Common Causes of Drywall Damage and How to Prevent Them

Drywall is tough for everyday life, but a few things damage it over and over. Here are the most common causes we see, and simple ways to prevent most of them.

Water

Water is drywall's worst enemy. Roof leaks, AC drain lines, plumbing leaks, overflowing tubs and condensation all soak into the gypsum, leaving stains, bubbling paint, sagging ceilings and, if it stays wet, mold. See repairing drywall stains and water damage.

Prevent it: keep gutters and downspouts clear so rain drains away from the house, check the AC drain line and pan, fix small leaks right away, and run bathroom and kitchen fans to control condensation.

Doors, furniture and everyday bumps

Doorknobs punch round holes, furniture scuffs and dents walls, and moving day takes out corners.

Prevent it: add door stops, leave a little space between furniture and walls, and pad corners when moving large items.

Nail pops and cracks

As framing lumber dries and the house settles, fasteners push out and seams crack. They're mostly cosmetic. See types of drywall cracks and their causes.

Peeling tape

Tape that wasn't fully bedded in compound, or that got wet, bubbles and peels along seams and corners. See why drywall tape peels.

Hanging things on the walls

Heavy shelves and TVs hung without the right anchors pull out and leave large holes. Removing anchors carelessly does the same. See hanging artwork without damaging drywall and removing drywall anchors.

Pets

Scratching, chewing and the occasional collision take a toll on lower walls and corners. See repairing drywall damage caused by pets.

Termites

Termites feed on the paper face of drywall. Small pinholes, bubbling paint or a hollow sound when you tap the wall can be signs. Have a pest control company treat the problem before the drywall is repaired.

Humidity

Central Florida humidity makes framing swell and shrink and can soften drywall in rooms that stay damp. Run the air conditioning consistently and use a dehumidifier in rooms that stay damp.

Keep up with small repairs

Once or twice a year, walk through the house and look for small cracks, nail pops, stains and loose tape. Small repairs are quick and inexpensive; left alone, they grow.

Drywall repair in Orlando

New Ceilings repairs all of these, from doorknob holes and cracks to water-damaged ceilings, across Orlando and Central Florida. The texture and paint are matched so the repair doesn't show. See drywall and ceiling repair.