If your drywall isn’t performing the way it should, or if it looks flawed or blemished, then there is a good chance it probably wasn’t installed correctly. Correct installation is crucial if you want to ensure your drywall looks good and maintains its performance long term. This is why it’s absolutely critical for you to find a good drywall subcontractor for your commercial construction project.
It’s important that your drywall subcontractor is experienced and fully equipped; otherwise, you’re putting your firm’s reputation on the line. Unappealing aesthetics, higher costs, and unsatisfied clients are just a few of the ways working with a bad drywall subcontractor can expose you to a lot of risk.
Learning how to identify signs of improper drywall installation can save you and your clients a significant amount of money, and can also help you resolve issues with your drywall subcontractor before it’s too late.
Keep in mind, some drywall flaws or blemishes may be common (and perfectly acceptable) in a lower level finish, but if you’re looking for quality work from a reputable drywall contractor, you should expect the best. Below is a quick review of drywall finish levels
Drywall Level Finishes
- Level 0 – Level 0 actually means there is no finishing at all. It’s basically just a piece of drywall connected to the walls or ceiling.
- Level 1 – This is a very rough finish most frequently seen in areas of buildings that don’t receive a lot of foot traffic like maintenance areas or basements. It’s common to see nails and joint tape on a level 1 finish.
- Level 2 – At this stage, the drywall tape and screw holes have been covered with a coat of joint compound, but you may notice ridges or rough patches. This level may be acceptable if you’re planning to add a tile surface.
- Level 3: At this stage, joint compound has been applied to tape and screws and a coat of drywall primer is added. This level is usually acceptable if you’re planning to add textured paint.
- Level 4: Level 4 involves adding additional layers of joint compounds and a fresh coat of drywall primer. The end result should be a completely smooth surface.
- Level 5: The is the highest level of drywall finish possible. It includes everything in level 4, plus a skim coat prior to the primer application.
By understanding drywall finish levels, you can get a sense of whether a certain job was done poorly or if a contractor was aiming for a specific finish level. Assuming your drywall subcontractor was working towards level 4 or level 5 finish, below are some signs of a poor installation:
1. Uneven Surfaces
If your drywall subcontractor did a poor job with installation, there is a good chance your wall will look unleveled and visually unappealing. If you notice a lot of bumps or uneven surfaces, then it’s likely due to improper drywall finishing. Keep in mind, some roughness near lower levels of the finish might be acceptable, but be sure to pay close attention to corners and edges as these areas can especially appear to be uneven. While some may think these surfaces can be evened out with a simple coat of paint, fixing shoddy drywall work is much more complicated.
2. Cracks And Splits
Cracks and splits in your walls and ceilings are common in aging buildings, but they could also be a sign of improper drywall installation. You’ll most frequently notice cracks and splits along corners and seams. Depending on the skills of your drywall subcontractor, these issues can appear soon after a drywall job is complete or years down the road.
3. Visible Joints
When drywall is installed correctly, each sheet should blend seamlessly together, and you shouldn’t be able to see where sheets begin or end. Being able to see joints between drywall sheets is a sure sign of poor installation. Visible joints are usually the result of drywall sheets being placed further than ⅛” inch apart, or air getting stuck underneath the tape used to conceal the joints. A good drywall subcontractor will ensure there are no visible joints or gaps between the sheets.
4. Visible Screws
If you’re beginning to see a lot of screws emerge from the wall, it could be a sign that your drywall is starting to fail. If your drywall is fairly new, then poor drywall installation is likely the culprit. Keep in mind, a few screws isn’t usually a cause for concern, but a high quantity usually is a sign of a bigger issue.
5. Sagging Or Pillowing Ceilings
Sagging or pillows in the ceiling are most often due to roof leaks, but absent any water damage, they could be a result of poor drywall installation. If a drywall subcontractor uses sheets that are too thin, they may not be able to hold up against gravity over an extended period of time.
When it comes to commercial construction, general contractors need a drywall subcontractor that they can depend on to do the work the right way. Working with a reputable partner you know can do excellent work is the key to getting the job done the right way.
If you’re in the market for a quality metal framing and drywall subcontractor to support your project bid, give us a call at Unique Building Group. We specialize in value engineering, and our team of drywall subcontractors can help ensure you deliver high quality results for your clients today.
