Wall Anchor Removal Guide

Posted on June 21, 2021 by Drywall By AMFA

Pesky old wall 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.

Continue reading for a simple, step-by-step guide that just might change your mind about removing unwanted wall hangers by yourself!

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What You Will Need to Remove Old Drywall Anchors

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

How to Prepare for the Project

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!

5 Step Guide to Get the Job Done:

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 that 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.

Now just sand, prime, and paint!

Does this project seem a little too challenging for your level of handyman experience? Contact Drywall by AMFA at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall repair service in Indianapolis Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients all throughout the central part of the state.

You Might Also Read:

How to Prep a Wall for a Heavy Mirror
How to Find Dry Wall Studs Without Stud Finder Tool
How to Get a Stripped Screw Out of the Wall

Call Drywall By AMFA at 317-269-7319 Today!

Basic Toolbox for Drywall Repair

Posted on May 11, 2021 by Drywall By AMFA

Whether you are interested in entering the drywall industry professionally, or just have a few drywall projects to tackle at home, you will need to acquire the right tools and supplies to get the job done. Below you will find some of the most common tools and materials found in a basic, rudimentary drywall repair toolbox. Continue reading to learn about them, including what they are, what they do, and where to get them.

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Put These Items in Your Drywall Repair Toolbox:

Drywall Saw

Saws for drywall come in various shapes, sizes, and serrations. They are used to cut board to size, so the type you need will vary depending on the particular needs of your project. You can choose among double-sided saws, hand saws, fine-finish saws, hacksaws, and more.

Drill

Drills come in several makes and models. You can choose between a cordless or corded drill. Both work well with drywall work. Many professionals prefer cordless for obvious reasons. Drills are used in the drywall industry for installation purposes. Installing gypsum board requires a power drill and screws.

Miter Box

A miter box is a terrific tool used to measure saw strokes and miter cuts. Not only do they provide smooth and even cutting motion, but they also provide safety for your hands and fingers.

Utility Knife

Utility knives are used for cutting, leveling, trimming, and scraping drywall board. They come in multiple fashions and multiple blade sizes. They are usually made of stainless steel, so they are durable and long-lasting.

Joint Knife

Also called a taping knife, a joint knife is the tool used to scoop, scrape, spread, and smooth out drywall mud. It has a wide blade that comes in various sizes, from 4 inches to 14 inches.

Drywall Tape

Drywall tape is an important tool because it creates a physical bond between adjacent sheets of drywall. It is the surface to which the plaster sticks to. It provides a seamless surface for drywall installation and repairs and more.

Mud Pans

A mud pan is the flat plate, usually paper or metal, that holds spackle and mud. They come in all different shapes and sizes. Some can hold up to ½ a gallon of drywall mud.

Drywall Screws

These are special screws used to hold up gypsum board. They have extra course threads that stay secure in drywall. There are several kinds, all with different sizes and applications, including fine-head, self-drilling, pan-head, and more.

Joint Compound

This is a white powder containing gypsum board dust that is combined with water to produce a mud. This mud is then used to seal joints between drywall sheets. This is also called mud, spackle, or plaster. It is used to create the smooth, level 5 drywall finishes you see in quality constructed buildings and homes.

Is your drywalling project proving to be more than you can handle on your own? Contact Drywall by AMFA at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

You Might Also Like:

How to Repair a Hole in the Wall From a Door Handle
Tips for Avoiding DIY Drywall Mistakes
What You Need to Cut Drywall in a Short Amount of Time

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.

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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.

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.

Indianapolis Drywall Repair You Can Trust

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.

Learn What Our Drywall Services Can Do For You

Posted on May 24, 2019 by Drywall By AMFA

Continue reading to learn what we can do for you, and why you should choose us for all your drywall and new construction needs in Indianapolis!

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Highest Standards of Excellence for Drywall

Here at Drywall by AMFA, we are fully equipped to manage any project, regardless of size and scope. Whether you need us to patch a hole in the wall, install metal stud framing in your new home addition, or acoustic drywall service, we have the drive and dedication to provide the highest standards of excellence for drywall service and repair.

