Drywall Bulges are common problems owners face in their houses. In this situation, two wall joints start splitting from each other. As a result, the overall aesthetic look of the room ruins. If this irregularity doesn’t fix on time, many challenges can develop in drywall construction.
Several reasons are available behind such Bulges in drywall. The installation may be poor, your drywall panels become loose, fixing glue may fall, and others. Additionally, these conditions can reflect underlying severe issues like water damage, panel replacement, etc. However, in most cases, two reasons mainly develop bulges in drywall. The first is overdriven fasteners and the second is loose screws.
The reasons may differ for every home, you have to ensure the root cause for your home’s drywall Bulges. But don’t worry, this guide explains everything related to bulges, their reason, fixing, and precautions
Why Are There Bulges in Drywall?
Poor installation and losing attachments like screws, glue, panels, etc. mainly cause drywall bulges. Every home causes different problems in this situation. You have to identify the root cause of bulges to prevent future losses.
Sometimes, readjusting or replacing the uncertain panels can fix the difficulty. But this is not the only concern, check out some others, like water leakage, fallen screws, and others. Don’t worry, below, we give you common reasons that cause bulges in drywall.
1. Water Leakage
The manufacturer says drywall has a limited water tolerance (1% moisture content/MC). Still, it is enough to make the panel moisture-resistant. Gypsum boards start losing their morals whenever the water level exceeds 1%.
As a result, your hardwood panels experience bulges, swells, and other irregularities. Conditions can occur in different parts of the drywall. It depends on the water content or the source of leakage. Ensure the plumbing system is maintained correctly behind the walls.
Additionally, you can inspect the areas where the bulges develop continuously. For that, use your finger to press down the affected boards gently. The water damage is available here if you feel it squeezes or contracts in pressure. So it’s recommended to contact a plumber to inspect the areas.
2. Loosen Screws
Drywall expands or contracts for water, moisture, temperature, and force. It’s a common problem that has developed over the years. As a result, joint screws start loosening and affecting the panels with bulges and cracks.
So replacing or tightening the bolts with times for proper maintenance is recommended. Indeed, this is a construction issue, meaning workers do not fit enough screws or are not fixed by solid hands in the panels.
3. Over Driven Fasteners
Overdriven screws or fasteners can apply extreme pressure to the panel. In the future, your drywall panels can expand, ruin the visual look, and develop bulges. The fastener is a small plastic material to expand the screws when driven into them.
Again, this is a cause of poor installation at your home. Overdriven or tightly packed fasteners impact the gypsum boards by cracking or wrapping over time. What’s the easy solution? Re-adjust the screws or complete fasteners.
4. Poor Installation
Loosen screws and over-driven fasteners both come under poor installation of drywall. The large panels or incorrectly cut gypsum boards also create bulges in the wall.
Faulty boards continuously force the wall joints over time. As a result, panels expand and contract to each other and start damaging. You should replace the wrong size panels of drywall to prevent the causes.
5. Fallen Glue
Many people use glue or adhesive when connecting the panels. The process is effective but only when conducted professionally. Drywall boards need to be firmly attached when the glue is drying. If the adhesive is not strong enough, it can create severe issues in the future.
Additionally, the heavyweight panel boards can affect these attachments over time. As a result, drywall cracks, wraps or bulges develop in your gypsum boards.
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How to Fix Bulges in Drywall? 4 Methods
Drywall bulges are common overtime if the installation is poor. You can easily fix the problem with the right tools and proper skills.
So, the following are some main solutions you can apply to fix a bulging drywall panel underlying problem that we have tried ourself and helped many owners in this case.
1. Replace the Over Driven Screws
Below are the steps to fix the problem if the over-driven screws are to blame for the bulge in your drywall.
Determine the Part of Concern: Find the over-driven screws that create the bulges. Apply gentle pressure to the drywall and confirm the conditions.
Overdriven screws should be removed: To remove the overdriven screws, use a drill or screwdriver. Take care not to harm the gypsum boards again.
Insert fresh screws: Fill the holes left by the overdriven screws with new screws. To ensure that the drywall is tightly fastened to the hole by not damaging the paper face of the drywall, drive the screws in just far enough.
Cover the Screw Heads: Using a putty knife, apply adhesive compounds and the screw heads. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying the joints.
Sand the Area: Never sand through the paper face of the panels because you level out the adhesive compounds.
Second-coat adhesive compound application: A slightly thicker coat of adhesive compounds should be applied, reaching a few inches past the repair’s boundaries and leaving it to completely dry.
Sand and Finish: Sand the area more to make it even and smooth. Add wallpaper or paint on the wall to match the surrounding one.
