How to repair a damaged wall

Holes in walls are easily come-by. Whether your kids managed to drive their bike into an exterior wall or a door was opened too quickly and left some interior damage, these things happen. The good news is, in most cases, fixing this type of damage doesn’t need to be a lengthy or complicated process. Interested in knowing more?

What should I do if there is a hole in my wall?

The way in which you go about repairing your wall will depend on the size of the damage and the type of wall. Internal plaster and drywalls are among the most common and straightforward repairs, and repairing holes in brick walls can sometimes be as simple as preparing and filling in the damaged area. However, before you approach the repairs yourself, there are a few things to consider.

Identify why your wall is damaged
Obviously, if a door handle went through your wall you’ll already have the answer to this question. However, wall damage can sometimes be the result of underlying issues. Internal leaks, for example, can damage the structure of your wall. Check out our article on leaking homes for more information.

Natural disasters can be another cause. If your home has experienced flooding or has been affected by an earthquake, you may need to have your home inspected to see if there is any hidden damage which may have led to the wall’s deterioration. To learn more, see our flood and water damage guide.

Determine the size of the hole/damage
The bigger the damage, the more major the repairs. Small holes in plaster/drywall can usually be repaired over a few days (due to compound drying time) using backblocks/patches, compound and jointing tape. However, even with these small repairs, you need to be extremely wary of any pipes or wires that may be sitting behind the area you are repairing.

If you will be repairing a reasonably small area and you have the correct tools and materials and feel confident in your ability to carry out the work yourself, check out Mitre 10’s video on How to patch a hole in a wall for a step-by-step tutorial.

What tools will I need?

This will depend on the type of wall and the extent of the damage. However, standard tools used for repairing small holes in walls include broad-knives, sandpaper, utility knives, trowels, stud finders and paintbrushes. Some additional tools may also be required depending on your particular project.

Preventing further damage

If you do opt for DIY, joint tape is an essential step in creating a smooth finish and reducing cracks in the future. However, if the required repairs are a bit beyond your abilities (e.g. the damage is significant/the structure of the wall has been impacted) it’s best to call in the experts. An engineer may be required to assist with the repairs and you may be advised to find alternative accommodation until the structure of your home has been restored.

If the damage is within a fire-rated wall, you should consult a professional, as there are particular regulations in place surrounding the materials you use.

Damage within a rental property

If the damage has occurred within a rental property where you are a tenant, you are obligated to inform your landlord - ideally as soon as possible, as this will reduce the possibility of a future dispute. The cause of the damage will be the deciding factor in whether you or your landlord pay for the damage.

If the damage was intentionally or carelessly inflicted by you or your guests, you will be responsible for repairing it. However, if the damage is the result of natural circumstances or events out of your control, the landlord is generally responsible for taking care of the repairs. For more information, visit Tenancy Services.

If you are a landlord who is concerned about the current standard of your rental property, find out more about your obligations here.

Claiming insurance on my damaged wall

Whatever the state of the damage is, you’ll likely be interested in whether or not your insurance policy will cover it. Here, we take a look at your options.

What type of insurance covers wall damage?
If you are reading this because your wall has already been damaged, you should ensure you have documented the damage, checked your insurance policy and contacted your insurance provider - they will be able to guide you through the next steps.

Home insurance will be your best bet when it comes to covering wall damage, but your ability to make an insurance claim will depend on the cause of the damage. To cover damage that has built up over time without your knowledge, talk to your insurance provider about Hidden Gradual Damage coverage. Alternatively, if you are a landlord, you may want to consider seeking Landlord Protection coverage.

How long after I have claimed my insurance can I get my wall repaired?
Once your insurance provider has given you the go-ahead, you will be able to get your wall repaired. Often, this can be the longest wait - and finding a company who will provide you with an efficient and professional service isn’t always easy. Oncore has been designed to offer customers a prompt response and professional experience. If you need assistance with your repairs, please contact us.