Furthermore, we get the job done right the first time, every time, and even offer convenient schedule flexibility to accommodate your personal agenda. We guarantee all our drywall work; and as a licensed, bonded, and insured drywall construction company, you can count on that promise. We use a careful approach to understand your vision and answer your questions without using confusing industry jargon.

This allows us to implement a smooth, hassle-free drywalling process, and ensure that we get the job done according to your detailed specifications. While our strong dedication to old fashioned values of honesty, integrity, and quality set us apart from our competition, it’s our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee lets you know you can trust our work and be happy with the results.

What We Can Do For You

Drywall by AMFA is a licensed, bonded, and insured drywall construction company in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our general contractors have more than 10 years of experience in the building and construction industry, and provide a wide range of drywall services for properties and complexes of all sizes. We provide professional drywall repair, replacement, installation, and finishing for both residential and commercial properties in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. See some of the most common drywall services we offer, below.

Our Primary Drywall Construction Services Include,
but not limited to:

✔ Commercial and Residential Service

✔ Drywall Patching

✔ Drywall Finishing

✔ Level 5 Drywall Finishes

✔ Custom Drywall Texture

✔ Drywall for Basements

✔ Grid Ceilings

✔ Suspended Ceilings

✔ Metal Stud Framing

✔ New Home Construction

✔ Remodels

✔ Home Additions

✔ Shed and Garages

✔ Pool Houses

✔ Clubhouses

✔ Acoustic Drywall

✔ Drywall Repair

✔ Drywall Replacement

✔ Drywall Installation

✔ Wall Repair

✔ Wall Patching

✔ Wall Hole Repair

✔ Ceiling Drywall

✔ Ceiling Repair

✔ Stucco Repair

✔ Stucco Application

✔ Plaster Repair

✔ Sheetrock Repair

✔ Wall Crack Repair

✔ Skip “Knockdown” Trowel

✔ Mud Trowel

✔ Custom Hand Trowel

✔ Plasterboard Repair

✔ Wallboard Repair

✔ Gypsum Board Repair

✔ In-Home Consultations

✔ Free Estimates

✔ And More

How to Contact Us

Call Drywall by AMFA 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.

What it Takes to Get Rid of a Popcorn Ceiling

Posted on April 22, 2019 by Drywall By AMFA

Textured popcorn ceiling patterns used to be all the rage back when oak cabinets were still considered modern and microwave ovens were sitting on their own stands in the kitchen. But just like cabinets and microwaves, design concepts and trends have changed dramatically over the past two decades. So if you have popcorn ceilings that are driving you mad, chances are, your tastes have changed along with everyone else’s. Fortunately, you have two sensible options for removing a popcorn ceiling, both of which are economical in price and efficacy.

Continue reading to learn the 4 basic steps for removing popcorn ceilings, as well as, what you can do if DIY drywall is not something you have time or energy for.

ASBESTOS WARNING: Spray-on acoustic ceiling finishes (including textured popcorn ceilings) that were manufactured before 1980 might possibly contain asbestos, which is a known carcinogen. If your ceilings fall within this time frame, have it tested for asbestos before getting started on your project. Covering your face, scrap a small piece from your ceiling and seal it in a container or plastic bag. Then drop off the sample at the local EPA office to have it tested for asbestos. If your ceiling is contaminated, you will need to contact a licensed asbestos abatement company for the job.

What You Need:

► Ladder
► Painting Tape
► Drop Cloths (Canvas or Plastic)
► Lightweight Plastic Sheeting
► Spray Bottle & Hot Water
► Liquid Fabric Softener
► Chemical Paint Remover (Optional)
► 10” Drywall Knife (Or A 12” Popcorn-Ceiling Scraper)
► Joint Compound
► Sanding Sheet or Block
► Ceiling Paint and Primer

Step ❶ – Room Prep

Get your work area set up. Clear out anything of value or that will be in your way, such as furniture and décor. Then continue by laying down your floor tarps and canvases to protect your flooring. Finish by taping your lightweight plastic sheeting to the surrounding walls to protect them from dirt and damage.

Step ❷ – Water or Chemicals

Your next step is to determine if your ceilings are painted or not. If they are painted, water will not absorb well into them, making the scraping process much harder and monumentally messier. In this case, you would do better to use a chemical paint remover rather than water.

