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.

Indianapolis Drywall Repair and Installation Service

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.

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.

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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.

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Black Mold 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. 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!

Indianapolis Drywall Services You Can Trust

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 Do I Need to Repair a Hole in the Wall

Posted on October 21, 2019 by Drywall By AMFA

Whether you are carrying a treadmill down to the basement, or hosting a party of preteen boys, drywall damage is bound to happen at some point in home ownership. Fortunately, drywall is designed to be fairly easy to repair and renovation. All you need is the proper knowledge, the right tools, and a full day’s time.

Continue reading to learn which tools and supplies you’ll need to grab at your local home improvement store to repair a small to medium-sized hole in the wall.

Drywall Repair Tools and Materials

If you are not familiar with handyman or construction work, it is recommended to purchase a drywall repair kit, which can offer all the essential tools and materials for drywall patching and repair. These kits vary in scope and size, but common ones generally include 2 to 3 flexible knives, a utility knife, an insider-corner knife, hammer, screwdriver, saw, drill, nails, and screws. But drywall repairs also require additional materials depending on the needs of the project, including:

You can purchase all of the above-listed materials at any local hardware or home improvement store. Ask a store attendant to point you in the right direction, and give advice on the most reliable products. Talk to a licensed drywall contractor for expert advice on household drywall repairs, drywall projects, drywall replacement, and more. They can even take the weight off your shoulders by getting the job done faster, better, and at a price that won’t make you think twice!

Unsure About Your Wall Repair Skills?
Get Professional Drywall Repair Instead!

Call the Drywall by AMFA office today at 317-269-7319 to speak with a licensed Indianapolis drywall contractor about your property remodeling and renovation needs. Drywall by AMFA is fully-equipped and staffed to manage any residential drywall repair, regardless of size or scope. We are proficient in everything drywall, from simple drywall installation and repair, to major work like new construction homes, grid ceilings, metal stud framing, custom drywall textures, remodels, basements, and more!

Want to Know Where Your Drywall Cracks Came From?

Posted on September 23, 2019 by Drywall By AMFA

Drywall cracks are the worst. You spend so much time making sure your home or office is in tip-top shape, and then you notice that alligator fissure below the bathroom light switch plate. Fortunately, there is a simple and convenient approach to dealing with this dilemma, but first, you need to figure what it is that’s causing all your drywall to crack. Without resolving the underlying problem, your drywall repairs and restorations will be all in vain.

Continue reading to learn the top causes for drywall cracking, as well as, that simple and convenient approach we mentioned before.

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Causes For Drywall Cracks

Drywall can crack for a number of reasons, making it a common occurrence. And often times, the appearance or location of a crack can say a lot about how and why it showed up. They can occur as a result of contractor error, stress produced from the foundation of the home settling overtime, and much more. The most common causes for cracking drywall include, but are not limited to:

⚠ Foundation Settling –When a foundation settles, it can create cracks in the walls and ceilings, overtime.

⚠ Moisture –Moisture can create drywall cracking, especially around screws and wall studs.

⚠ Wall Décor –Heavy wall décor can cause cracks in drywall overtime, but often remain hidden behind the art.

⚠ Structural Movement –Structural movements, like heavy storms, can cause stress, which can cause walls to crack.

What To Do About Drywall Cracks

If you have just one hairline crack or small hole, you can possibly repair it yourself. Any defects larger than those should be managed by a professional drywall repair company. They have the proper training and resources to repair drywall, efficiently and accurately. 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.

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A Helpful Guide to Simple Baseboard Removal

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Drywall By AMFA

Baseboard removal doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right materials and knowledge, you can remove baseboards without damaging them or your walls. This way, you can restore the look of your existing baseboards and then re-install them for a cost-effective interior upgrade, or, you can reuse them for another woodworking or crafts project. If you are installing new floors, you will also be required to remove your baseboards, so preventing damage during the process will allow you to reuse them and save money.

In the past, removing baseboard without damaging them was a very difficult job to do. It required a lot of hard work, time, money, and patience to get the job done right; and even then it wasn’t always successful. But with the advancements of tools and materials available today, you can get professional-grade results in a convenient time frame!

Continue reading to learn how you can remove baseboards without causing them damage, as well as, drywall tips for expert results.

What You Need to Gather Up:

✱ Trim Puller Tool
✱ Mallet or Hammer
✱ Caulk Remover (depending)
✱ Side-Cutting Pliers (depending)
✱ 6” Utility Knife
✱ Utility Gloves

How to Prepare

One of the most important tools to acquire for a baseboard removal job is a trim puller. This ergonomic tool is what makes baseboard removal much easier than it was years ago. Before trim pullers, you would have to insert a putty knife in between the trim and the wall and twist back and forth in order to loosen the boards. With a trim puller, the 15 degree center wedge allows for simple and quick extraction, and prevents wall and baseboard damage. This saves loads of time and money, not to mention stress.

If your baseboard seams are caulked, then you will need to get caulk remover product. But if they are sealed with standard latex paint, you will only need your utility knife. Gloves are optional but help to prevent splinters, blisters, and sores. Side-cut pliers are optional as well, but very helpful for removing leftover pins and nails in walls after the baseboards are removed. If you have a hammer, the backside will work just as well.

Step 1

If your walls and baseboards are sealed with latex paint, start by using your utility knife to cut along the seam where the baseboards meet the wall to release them from their seal. Be sure to stay along the seam to prevent pulling off any wall color. If your baseboard and wall seams are sealed with caulk, you will need to apply a line of caulk remover instead. Follow the instructions on the label. Then move onto the next step.

Step 2

Starting at one end of a strip of baseboard, place the trim puller front-faced against the wall, with the sharp edge along the baseboard seam.

Step 3

Hold the trim puller with one hand, and with the other hand, strike the top of it with your hammer or mallet. This should drive the sharpened edge in between the trim and wall. You will notice that the center wedge of the trim puller (the part that sticks out in the middle) automatically separates the baseboard from the wall.

Step 4

Gently pull the trim away from the wall with your puller tool. Then, continue step 3, moving along the baseboard in 1 foot increments until you reach the end of the strip.

Step 5

Remove any leftover pins or nails with your side-cutting pliers or the back part of your hammer.

Need Help With Drywall Repairs in Indianapolis?

Call Drywall by AMFA 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, baseboard installation. Request a free estimate, today.

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.

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.