount of forethought, preparation, and in best case scenarios, experience. If you are planning on undertaking a drywall project but have little to no experience, you are likely filled with questions regarding the process, materials, best practices, and more.

To help get you started on the right track, review some frequently asked questions about hanging up drywall. This can give you the confidence you need to get the job done, or at least pick up the phone to hire a professional. Continue below to get started!

Why Do I Need Drywall Tape?

Drywall tape has but one simple purpose, but it is a highly imperative one. It is used to make the drywall seams invisible. Without drywall tape, you will be able to see where each sheet of drywall connects, which is an eyesore. Do not skip the drywall tape, or you will regret it when the job is done!

Do I Need Sheetrock or Drywall?

Do you use cotton swabs, tissues, and adhesive bandages? These are commonly referred to as “Cutips®, Kleenex®, and Band-Aids®”, which are all actually brand names rather than item descriptions. The same principle applies to sheetrock and drywall. They are the same thing, with Sheetrock being a brand name like “Band-Aids®”, and drywall being the actual material description.

What Will I Need to Fix a Hole in the Wall?

To fix a small hole in the wall, you will need a long list of materials. These include, but are not limited to, drywall metal patch (for medium holes), painter’s putty, putty knife, blade knife, drywall compound, fine grain sanding blocks, trowel, cloth rag, paint, and a paint roller/brush. For larger holes, you will need more material. See our blog, “Common Drywall Supplies and What They Do” to learn more.

What is the Difference between Drywall Spackle and Joint Compound?

Drywall joint compound has a lighter consistency than spackle, which means it is not well-suited for the same applications. It can be used to patch holes and cracks, but it takes longer to dry and shrinks more than spackling paste. Spackle is different from joint compound since it is mainly used to patch up holes and cracks in plaster and gypsum board. It has a thicker consistency, which is why it is also known as “drywall mud.”

Should I Hang Drywall Horizontally or Vertically?

This is actually a very common question among novice handymen. The answer depends on certain factors. Commercial properties must hang drywall vertically to be compliant with fire codes. In contrast, it is normal practice to and drywall horizontally in residential properties. In fact, walls that are 9 feet or higher benefit from horizontal drywall installation, including less seams, hidden uneven studs, easier finishing, and more.

Where Can I Find Trusted Drywall Repair?

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.

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

Posted on December 13, 2018 by Drywall By AMFA

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.

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???? 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

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.

Popular Moulding Materials to Choose From

Posted on September 10, 2018 by Drywall By AMFA

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.

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Top 10 Moulding Materials

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

➁ 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.

➂ 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.

➃ 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.

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

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

➆ 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.

➇ 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.

➈ 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.

➉ 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 AMFA 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.

FAQS About Drywall Repair and Installation

Posted on May 14, 2018 by Drywall By AMFA

Drywall work is not “cut and dry.” There are several factors involved in making sure the job is done right. Whether you plan to install drywall on your own or hire a professional contractor, it is helpful to learn a little more about drywall repair. There are numerous questions that are commonly asked by home and business owners regarding drywall repair and installation. If you have questions too, you may find the answers below.

Why is There a Crack in My New 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 most common causes for drywall cracks include moisture, foundation settling, improper installation, blunt force impact, and heavy wall décor.

Which Tools Do I Need to Patch Up a Small Hole in the Wall?

The basic tool kit for minor drywall repairs should consists of at least 6 particular items. These include a putty knife, mud pans, sanding sponge, sandpaper, drywall tape, and corner tools. You can find these supplies at any local home improvement or hardware store, such as Lowes®, Menards®, and Home Depot®.

Which Drywall Materials Can Reduce Noise?

Unfortunately, there are not many drywall manufacturers that provide noise reduction options. However, there happens to be 4 particular brands on the market that are specially manufactured for optimal noise reduction and control. These brands include QuietRock®, QuietWood®, QuietCoat®, and Soundbreak® XP®.

Are There Different Types of Drywall Spackle?

There are various types of spackle available for drywall work and repair, but each one has separate qualities that meet certain drywall patching needs. The two basic categories of drywall mud are quick-setting and premixed. Quick-setting drywall mud is also referred to as “hot” mud because a chemical reaction occurs during the curing process that causes heat release. Premixed drywall mud is the more common or traditional drywall spackle, probably because it is ready to use.

Can I Install Drywall Myself?

Even for the most enthusiastic do-it-yourself or home improvement buff, drywall installation is best left in the hands of a professional. Not only is it safer and more cost-effective to hire a professional Indianapolis drywall contractor, it guarantees professional-grade results in an efficient time frame. It requires more than just the proper tools, training, and knowledge to achieve a good drywall job, it also takes resources, connections, experience, and more.

