Can Homeowners Install Drywall on Their Own? 

by | Mar 31, 2022 | Drywall Repair

One of the most popular home construction materials out there is drywall. Nothing frames out a space like it.   

Before drywall was invented, most contractors use the process called lathing and plastering. Unfortunately, this process is extremely labor-intensive. That is why a lot of contractors prefer working with drywall. It provides a faster way to create walls for your interior.  

However, since contractors consider the process easy, can a regular homeowner lay down a couple of drywall sheets on their own? Can an average homeowner perform a complex flex drywall repair in Fairfax County VA? Here are a couple of things you should know: 

You Need Special Materials and Tools 

Of course, you can lay down drywall sheets with a razor knife and power drill. However, if you want to be efficient, you will need a lot of unique materials and tools.  

For example, having a drywall lifting machine can be extremely helpful if you are installing drywall on your ceiling. A rotary saw can also be very useful if you want to cut out holes for electrical outlets and cables.  

In addition to that, drywall taping and finishing require their own set of materials and tools.  

All of these things cost money. This means that instead of saving money by not hiring a professional, you’ll end up spending more.  

The Process is Extremely Tedious 

Keep in mind that contractors know what they’re doing. Because of this, they can efficiently and quickly lay down drywall without a problem. On several occasions, a professional will complete a 12-by-16-foot room in less than 60 minutes. On the other hand, experienced homeowners will complete the same project in 12 hours or more.  

However, what if you don’t have any experience working with drywall? If that is the case, you should expect to complete the job in 2 days or more.  

Laying down drywall is a multi-step process. Every step needs a lot of skills and the right equipment. There’s finishing the sheets, affixing the sheets, laying down the sheets, and cutting the sheets.  

Also, you will be measuring your walls and taking down electrical boxes, corners, doors, and windows. This will take a lot of time. 

Drywall Sheets are Heavy 

This is perhaps one of the most important factors to consider. Drywall sheets are extremely heavy and big. A regular ½-inch drywall sheet that measures 4’x8’ weighs almost 60 pounds.  

If you’re laying a sheet vertically at a body level, this won’t be an issue. However, you might have a hard time doing the job if you’re installing the drywall for your ceiling or upper walls.  

If you want to do it yourself, you’ll need a couple of individuals and a lot of ladders.  

Drywall Difficulty Level 

Compared to traditional lathing and plastering, it’s much easier to lay down drywall. On average, hiring a professional for drywall installation will cost you $1,800. Thus, you’ll save a lot if you do it yourself.  

Unfortunately, drywall installation isn’t a simple project for an average homeowner. It requires a lot of tools and experience.  

Why Fix Your Home’s Roof with the Help of an Expert Roofer?

by | Mar 23, 2022 | Roof Services

Planning to renovate your home? You came to the right place. In this article, you will learn some ways on how to identify if your roof is dealing with potential problems before they can go severe, which can cost you a lot. According to the experts, asphalt shingle roofing can last between twenty and thirty years. If your asphalt shingle roof is currently very old, there could certainly be a problem up there even though it looks well from below.   

 

A reliable roof in your home is very important if you are used to having a cozy and warm home. Despite the rising interest of homeowners in materials such as tile and copper, a lot of roofs nowadays are still made of shingles. It is certainly costly to replace a shingle roof. Therefore, it’s more beneficial to learn simple fixes as well as preventive measures, which can extend the life span of your roof.  

Depending on the condition of your roof, the amount of time you’ve got left is around five to ten years. On the other hand, if you reside in a development and most of your neighbors are starting to have their roofing replaced, then that could be a major sign that you should replace your roof as well.  

Typically, cracked shingles are a result of natural changes such as wind damage. If your roof only has a few cracked shingles, you can definitely replace them. According to an expert roofer, the cracking of your roof is not only isolated to a particular area and it is not random throughout the entire roofing. If this is the case, you should consider replacing your current roofing. It might be ideal to replace your entire roof within four to five years. Roof shingles can often cup and claw. Cupping occurs when the edges of your roof shingles turn upward.   

On the other hand, clawing happens when the middle of the roof shingles starts to come up and the edges stay flat. According to an expert roofing specialist, both cupping and clawing are signs of constant weather changes and can indicate potential problems in your roofing such as leaks. The amount of time left usually depends on the extent of your roof shingles curling. But it could be between 1 year and 5 years before you have to replace your current roofing. Technically, there is not any problem with simply replacing a few shingles in your roof and your chosen professional Kennesaw roofing contractors can be able to identify that.  

According to an expert home inspector, what you have to be prepared the most is that it is almost impossible to find a new roof shingle that will match the color and design of your existing one. As a matter of fact, granule colors have significantly changed over the years. In addition to that, the colors will change slightly due to weathering. You can keep on patching up the missing shingles until a bigger problem presents itself. However, if your roof starts to appear like a checkerboard, most homeowners usually decide to replace their whole roofing.