Help with repairing a wall?

Question

we just purchased a house a little over a month ago. My husband was leaning on the kitchen wall yesterday and found that it actually flexed in. Someone at sometime had done some shoddy repairs and slapped a new piece of drywall up without attaching it to the studs in the middle. So if you push on the wall, it actually flexes in and out. Its just suuuuper. I am trying to contact our realtor and figure out a way to have this fixed. But I have a sinking feeling this is something we are going to have to end up eating the cost for. How would we go about fixing this? My husband is pretty handy, so I am sure he could figure it out with a lil help. Any opinions and or suggestions would be great.

We did get a home warranty valid for one year. But in reading it I am thinking that it only covers appliaces, heating, a/c and roof.

The piece of the wall that flexes in is a span of about 3-4ft across and runs the entire height of the wall. Approx the size of a sheet of dryall.

Answer 1

After years in the trades certainly you shouldn't likely depend on the Realtor, BUT did you manage some sort of Warrantee???

It sounds a bit like some work was done and replacements were done as well, perhaps as a quick fix to sell. The FIX for your needs may not be traumatic however.

The major issue is locating the "studs" and installing drywall screws, then a patch and paint. My concern would be however, in the FLEXING IN, that there isn't a "stud" behind the area of flex? Certainly drywall can flex OUT even as it spans 16 or 24 inch centers, if it hasn't been attached, but to FLEX in at those two spans (if they exist) would take more than just a "Lean against"

With all due respect, before you attempt repairs, I would contact the Realtor. As a "realtor" they report to the world they are more than just an AGENT, and should have advised you susinctly through the process. I advise EVERYONE to pay a few dollars more for a Real estate attorney. If that had been the case, even once signed, the contract might have had disclosures in it that might allow you recourse.

At this point, if it was a "simple" deal, the previous owner could be basking in the Sun on some Mediterrainean beach for all you know.

You can of course buy some type of stud finder too, that locates nails or screws, if in fact a stud exists. You can use an AWL after measuring and poke small holes in the area where a stud should be, and/or in the end you may have to locate studs left or right of the area and cut into the drywall to determine if in fact a stud is missing. That process after the fact isn't such a huge issue to repair.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

I'm thinking there was a pass through there before and someone just hung drywall over it with no framing. If there was framing even if it wasn't attached well it wouldn't flex. Take the drywall off of one side of the wall, leave the other side in place. Frame the opening with 2x4s 16" on center. and hang new drywall. The other side can be attached to the new studs without having to re-do the whole wall. It will need to be patched and repainted.
You can certainly try calling the Realtor, I don't know how much satisfaction you will get there. If you had a home inspection, was there any warranty given? You might call them too.

Answer 3

Sounds like some shoddy work to me. If the wall is flexing, there probably isn't a stud behind it at all. You are probably going to end up eating the cost, unless you got a home warranty with the purchase. Then it might be covered. You're going to have to remove some drywall and see what's inside the wall. Someone probably removed a door or window at some point and didn't frame in opening correctly. Add some bracing and put up new drywall.

Answer 4

First off, don't waste your time with the realtor. He got his money - he's done with you and the house. If the patch is big enough to go over a stud, just drill some screws into it, mud over it and paint. To do it the right way, cut an area around the patch, making sure you hit at least 2 studs - but only halfway into each stud. Then a cut a piece of drywall to match your hole and proceed. Use a metal straightedge and a sharp razor to make your cut - much easier to cut and fit a patch. Unfortunately you will have to paint eventually. Congrats on the new home

Answer 5

Depending on how old your house is, the studs could be slightly warped, normal in older homes. But if it's a 4x8 peice section sometime you can get drywall screws and just find the studs, get a cheap stud finde, and then put a few new screw in just to dimple the wall. Then get a small bucket of joint compound and with a spackle knife putty the screw holes. I've had to make some of these kind of repairs in my own home. Spackling is as easy as frosting a cake. Although Icing doesn't harden as quick, although if you have a spray bottle with just water you can mist the area to keep it moist while working. Hope this will help

Answer 6

Assuming there are studs in the wall, you need drywall screws, a bit of putty, and some paint. I would place one screw no further than every 1.5 feet from floor to ceiling along the stud. If you're scared of punching holes in the drywall and relying on more putty than is necessary, you may want to pick up a laser studfinder. Counter-sync the screws just a bit. You don't want them sticking out of the wall. After you've screwed her down use a straight-edge, like a putty knife but not necessarily per se, and cover your work with the putty. You should be able to find this anywhere drywall is sold or at most hardware retailers. Onec you've got it smooth, paint that monkey. Hope that helped.

Answer 7

i agree with about all the other answers. one thing to add is if the studs are behind the drywall and it's not screwed then the wall could be out of plumb or bowed. if this is the case then cut out the area that flexes and add just about any material over the bad section to make it right and put the drywall back. cardboard works really well for this.

Answer 8

Depending on the size, it may not actually be wrong to install a piece of drywall without support.

However...

If it's big, then it may make sense to:

(1) Cut out this particular patch, maybe even more.

(2) Install a piece of wood that stretches from one stud to another.

(3) Then, put in a new patch, screwed (with drywall screws) to the piece of wood.

(4) Finish with crack filler, sanding, painting.

However, this may be overkill, especially for smaller patches.

You can buy something called a drywall screen at the hardware (e.g., Home Depot) store. It's a metal mesh that you lie over the hole, affix with special tape (sometimes built into the screen), and then cover with a drywall compound. Sand and paint.

Answer 9

if the wall is not origional, there may not be enough studs in there to begin with. stud finders are inexpensive. get one and see if there's any studs. if there is, start screwing. drive the screws just under the wall surface, without tearing through. then patch over the screws with joint compound.
if there's no studs back there, you can double-up the wall board. use plenty of construction adhesive and screws where possible.

Answer 10

hi your house shuld be coverd for 90 days from date of purchase but that includes closed date.

If you have any major questions though, you should contact your CMHC office or if its in the states, your relator can help you find out how to deal with this or you lawyer who did the deal.