If your ceilings are NOT painted over, combine 4 cups of HOT water with 1 tablespoon liquid fabric softener inside a plastic spray bottle. The fabric softener will help reduce the rate of evaporation, keeping your ceilings soaked while you work. Then, use your ladder to access the ceiling space and generously spray the surface with your solution. Allow the water to soak in for 10 minutes, and then spray the surface again. Wait another 10 minutes, and then move onto the next step.

Step ❸ – SCRAPE!

It is time to start scraping off all of the saturated drywall material. Keep in mind, this will be messy, so just set your stress aside until it is time to clean up. Be sure to hold your drywall knife at a very light angle so that you do not puncture the ceiling. If you have a popcorn ceiling scraper, you can use it instead of a drywall knife. Try attaching it to a broom handle and tie a plastic bag around the tip so that it catches material in the bag while you scrape!

Step ❹ – Prime and Paint

Before you actually begin priming and painting your freshly-scraped ceiling, sweep up all of the debris, but leave the tarps and sheeting in place. Now you can fill in any holes or dents with joint compound, and sand the surface flat when it dries. When your ceilings are back to basic, you can prime them and paint them any way you like!

Is the Job Too Tough?

IF the whole project seems too tough to tackle on your own, just call Drywall by AMFA at 317-269-7319 for Indianapolis drywall service 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.

An Easy Guide to Removing Stubborn Wall Anchors

Posted on October 30, 2018 by Drywall By AMFA

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

First Gather Your Supplies:

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

What You Need to Know Before You Begin

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:

❶ Remove the screw from the wall anchor.

❷ 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.

❸ 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.

❹ 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.

❺ Sand, prime, and paint!

And When the Job is Too Big For You…

Call Drywall by AMFA 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.

Choose Drywall by AMFA for Quality Service You Can Afford

Posted on February 19, 2018 by Drywall By AMFA

Our licensed and insured drywall contractors have the affordable drywall installation and repair solutions you are looking for in Central Indiana. We understand that when it comes to drywall, finish is not the only thing that matters. Although we perform level 5 finishes on every job, we are also devoted to quality, integrity, customer support, and competitive pricing.

Continue reading to learn why you should choose us for your drywall installation and repair needs, and how to learn more about our drywall services, prices, and availability.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Residential and Commercial Service

Drywall must be installed properly to achieve high-quality results that last. Drywall by AMFA has the skills and resources necessary to meet these standards of excellence, and render the most professional drywall services in Indianapolis, including level 5 finishes and custom drywall textures. Our highly trained and licensed drywall contractors specialize in a wide range of drywall services, including repair, installation, replacement, finishing, and much more.

We provide residential and commercial drywall services for all of Indianapolis, as well as, the outer Indy areas, including Avon, Carmel, Fishers, Beech Grove, Plainfield, and many more! With a fully-equipped and abundant staff on deck, we can manage any drywall project, no matter how big or small.

How it Works

The initial part of our dry-walling process involves thorough and strategic planning. We use an intensive approach to understand your objectives and structurally plan out your drywall project. Without using confusing industry jargon, we carefully answer all of your questions and address all of your concerns about the drywall process before we begin.

When it comes time to get started, our teams show up on-time, neatly dressed, and fully-equipped to work. Throughout the job, we take ample precaution in protecting your furnishings, and maintain a clean working environment while keeping a steady pace. We are capable of accommodating deadlines for home remodels and construction, and offer friendly customer support and flexible scheduling for your convenience.

Why Choose Us?

Here at Drywall by AMFA, we are dedicated to providing unparalleled customer support and quality craftsmanship for every client. We take great care in protecting your surroundings and maintaining a clean work area in your property, as well as, offering easy and flexible scheduling to get the job done in a convenient time frame for you.

We also offer free estimates, in-home consultations, and complimentary advice about drywall replacement. Choose Drywall by AMFA for all your drywall installation and repair needs in Indianapolis! Call 317-269-7319 to schedule an estimate, today.

Tips for Hiring a Drywall Crew

Posted on January 22, 2018 by Drywall By AMFA

It is not a simply chore finding a reputable, affordable, and accomplished drywall crew. So for this reason, it is important to evaluate a contractor properly before moving forward with their services. Below are some tips for choosing the right drywall contractor you can be better prepared when it comes time to make the final call.