The above steps help you repair a drywall bulge brought on by overdriven screws and make your wall look as good as new.
2. Repair Water Damaged Ceiling
These are some procedures to remedy a water-damaged ceiling and patch drywall bulges. To stop additional damage, locate the cause of the water damage and address it.
The area should be dried entirely after you remove any wet or damaged items from the ceiling, such as damp insulation.
Cut out any sagging or bulging drywall in the afflicted area with a utility knife. Using screws, insert a fresh piece of drywall into the hole.
The gaps between the new and old drywall should be filled with joint compound and allowed to dry completely.
Sand the joint compound until it is smooth and even with the surrounding surface. Paint the patched area to match the ceiling’s overall color.
In conclusion, restoring a ceiling affected by water can be difficult and time-consuming. Before starting the repair process, it’s crucial to locate and address the source of the water leak.
You should also take the necessary safety precautions to keep yourself safe while the repair is being done.
3. Fasten the Drywall Sufficiently
To fix drywall bulges, the drywall must be securely fastened to the wall studs or ceiling joists. The steps to properly secure drywall are as follows.
Around the bulge, take out any drywall that is loosened or broken. Use a stud finder to locate the studs or ceiling joists hidden under the drywall.
Cut a new piece of drywall to fit the hole in the wall or ceiling. Ensure the new drywall piece is flush with the wall or ceiling when you place it against them.
To fasten the drywall to the studs or joists, use drywall screws. Install screws at a distance of about 6 inches apart, working your way out from the center. If extra screws are required, place them along the drywall piece’s edges to guarantee a snug fit.
Fill any cracks or gaps around the drywall edges with adhesive compounds before letting it dry. If necessary, apply a second application of adhesive compounds after smoothing the surface with sandpaper.
Sand the surface again after the adhesive compounds have dried, then paint or texture it as desired.
To avoid future drywall bulges or cracks, it’s crucial to use the proper length screws and ensure they are driven deep into the studs or joists.
4. Replace the Panel
Here are the ways to fix a panel that is damaged or warped and the bulge in your drywall:
Determine the Area of Concern: Determine the location of the bulge in the drywall.
Take out the harmed panel: Cut out the damaged drywall panel with a utility knife. Cut a rectangle around the protrusion.
Putting up a New Panel: Replace the damaged drywall by cutting a new piece to suit the opening. Screws or drywall adhesive can be used to hold it in place.
Remove the Screw Head Covers: Using a putty knife, cover the screw heads with adhesive compounds. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying the adhesive compounds.
Sand the Area: Be careful not to sand through the paper face of the drywall as you level out the adhesive compounds.
Apply a Second Application of Joint Compound: Apply a second coat of adhesive compounds that is a little thicker and extends a few inches past the repair’s boundaries. Let it dry.
Finish and sand: Sand the area once again until it is equal and smooth. Add wallpaper or paint on the wall to match the surrounding one.
Following these instructions, you may repair a drywall bulge brought on by a harmed or warped panel and make your wall look as good as new.
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Maintenance Tips to Avoid Bulges in Drywall
Drywalls are widely used due to its durability and affordability. However, drywall are vulnerable to moisture and wet climate after a period of time. So, You need to take care of it to avoid any such issues.
First, you need to ensure the proper installation time to time. During inspection, always look for any gaps and properly anchored to the frame.
Dusting your drywall regularly will definitely help you to avoid any uncertain bulges development. Dusting is the best cleaning way to maintain its appearance if it is not painted and wallpapered.
While cleaning of drywall, we will suggest that you avoid use of water. However, most people make use of cellulose sponge to wash the drywall because it carries enough water.
Lastly, you may use water resistant primer to keep drywall in perfect condition for long time. It will help to maintain the quality if you are not sure about the moisture level of you area.
Do I Really Need Experts to Replace the Drywall?
This is not a universal rule to replace drywall panels when they develop bulges. Conditions vary in different home construction. If the problem is minor like loose screws, over-driven fasteners, or high water levels in certain areas, simple fixing can troubleshoot the situation.
If the issue worsens or your panel becomes cracked or completely damaged, replace them with a new one. It provides future benefits to prevent additional bulges in your other drywall panels.
When choosing the right gypsum board, its cost is relatively small compared to long-term benefits. Generally, gypsum panels cost between $10-$20 each.
Conclusion
We hope you get all answers related to the topic. So remember, bumps, cracks, or wraps are common over time. You have to maintain and fix the panels timely. Always hire experts to perform the drywall installation. It will prevent future losses in your room. Drywall boards are sensitive to extreme temperatures, water, and moisture.
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