Home appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers are prone to damaging walls. This happens due to vibration during use, causing cracks. They can also heat the wall to warping, especially if not well-ventilated. Water from the appliances can also lead to mold growth, which weakens the wall. You can solve these problems by anchoring the home appliance, proper venting, and regular inspection. However, you will still have the damage to deal with. Here are the simple solutions for fixing such wall damage.
Camouflage with Decorative Moldings
Camouflaging the damage with decorative molds is the first way to fix it. You can use a skirting board running along the bottom edge of the walls. To do so, you will research insightful resources such as the best way to fix skirting to walk you through the project. You can use chair rails, picture rails, and corner molding. Whichever the case, using decorative molding will cover the damage and increase the aesthetic appeal of your house. But ensure that you choose molding that complements existing décor.
Wall Skim Coating
You can also use wall skim coating, commonly known as skimming, to fix the damage. This wall damage solution entails applying plaster or any joint compound to cover small cracks and dents. To do it, you will start by cleaning the wall to remove debris and flaking paint. It’d be best to patch the cracks or holes, if any, on the wall. You will then mix the plaster or the joint compound of your choice. From there, you will apply the skim coat and let it dry before sanding it. Priming before painting will be necessary to enhance adhesiveness. However, sometimes, doing such things manually can also lead to a huge Blunder! That’s why, for such wall repair and damage, it’s recommended to hire a professional. To learn more about such professionals, click here; they will help you fix your walls and provide you with the necessary information on how to protect them.
Epoxy Putty
Epoxy putty is your go-to solution for dealing with damage to wood or plaster walls. To do so, you will start by cleaning the surface to remove lost particles, then mix the epoxy putty with which you will fill the hole. You will then feather the edges using your finger before allowing it to cure. Sanding will be your last step after it has dried up before painting it with the wall’s color for uniformity. It’d be best to read the instructions carefully and wear protective gear when applying this material. In addition, ensure that you work in a well-ventilated room to reduce the risks of inhaling toxic fumes.
Spackle Sponge
Also referred to as a magic eraser or sanding sponge, the spackling sponge is another ideal wall-fixing solution. It is a white sponge made of melamine, which you can use to apply spackle compound, which will fill holes, cracks, and wall imperfections caused by the home appliances. To use it, you will prepare the wall by cleaning and then wetting the sanding sponge. You will then fill the damaged area with a spackle compound containing gypsum powder and binders. Once you have filled the areas, you will use the sponge to smoothen the surfaces, let it dry, sand it, and prime it before painting.
Reinforce with Backing
This solution entails using drywall or plywood to strengthen a damaged wall. To do it, you will first assess the damage and then select the backing material. The backing material you use should fit the size of the damaged area. After that, you will clean the damaged area to remove splinters, protrusions, or debris by sanding it down. Once clean, you will fix the backing before you secure it with adhesives and nails, depending on the material you use. You can then patch it to finish the repair job.
Sealants
Home appliances like washing machines can develop leaks due to loose connections, worn hoses, or damaged inlets. The dishwasher’s leaking gasket and refrigerator defrost drain blockage can also cause damage to the floor and surrounding walls. You can use various sealants to fix the problem. Silicone sealant, polyurethane sealant, waterproofing sealants, and acrylic latex caulk are some of the common types that you can use. The application process is similar to epoxy putty, needing care and accuracy to ensure a neat finish.
Touch Up Paint
Touch-up paint is a formulated paint specifically used to fix minor blemishes caused by damage from home appliances. It comes in matching colors and ins small quantities. To use it, you will clean the damaged area, then use a damp cloth to wipe it before leaving it to dry. You will then dip a small paintbrush and carefully paint the area you want to fix. Using the feathering technique would be best to avoid visible paint lines.
Texture Repair
This is another simple technique for restoring the state of a wall damaged by appliances. It entails applying pre-mixed compounds in aerosol spray cans or tubs. You can also use drywall mud for this repair. Like the other solutions, you will start by cleaning the wall and applying the texture repair material. It’d be best to practice the application process on cardboard to determine the texture compounds’ feel and train on how to hold the nozzle. Doing so is essential since matching the existing texture pattern can be daunting if you are new to it.
Repainting Entire Walls
Repainting the walls can be an effective way to fix scuff marks or scratches caused by the appliances. You can also use this simple solution to fix surface stains caused by splashes and discoloring. However, you must assess the damage before settling on repainting. Consulting a professional would be best if the damage is extensive. The professional can suggest an alternative solution that will fix the damage.
Architectural Trims
You can address the water damage by fixing heat and moisture-resistant architectural trims like Medium Density Fiberboard. Skirting boards made of this material and finished with a waterproof coating are moisture resistant. You can learn how to use the boards by searching for the best way to fix skirting. Alternatively, you can use Vinyl, solid PVC, Wood-Plastic Composite, and PVC. Using these skirting will address the water damage and prevent further problems.
Conclusion
Home appliances are among the significant causes of wall damage. Unfortunately, overlooking the damages can cause structural compromise, cause a safety hazard, and increase repair costs. That’s why you should use the information in this article to fix the problems in the early stages.