Where Can I Find Trusted Drywall Repair Near Me?

The 8 Basic Phases of a Basement Refinishing Project

Posted on July 12, 2017 by Drywall By AMFA

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Are you considering refinishing your basement on your own? If so, this is a big decision that will involve comprehensive research, trial and error, long hours, and slow progress. Unless you are an experienced handyman, or have experience in the building and construction industry, it is not recommended to refinish a basement without professional assistance. Not only are there several steps involved, there are even more safety and building codes you must adhere to at all times. Furthermore, refinishing a basement is already a huge investment, so adding on the cost of all the needed tools and equipment is just another hit to the budget. Basically, if you want your basement refinished the right way, you need to hire a professional team of drywall contractors who can manage the project effectively and efficiently.

On the other hand, if you are experienced and ready to take on the job, start by reviewing the basic phases of your upcoming remodel in order to prepare yourself on what to expect. Continue reading to review these phases, and who to call for trusted basement refinishing in your town.

8 Basement Refinishing Phases:

Phase 1 – Framing

You will need to frame your walls. Generally, this will involve the majority of planning, as well as, lumber, power tools (framing gun, masonry gun, air compressor, a chop saw, etc.), permits, inspections, wall blocking, ductwork framing, window framing, fire blocking, register extensions, basement poles, existing wall insulation, and much more.

Phase 2 – Electrical

Although you can save hundreds of dollars doing your own electrical, it is never recommended. Money saved is not worth putting your home and your family’s safety at risk. With the innovative changes to the industry, the requirements of professional electricians are much stricter and more complex. Also, there are various codes, new and old, that must always be met. Electricians must know so much more than they did 20 years ago, and this knowledge is critical to electrical safety.

Phase 3 – Plumbing

Just like electrical, it is strongly recommended to hire a professional plumber to ensure your basement plumbing is up to code. You don’t want a septic blowout on your hands! However, with experience and the right knowledge, it is possible to do your own plumbing. Decide wisely.

Phase 4 – Audio Visual

This phase is optional, but most people want television and sound in their finished basement. You can prewire your basement to be a hot spot for all your audio visual and internet needs.

Phase 5 – Drywall

Drywall is heavy, awkward, and challenging to work with. It is dusty, messy, and easily damaged if not handled properly. It also takes a lot of trial and error to learn how to finish drywall properly. You can so this phase yourself, but it will take some time to learn if you do not have experience. Fortunately, you can always hire professional drywall contractors to do the job for you! They can get an entire basement framed and finished in as little as a few days.

Phase 6 – Painting

This is a phase you can certainly do yourself, even without much experience. Just be sure you purchase quality materials and discuss your objectives with the knowledgeable sales people at the paint store. They can get you set up with everything you need.

Phase 7 – Trim & Doors

Trim and doors are an important part of refinishing a basement because it adds the final touches that makes the room feel like the rest of the home. Subtle but impactful, trim and doors are something you want to put some time and effort into for a great result.

Phase 8 – Flooring

Whether you choose tile, carpet, or some other type of flooring, it will be the last step of your basement refinishing project. You can do this step yourself, but it helps to have a partner. However, if you are installing carpet, you may want to use professional installation.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors

Call Drywall by AMFA 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.

A Closer Look at Skip Trowel Drywall Texture

Posted on April 17, 2017 by Drywall By AMFA

Skip trowel is a confusing term since it can refer to several different types of drywall texture. It is used too vaguely in the drywall industry, which is misleading among property owners. Proper skip trowel texture can only be achieved using the right tools and techniques. For it to be a true skip trowel, the drywall mud material must be applied in a very thin layer using a specialized curved knife, called a trowel. These are 18 inches wide, which aids in the application process. When applied at the right angle, the blade of the knife spreads the mud in a way that causes it to “skip” across the surface. This creates a unique rounded circle texture that is a true and true skip trowel.

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Similar Drywall Textures

Skip trowel is often confused for alternative drywall textures. One of the most common textures mistaken for skip trowel is called hawk and trowel. This drywall texture is a lot different because it produces many layers of texture, rather than just one thin layer. Also, hawk and trowel texture creates several lines and uneven circles, unlike skip trowel that produces small round circles. Another common drywall texture that is frequently confused for skip towel is called Sante Fe texture. Santa Fe drywall texture also uses a very thin layer of material.

Skip Trowel Application

If you are planning to finish your drywall on your own, you will need to purchase the materials for the project. You can find everything you need for drywall work at any local home improvement store. It is important to have the proper tools, materials, and equipment to finish drywall. Not only is it a challenging task to undertake without experience or knowledge, it is a costly investment. A better option would be to hire professional drywall contractors. They have the training, equipment, and resources to deliver prompt and professional drywall finishing at an affordable price.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors

Call Drywall by AMFA at 317-269-7319 when you need professional drywall texture and 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 Much Does it Cost to Drywall a House?

