Types of damage
- Small holes from nails, anchors and screws.
- Impact holes from doorknobs, furniture or moving day.
- Cracks at seams, corners and above doors and windows.
- Popped screws or nails showing as small round bumps.
- Water-damaged sections that are stained, soft or crumbling.
Water damage is different
If drywall is soft, stained or swollen, the moisture source needs to be dealt with first. Patching a section that is still getting wet only hides the problem for a while. See why a ceiling stain keeps coming back.
Blending the repair
A patch has to match the wall around it in flatness, texture and paint. Smooth walls show every imperfection under a raking light from a window. Textured walls need the texture recreated — see drywall texture matching. Then the paint has to match in color and sheen.
What to send
A wide photo of the wall, a close-up of each damaged spot, and a note about whether the wall is smooth or textured. If you have leftover paint, a photo of the can label helps.
Related reading: patch or replace? How drywall repair decisions get made.
Common questions
Why does the crack above my door keep coming back?
Cracks at door and window corners can come from normal seasonal movement. Recurring or widening cracks are worth mentioning, because a cosmetic patch will not stop movement.
Will I need the whole wall painted?
Often it gives the best result, because touch-up paint can look different on older paint. Discuss it based on the wall and how visible it is.
Where TLC Repairs offers drywall patching
Based in LaGrange and serving communities within about 30 miles, including: