Q&A's

Drywall Information

Should I DIY Drywall or Hire a Professional?

At one point in time, you will have a drywall repair project that needs some work. It could be a drywall hole repair or just installing a new board. You might be telling yourself that this is a job you can do and that hiring a contractor will be expensive for no good reason.

However, you need to ask yourself whether you are ready for the job. Key factors to consider are:

Your Time Schedule
How many hours do you work per day, and how much free time do you have? If you plan to install gypsum boards in your bathroom, this might take anywhere from 3-6 hours. This is an assumption that there are two of you and that your bathroom is standard-size.

How Valuable is Your House?
If you are fixing drywall cracks, then you need to ask yourself whether you have the skills and ability to make those cracks disappear. According to research, Pros can increase the resell value of a home by more than 30%. They will hide any noticeable cracks, joints, and patches.

Do you have the right Drywall repair kits?

To repair or install drywall like a pro, you require to have the following repair kits:
Dust Mask: To protect you from inhaling dangerous air particles
Mud Pan: For carrying a joint compound
Drywall Putty: A joint compound used to seal wall joint
Utility Knife: Used to apply the joint compound on the wall
Drywall Tape: Used to conceal seams and wall joints
Sanding Tool: Used to sand the joint compound for a smooth finish

5 TIPS for HIRING the BEST DRYWALL CONTRACTORS

Do the Research
Before you take the phone and hire a contractor, it is best to do some research background on one or two of them. Once you identify the company, check out some online reviews from real clients. Through online reviews, you will know whether the company is professional or not.

Ask Some Questions
Once you have identified two or more contractors, call them and tell them about your problem. In the process, they should give you a comprehensive plan on how to help you out. During the questioning stage, you will automatically tell which contractor sounds smart and which does not.

Consider the Skills and Experience
Trust us when we tell you that it is good to give newbies a chance to prove themselves. However, it is better to hire professional drywall installers. Professionals have the work experience to diagnose the problem at hand. They will also save you from costly repairs that may be needed in the future, especially if they used substandard gypsum board materials.

Check Whether they are Licensed
Before you contract the sheetrock installer, make sure they have the necessary government licenses to install sheetrock. If you aren't sure whether they are licensed, ask them to show you the license. It is also a good idea to hire companies with liability insurance in case of an accident.

Get An Installation Quote First
We have seen people in Halifax NS, hire a wall installer without asking for a comprehensive quote and end up being overcharged because they did not compare the quote with other installers in the region. Never hire an installer without a signed quote!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Gypsum Board?
Gypsum boards are made from a naturally occurring mineral known as gypsum. The mineral is processed at high temperatures to foam boards. It is preferred worldwide because of its ability to retain water in crystalline form, making it less prone to combustion.

What are the Advantages of Drywall?
Gypsum boards have several advantages over traditional wall systems such as plaster. For example, they are easier to install and are more economical because they use less labor. There are several types of gypsum boards to choose from, such as soundproof boards, fire-resistant boards, and moisture resistant boards.

Can Install Drywall Sparkle Myself?
Installing sheetrock is a time consuming and difficult process. For example, if you lack the right type of equipment, you risk inhaling gypsum dust, which may cause respiratory irritation. Also, ceiling installation may result in debris entering your eyes, and a fall might critically injure you. It is for this reason why we advise you to let the professionals do their work.

How Much Does Professional Drywall Repair Cost?
Several factors determine the cost of drywall installation. One of them is the room's size, type of gypsum board to use, and finishing level. In a nutshell, expect the cost to range from $1 -$3 per square foot.

Should I Replace or Repair my Damaged Walls?
This question will depend on the level of damage that exists on the wall. For example, if the wall only has small holes, then a drywall hole repair service should be done. The entire panel should only be removed if it is saggy, broken, or wet.

What is the Problem with Chinese Drywall?
A few years ago, Chinese boards entered the Canadian and American markets. They were cheaper and taunted as the best. However, it was later discovered that some Chinese boards were defective as they released dangerous gases such as sulfur.

What is the Difference Between Sheetrock and Drywall?
There is no difference between the two terms. They all mean the same thing.

Does Drywall Need to Be Primed Before Painting?
Yes. Gypsum boards do need to be primed. A primer has several benefits, such as allowing the paint to stick to the wall's surface and also to hide any visible stains.

Does Drywall Mud Go Bad?
No. Though it does not go bad, it will become unusable and moldy over time. It is not yet clear how long it takes for it to go bad as it is affected by several factors such as how you store and where you store it. Either way, it is advisable that you only prepare just enough for your project and not excess.