Drywall doesn't normally flake. It is, however, made up of many layers of material and can flake if subjected to above-normal moisture conditions. If you notice the drywall peeling away or flaking off, it is a good indication that you have a more serious issue than the wall itself. Repairing the wall will take some time and drywall materials, but you must have a professional evaluate the moisture issue and repair it first. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Run a stud finder along the wall near the flaking drywall. The ends of the drywall board are nailed into the studs in the wall, and the drywall board covers several studs. To remove the entire drywall board, remove the drywall between the studs until you find the ends of the material where tape seals the seams between the pieces.
2. Cut into the drywall with a jigsaw to remove a large section of it. Pull the rest out with your hands until you have located the tape where it is sealed to the drywall on either side of it.
3. Cut along the tape seam so that you don't tear the drywall on either side.
4. Look inside the wall for moisture damage and repair what's causing it. Pull out the insulation to see all areas of the wall, and possible causes of the moisture problem. Since the insulation has been exposed to moisture, it must be replaced.
5. Tack in new insulation, using a staple gun. The staples should be inserted into the tabs along the sides of the insulation. Even if the moisture damage is slight, replace the insulation because the old material might hold mold spores.
6. Set a new piece of drywall against the wall and screw it in place with drywall screws. Cut the drywall if necessary to ensure it fits properly. Have a person help you hang the drywall.
7. Tape the seams between the new drywall and the ceiling and other drywall pieces, using drywall tape.
8. Smear on drywall mud along the seams and completely cover the tape. Scrape back over the tape so that the layer is thin and you can still see the tape slightly. Let this dry for several hours, and then sand it lightly to remove rough edges.
9. Apply a second coat of mud and spread it several inches out from the tape on all sides. Tape the mud closer to the wall as you move out. Allow to dry, and then sand smooth.
10. Repaint the wall to match the rest of the room. Use the same interior paint that is on the rest of the wall, such as flat, enamel or satin.
Tags: drywall board, drywall either, drywall either side, either side, moisture damage