Continue reading to learn what you should be looking for in a reputable drywall service company.

Drywall Installation and Repair 317-269-7319

Questions for a Drywall Crew

You don’t want to find a contractor that only meets all your drywall needs, you want a contractor to also meet your need to feel safe and secure; this way, you know you can trust them to do their job effectively, and in a time line that’s convenient for you. Here are some topics to consider when looking for a company to provide drywall installation, repair, or replacement:

☑ Experience

Ask about a contractor’s time in the field. Inquire how long their company has been in business and how many years of experience their crew has in the industry. This will allow you to distinguish between a reputable and thriving company and a fly-by-the-night scam. Ten years is a good amount of experience for a drywall contractor to have, but this can vary depending on skill. This is why it is also a good idea to review some of their past work to confirm their skill level.

☑ Credentials

Be sure to ask your drywall contractor if they are licensed and insured. Any dependable drywall repair company will be licensed and insured. Experience is another vital credential. This lets you know they retain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide accurate work. Also check for industry-related memberships, as well as, BBB and Angie’s List-type memberships. This is a good sign as well, but not a deal-breaker.

☑ Services Offered

You must voice your expectations for drywall service, otherwise, you may choose a company that doesn’t offer all the services you need. Ask them about all the drywall services they offer, and if they can offer all the services specific to your property. At this point, it is wise to also inquire about their grade of equipment, and whether or not they are fully staffed and equipped to get the job done within your preferred timeline.

Indianapolis Drywall Services

Call Drywall by AMFA at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide a wide range of drywall services, including patchwork, hole repair, crack repair, installation, grid ceilings, custom textures, and more. Whether commercial or residential, our team of licensed drywall contractors are fully-equipped to get the job done in a time frame that’s convenient for you! Call 317-269-7319 to learn about our Indianapolis drywall services, prices and availability, today.

How to Match Drywall Texture

Posted on May 9, 2017 by Drywall By AMFA

Indianapolis Drywall Installation 317-269-7319

When you have to patch textured drywall, matching the textures properly can be quite the challenge since there are so many variables involved. In fact, it is strongly recommended to use professional drywall service for patching and repair work on textured drywall unless you have experience. Professional drywall contractors retain all the proper tools, materials, and training to match drywall textures effortlessly. However, if you are going to take on the project yourself, there are a few tips to learn before
you get started.

Continue reading to learn some advice on how to match drywall textures and achieve a seamless finish.

Be Sure the Width of the Drywall Matches the Existing Layer

It is important that the wall is level. To ensure this, you must use the same thickness drywall as the new layer. Otherwise, the new layer will protrude or cave in, which will look defective when finished. Simply measure the width of the existing drywall and find the matching size at your local home improvement store. One exception to this rule is plaster. You may have to use shimming to raise the final layer of your drywall patch since plaster is not always an exact size.

Use as Little Drywall Mud as Possible on the Surrounding Drywall

When taping and coating the surrounding patch area in an effort to make it as flat as possible, be sure to limit the amount of mud you use. Use the thinnest layer possible to get the job done.

Blend the Lines that Distinguish the New Layer with the Existing Layer of Mud

One of the primary focuses of a drywall patching job is to blend the lines so they are not distinguishable when the wall is finished. But there is more to this strategy than this obvious factor. For flat finishes, you could simply feather out the mud and do away with these lines entirely; but for textures, you will need to use a drywall knife or other tool to fill these crevices with excess drywall mud.

Mimic the Same Application Technique Used for the Original Texture

It is vital to use the same tools and techniques used for the existing drywall texture. If you do anything differently, you will not get the same results and your patch will not match the rest of the wall. If you did not apply the initial layer of drywall, you may want to hire a professional for assistance.

Be Sure You Use the Same Amount of Spackle as the Existing Layer of Drywall

Just like you matched the drywall width and technique, you must also match the same amount of drywall mud. If you use less mud than the existing layer, it will appear concaved; and if you use too much, it will look swollen. Work in moderate amounts so you can match the layer accurately.

Indianapolis Drywall Installation and Repair

Call Drywall by AMFA at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall installation and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. We provide residential and commercial drywall service at competitive prices. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.