Expert Advice on Improving Your Home
Home Walls

Walls

From water damage to termites, foundational shifts, and rodents, there’s no shortage of things that can go wrong inside your walls. Even worse, if not handled promptly, many of these issues can compromise other home systems.

The Basics of Wall Maintenance

To help you avoid issues or damage to your walls, we’ve compiled a list of the most common early warning signs that something could be wrong with your walls. 

Early warning signs of mice:

  • Scratching from within walls
  • Droppings along baseboards 
  • Dark, foul-smelling streaks
  • Small holes along baseboards

Early warning signs of water damage: 

  • Foul, musty smell coming from walls or closets
  • Dark spots along the walls, ceiling, or baseboard
  • A constant dripping sound from the wall
  • Peeling paint or paper
  • Discolored drywall
  • Buckling, cracking, or warping

Signs of a foundation shifting: 

  • Cracks in drywall 
  • Walls bending or bowing
  • Nails popping out of drywall
  • Baseboards and trim popping off walls
  • Gaps between exterior windows and doorframes and walls
  • Counters, cabinets, and cupboards separating from walls
  • Stuck windows 

Signs of termites: 

  • Small mud tubes in walls or ceiling
  • Small piles of sawdust-like material around baseboards or walls (this material is called frass.)
  • Pin-size holes in walls, baseboards, trim, or ceiling
  • Discolored drywall 
  • Peeling paint or wallpaper 
  • Hollow-sounding wood structures
  • Stuck windows and doors

There are plenty of things that can damage walls. But by keeping an eye out and doing regular upkeep, you can keep your walls in tip-top shape. If you’re interested in reading more about different types of wall maintenance or are encountering any of these issues, read more about them in the articles listed below. 

Half Wall vs Railing

Everyone wants a home that looks beautiful, but safety is something else that needs to be put into consideration too. If you’re renovating your home or at least considering it, you may...

Ask Danny | Ep. 8: ‘Drywall Shorty’ Shares Pro Tips

In this week’s episode of “Ask Danny,” I’m chatting with Lydia Crowder, a.k.a Drywall Shorty, about patching holes, texture and more.

Ask Danny | Ep. 4: ‘The Drywall Guru’ Offers Expert Advice

In Episode 4 of “Ask Danny,” I’m talking with my longtime friend and drywall expert Mark Rutherford — “The Drywall Guru.” 

How to Hang Wallpaper

A bold-print wallpaper can make a statement and add excitement to a dull space. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hang wallpaper.

National Gypsum: Specialized Drywall for All Rooms

Not all drywall is created equal. Different areas of your home require different types of drywall.

High End Wallpaper Brands 101

iStock.com / Onzeg Luxury wallpaper not only lasts far longer than budget options, it also lends an air of distinction to a room. Beyond common vinyl, many high-end...

What is the Difference Between Sheetrock and Drywall

Depending on your age and where you live, the terms “sheetrock” and “drywall” may be interchangeable. To clarify, “sheetrock” is a brand name of the drywall panel (made from gypsum and paper)...

 What is Corner Bead and Where You Might Need It?

Corner bead is a component of a drywall installation project that forms a durable outside corner hidden inside the joint. Drywall is brittle by nature, especially on the edges, so when two...

Plaster vs. Drywall: Here’s The Difference You Should Consider

What is the difference between plaster and drywall? Both seem synonymous with walls and ceilings, so how are they different? Both drywall and plaster are made from gypsum materials, so the main...