When addressing drywall holes, it’s crucial to employ a technique that prevents the patch from sinking into or protruding from the damaged area. Application of drywall tape on the surface not only deters cracking but also serves as a strengthening barrier to keep the patch securely in place.
But the question arises, how can you prevent the patch from sagging too deeply into the hole? A recommended solution for holes ranging from eight to fourteen inches is to use a strapped backing drywall patch.
A strapped backing patch offers a sturdy foundation for attaching your drywall patch. Typically, drywall is affixed to metal or wooden studs using drywall nails or screws during installation. However, when repairing smaller drywall holes, there’s usually no substantial support where you intend to patch.
The fundamental idea behind a strapped backing patch is to first insert a narrow strip of wood or metal behind the area in need of repair and then apply the drywall over this opening. Finally, you can tape and finish the patch, achieving a seamless blend with the surrounding drywall.
Methods for Installing Backing when Patching Drywall
Various materials can serve as backing for a drywall patch. One-by-two wooden strips are a practical choice, as they are easy to cut and offer solid support. Metal studs can also be a suitable option.
However, two-by-four wooden studs are too cumbersome and unwieldy for this type of drywall repair. Some individuals resort to using paint sticks as backing straps, but these are too flimsy to provide adequate support.
The initial step involves installing your backing straps. Cut a one-by-two or metal stud to a length that exceeds the width of the hole you intend to repair by at least four inches. You should be able to slide the strapping into the hole and position it behind the damaged section, ensuring the straps are not excessively long.
They should extend at least two inches on either side of the hole, enabling you to secure them to the existing drywall. Carefully insert the strap into the hole and align it evenly behind the surrounding drywall. Take precautions to avoid accidentally dropping the piece inside the wall during placement.
With one hand, secure the strapping and drive four drywall screws through the existing drywall and into both ends of the strap where it extends behind the existing drywall. It’s advisable to utilize two straps per hole to prevent the patch from becoming unstable on a single strap. Once the strapping is in position, cut a piece of drywall to fit snugly within the hole you are repairing.
Achieving a smooth, seamless patch requires using the same width of drywall as the existing one. For example, if the existing drywall measures half an inch, use a half-inch piece; if it’s five-eighths of an inch, opt for a five-eighths-inch piece.
Install your drywall patch by affixing it with screws to the newly installed backing strips. At this stage, you can proceed to tape the seams and complete the finishing process just as you would with any other drywall joints.
Typically, three or four coats of finishing mud are required for patching, which exceeds the number typically needed for new drywall seams. Applying several thin coats of mud is more manageable and provides a smoother finish compared to applying a couple of thicker coats. Take your time and use additional coats if necessary, ensuring that the final two coats are exceptionally thin.
tag: # Reinforcing Drywall Patches with Backing Strips
