When drywall is too damaged to patch — widespread water damage, mould, or a renovation gut — the right fix is removal and replacement with new board.
Patching makes sense for localised damage in sound board. Replacement makes sense when the board is weakened across an area, repeatedly repaired, or opened up for other work like wiring or insulation.
Replace when damage is widespread, the board is soft or mouldy, or the wall is being opened anyway for electrical, plumbing or insulation. Patch when damage is localised and the surrounding board is sound.
Replacing a whole wall or room is often better value than chasing many patches across a tired surface, and the finish is more consistent.
Old board comes down to the framing, which is inspected while exposed — a good moment for wiring, insulation or vapour-control upgrades. New board is then hung, taped and finished.
Removal is dusty and generates disposal. Confirm containment, disposal and what happens to trim and flooring in your written scope.
Many older Ottawa homes have plaster over lath. Replacing it with drywall is common in renovations and changes wall thickness at trim and openings — details to plan before the old surface comes down.
Clear expectations. A considered plan.
A finish that brings the room together.
A close-up and a wider shot of each area, plus what caused it if you know — a leak, a door handle, settling or old plumbing work.
We confirm whether each spot can be patched or needs a section cut out, and note any moisture issue that must be fixed first.
Damaged board is cut back or backed, taped and filled in several thin coats, with drying time and sanding between each.
The repair is feathered into the surrounding wall or ceiling and checked under normal light so it is ready for primer and paint.
A closer look at each type of project. See all projects.
Tell us what needs doing and where. Prefer to talk? Call (613) 319-4768.
When damage is widespread or the board is weakened, yes. One replacement gives a consistent surface; many patches on tired board often keep growing.
Removal and disposal are confirmed as line items in your written scope so you know exactly what is included.
Yes. Partial replacement is common after localised water damage or where a wall was opened for other work. The new surface is blended at the edges.
Open framing is the cheapest time for insulation, wiring and vapour-control work. Plan those trades before the new board goes up.
Tell us what you have in mind. Let’s talk about your drywall project.