Posted on March 9, 2017 by Drywall By AMFA

Construction and remodeling estimations can be quite tricky without the right knowledge. In fact, simply setting a budget can be challenging if you don’t know what to expect in terms of price. So the cost to drywall an entire house is even more difficult to estimate on your own. Several factors influence the overall price of a drywall project, including state labor laws, labor rates, square footage rates, material costs, taxes, and more.

This means you will need the assistance of a professional general contractor to provide an accurate estimate for your drywall installation needs. To better understand a contractor’s estimate, it is helpful to learn how all the above-mentioned factors play a role in determining the total cost to drywall an entire home. Continue reading to do just that!

Estimating Drywall Work

It is important to remember that every contractor and every job is different, so costs cannot be exactly estimated in a general sense. The information below is just a basic guide to how drywall projects are priced, and what goes into the total cost of the job.

Whole-House Drywall Jobs

When drywall is being installed in more than a couple rooms in your home, you can expect it to be priced as a large drywall job. Usually, large drywall jobs are those that require more than 50 sheets of gypsum board. Most often, contractors determine the amount of sheets needed by totaling the square footage of the room. The total square footage of a room includes ceilings, windows, and doors. You do not subtract the square footage of the windows and doors. The same amount of sheets will be needed, and they’ll be cut out to accuracy, on-site.

Here is an example of estimate a single room’s square footage:

15′ x 15′ Room with 8′ Ceilings =

Wall A: 15’x11’= 165ft²
Wall B: 15’x8’= 120ft²
Wall C: 15’x8’= 120ft²
Wall D: 15’x11’= 165ft²
Ceiling: 15’x15’= 225ft²

Total Square Footage = 795ft²

Using Basic Math

Once you have determined the square footage of each room, you can multiply this number by the contractor’s square footage rates. Contractor labor rates, which are usually calculated by square footage but depends on the contractor’s preference. A common contractor rate is between 40 to 80 cents per square foot, but varies among companies. This is just for taping and hanging drywall, so expect to pay extra for materials, which are also calculated by square footage. These commonly range between 30 and 40 cents per square foot, but again, vary among contractors.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors

Call Drywall by AMFA 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.

Why Did My Drywall Crack?

Posted on January 10, 2017 by Drywall By AMFA

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.

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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

Call Drywall by AMFA 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.

The 3 Most Common Types of Pre-Mixed Drywall Mud

Posted on December 8, 2016 by Drywall By AMFA

As an extension of last month’s blog regarding the common types of drywall spackle, we would like to continue our conversation with a detailed look at one of the spackles we mentioned: premixed drywall mud. Here’s a little reminder:

Pre-Mixed Drywall Mud:

Pre-mixed drywall mud is sold by the 4.5 gallon bucket, and comes pre-mixed and ready to use right out of the bag. All you need to do is add a little water to soften the mud. Then just thin to the consistency required for your particular drywall project. Thinner mud is best for projects that involve automatic taping tools or bedding and tape. Projects such as spackling walls will call for thicker mud.

The three most commonly used types of premixed drywall mud include 1) all-purpose joint compound, 2) lightweight all-purpose, and 3) topping compound. These compounds and more can be used in combination with one another. It all depends on the type of drywall project. Now let’s take a closer look at each one.

All-Purpose Joint Compound

The reason why this joint compound is referred to as “all-purpose” is because it can be used for any type of application. It has great adhesive agents, making it perfect for projects that require bedding in paper tape on drywall seams. It is also great to first coat seams and corners beads. However, it is not commonly used as a finish coat because it’s more difficult to stand than other related products, namely lightweight all-purpose compound.

Lightweight All-Purpose Compound

Although this drywall mud is light in weight, it can also be used for any application. Because lightweight all-purpose compound retains fewer adhesive agents in comparison to all-purpose joint compound, many professional drywall contractors believe it is not a good choice for taping drywall seams. Most prefer a more durable compound, such as all-purpose joint compound. Instead, professionals generally use lightweight all-purpose mud for the first and second coats of seams and corners beads. And it is almost always used as a finish coat because it’s so easy to sand.

Topping Compound

Topping drywall compound is used much less than the other two premixed drywall muds mentioned above. Most often, it is used as a topcoat for drywall seams and corner bead or for texture applications. But it is not recommended for taping joints.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors

Call Drywall by AMFA at 317-269-7319 when you need professional drywall repair and installation services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are highly trained and experienced drywall contractors to provide a wide range of drywall services for both residential and commercial properties, including new home construction, metal stud framing, custom drywall texture, grid ceilings, and much more. Call or office directly at 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis drywall service, today.