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Do-it-yourself painting and drywall projects come with risks when in the hands of an amateur. Before tackling such a job, it is good to know what errors and potential damage can occur and how a professional would know how to avoid them. Below are a few common mistakes people make during drywall installation.

Errors That Occur During DIY Drywall Jobs

1. Paper Punctures

Most punctures in the paper face of the drywall are caused by hardware being screwed in too far. When these holes happen and the paper face is broken, screws will have less surface area to grip to stay in place. Professionals understand that once the screw head gets to the paper face surface, it is time to slow down and give the hardware small quarter turns to set it at the proper depth.

2. Oversanding

painting & drywallA heavy hand while sanding can lead to a host of issues such as sanding too far down to the seams and compromising adjacent painting and drywall. While a smooth surface is necessary, furiously oversanding will make the installation unstable and could damage joints, frames, and fiberglass tape on the piece you are handling. Painting and drywall experts work by low light to easily see where the bumps and imperfections are for more precise sanding.

3. Tight Joints

As you are setting up a drywall sheet next to another one, fit means everything. Too tight and the risk of breaking increases. When installing each wallboard sheet, it is critical to make sure there is 1/8 of an inch between each piece. This ensures a secure fit while allowing for the natural expanding and contracting of frames during different temperatures.

4. Ceilings

Installing drywall for the ceiling is especially tricky and requires special tools to install accurately. The biggest obstacle is trying to lift wallboards over your head safely, a dangerous mistake that someone without experience can make. An expert crew will either use a lift to safely install larger boards or they will negotiate this type of installation with smaller boards. It is less cumbersome and matches seams more efficiently.

5. Painting & Drywall

Once the drywall is installed, painting it is an essential step. Inadequate painting will leave your room looking unattractive. When approaching painting and drywall projects, a trained technician will start with a primer and then add at least two coats of the color choice. A roller is best for a clean, smooth finish.

 

Located in Anchorage, AK, Henry’s Services is the home remodeling and disaster mitigation company to call when you need an expert team working on your property. Since 1962, this Alaskan-owned and -operated company has offered top-notch craftsmanship, painting and drywall services, and thorough restoration techniques after water, mold, or smoke damage have occurred. To start your home improvement project, visit these licensed, bonded, and insured professionals online. Call (907) 344-4200 for 24-hour emergency services.

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