When 1 have to patch holes in drywall, I first install some 1x backing to support the patch. As shown in the drawing, I place the backing boards behind the wall and secure them with drywall screws. Then I screw a piece of drywall that matches the shape of the hole and the thickness of the wall to the backing. This is a typical method of fixing a hole in drywall, but I think the next step is an improvement.
With the drywall patch in place, I spread joint compound over the seams and then cover the compound with a piece of Tyvek housewrap. This thin, sturdy material embeds easily into the joint compound and provides a smooth surface for additional topping coats. The Tyvek is so thin that it doesn’t wrinkle the way that paper tape sometimes does.
Tim Alpaugh, Randolph, NJ
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Any long-term experience with this? Does the Tyvek absorb or adhere well enough to the compound so it doesn't bubble up eventually?