What if the damage was caused by me?
Most insurance policies will not cover damage which was intentionally inflicted by you or your guests. They generally will also not cover damage which is the result of pollution or contamination. For further information, please check your insurance policy or discuss these terms with your insurance provider.

How much will it cost to repair my wall?

The cost of repairing your wall will depend on a range of factors, including the size and extent of the damage, the materials that were damaged and whether or not it is an internal or external wall. We’ve created a rough guide of the costs involved to get you started. From there, we recommend seeking a cost-estimate, accurate to your specific project, from your local property maintenance specialist.

How much will it cost to repair a plasterboard wall?

Repairing plasterboard is generally quite a simple process. If the damage is minor, you can do this yourself. However, if the damage is significant, or you’re not confident in your ability to repair it without causing further damage, it’s best to work with a professional. Costs here start at around $200 per 0.5 m2.

Cost of repairing plasterboard walls
From $200 per 0.5m2

How much will it cost to repair a brick wall?

The process of repairing a brick wall is quite similar to what is involved in repairing a stone wall. Minor damage can simply be cleared, prepared and filled with mortar. Structural damage, of course, will be more complex.

Cost of repairing a brick wall
From $120 per 0.5 m2

How much will it cost to repair a stone wall?

Stone walls are generally extremely durable and shouldn't require frequent repairs. When they do require repairs, however, it can be major. If the structure of your wall has been damaged you will need to consult your local professional for assistance. If it is simply a few minor cracks, the repair could be as simple and preparing and filling in the damaged area.

Cost of repairing a stone wall
From $200 per 0.5m

How much will it cost to repair a metal wall?

When it comes to repairing metal walls, the easiest solution is often to cut out the damaged panel and replace it with a new one. For this, you may require the assistance of a panel beater - depending on the wall’s function and your confidence in repairing it yourself. Common damage here includes dents, corrosion and rust.

Cost of repairing a metal wall
From $200 per 0.5 m2

How much will it cost to repair a weatherboard wall?

One of the most common causes behind weatherboard damage is rot. Addressing this damage may require the removal of drain pipes and/or window frames. You/your builder will also need to locate the wall studs before cutting into and removing the damaged board. From there, a new board can be measured and installed.

Cost of repairing a weatherboard wall
From $150 per 0.5 m2

How much will it cost to repaint the damaged area?
Once the damaged area has been repaired/replaced, you can work on getting things back to normal. This may mean repainting the damaged area. A professional may charge anywhere from $50 per 0.5m2 to do this (excluding the cost of the paint). However, this can be done yourself.

Cost of repainting‍

Hire a professional: from $50 per 0.5m, excludes paint.

DIY: from $30 per 946mm paint barrell.

My insulation was damaged. How much will it cost to replace it?

If the wall damage has resulted in your insulation getting wet, it could lead to mould, leaks and reduced thermal comfort. If you suspect your insulation might need replacing, it’s a good idea to arrange an inspection. Installation costs start from around $40 per 0.5 m2.

Cost of replacing insulation
From $40 per 0.5 m2

If you are in any doubt about the costs or work that your wall repairs might involved, please get in touch with your local specialist to find a solution.

Getting my wall repaired by a professional

While opting for the cheapest option is always appealing in the short-term, it could waste you a lot of money and comfort, long-term. When repairing your damaged wall, ensure you use quality materials and have a firm understanding of the work you are carrying out and the risks involved. The last thing you want is to create further damage and safety hazards by cutting into plumbing or wires. It is also important to ensure you are carrying out work according to local regulations. If you are not confident in your ability to carry out the work yourself, or if you do not have much knowledge on local regulations surrounding the work, Oncore can provide you with assistance.

Oncore is a property maintenance company which focuses on providing customers with a positive experience as well as efficient and high-quality repairs. We respond promptly and take care of everything so that you don’t have to.

For more information on how Oncore can help you with your property repairs, please get in touch today to schedule a free consultation.