Replies

1. 
   Piffin | Mar 30, 2012 09:39pm | #1

   Yes repairable but maybe easier to replace.

   For me the deiding line would be if there is any moisture damage weakening the SR or feeding mold spores

1. 
   ILikeToWork | Mar 30, 2012 09:49pm | #2

   no moisture damage

   we live in a dry climate.  The tearouts are long, go the height of the wall, and are up to 4 inches wide.

2. 
   ILikeToWork | Mar 30, 2012 10:43pm | #3

   I was hoping

   there would be an easier way than replacing all sheet rock.  Thanks

1. 
   DanH | Mar 30, 2012 10:53pm | #4

   Well, it's up to you to assess whether repair or replacement is more appropriate.  It depends on the amount of damage, plus the amount of "collateral damage" (need to tear off trim, etc) that would occur in replacement. 

   One nice thing (from my point of view as an aging DIYer) is that the repair is the kind of putzy thing you can do a little at a time over several days, with little pressure -- it's kind of relaxing.  But others are more of a "get it done!" attitude and would rather work more intensely for a shorter period, in which case replacement will possibly get you there sooner.

3. 
   IdahoDon | Mar 30, 2012 11:02pm | #5

   It's a perfect place to practice skimming walls!  I'd tape over areas missing paper altogether, use quickset on holes, and get out a good light.  :)

1. 
   calvin | Mar 31, 2012 07:21am | #6

   Don

   There's no need to use paper tape over any non cracked drywall.  The gypsum is exposed, the paper face is sealed, all he needs to do is skim over the whole mess.

   I'd run a thin layer of Durabond over the all the damaged areas-hard and great adhesion.

   Top coat with more timed compound or all purpose bucket mud-depending on the skill level.

   or hire it out.

   or put 1/4" over the whole mess and finish that.

   all the trim is off if he tore the paneling down, extend the jambs on the door openings (and windows too if present) and retrim.

1. 
   JimB | Mar 31, 2012 11:52am | #7

   I'd probably go with the 1/4" sheet rock. It will be easier to

   get an acceptable finish.  And, if you need to do any electrical up-grade, the overlay would cover any minor damage resulting from that work. 

   If I had a lot more time than money, I'd follow Calvin's first suggestion.

4. 
   florida | Apr 01, 2012 08:16am | #8

   Clean up the edges of the tears, thin some regular mud and roll a skim coat on. Don't try to do too much at once. You'll ned to go back with a trowel and smooth it out fairly quickly but unless it's a huge basement plan to go fishing after lunch. Come back the next day, hit the high spots with a sander, fill the lows and you're ready to prime.

5. 
   ILikeToWork | Apr 02, 2012 11:54pm | #9

   Thanks for the advice! nm

   NM