Generally, repairing problems with old or new drywall requires the same methods. However, some problems are individual to old drywall and require special steps. If your home's drywall needs extensive repairs, hire a professional. Structural problems might be the cause of problems in old drywall, so performing the repairs yourself might not fix the underlying cause.
Yellowing
Yellowing is a common, but not serious, problem with old drywall. The paper surface of drywall can yellow over time if the original installers neglected to paint it. While yellowing itself isn't an indication that old drywall needs replacing, unsealed drywall is more likely to warp or crack due to changes in humidity. In areas with yellowing drywall, inspect all surfaces carefully for problems. If you find none, you can prime and paint the yellowed drywall. If there are signs of water damage, you will need to repair or replace the drywall.
Types of Cracking
Cracks along the seams between drywall boards typically are long and straight. If you install new drywall tape over seam cracks, the problem will disappear. On the other hand, jagged and winding cracks indicate structural problems underneath the drywall. For example, if a home's concrete foundation is failing, you might see large, jagged cracks over doorways or windows where the wall's frame is weakest. Repairs over jagged cracks might only provide a temporary fix.
Repairing Cracks
To repair a crack, gouge out the loose material. Cover the area with joint compound, lay drywall paper tape over the crack and wipe it flat with a drywall knife. After the compound dries, cover it with several more coats of compound until you can't see the tape. This repair method works for most cracks, but the crack might return if the structural defects that originally caused the crack remain, which is a common problem for repairs on old drywall as homeowners sometimes fix a crack only to have it reappear several months after the repair. If this happens to you, ask a professional home inspector or contractor to examine your home's foundation and construction to identify and repair the underlying problem.
Popping
Popping is another typical problem on old drywall. Poor workmanship, seasonal temperature shifts and changing humidity levels cause a structure to shift, which in turn causes the metal drywall screws to pop out from the surface of the drywall. A common error is to attempt to hide the pops with joint compound, but this method won't repair the problem. Instead, you should install new drywall screws next to all the pops in the old drywall, which stabilizes the drywall, minimizing future shifts. At that point, you can cover the pops with joint compound until the surface is smooth and ready for paint.
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