Drywall installation seems simple enough—hang the sheets, fasten them in place, tape the joints, and apply a smooth finish. But in reality, even small mistakes can lead to costly repairs, project delays, and a truly subpar final product. From uneven framing to poor finishing techniques, careless errors cause cracks, bulges, and structural weaknesses that compromise the integrity of a building.
At Curtis Partition, we’ve seen the costly consequences of poor drywall work. The good news? These mistakes are avoidable when the right expertise, precision, and planning are applied. Here’s a look at some of the most common drywall mistakes, what they can cost you, and how to ensure your project is done right the first time.
Poor Framing and Alignment
One of the biggest issues with drywall installation starts before the first sheet is even hung—improper metal framing. If the framing isn’t level, the walls won’t be either, leading to visible waves, gaps, and uneven surfaces that become painfully obvious once the final coat of paint is applied. To correct this, extra joint compound is often used in an attempt to smooth out imperfections, which adds unnecessary labor and material costs. Worse yet, if the framing is significantly off, the drywall may need to be completely removed and rehung—setting your project back days or even weeks.
At Curtis Partition, we ensure perfectly straight and level metal framing before a single sheet of drywall goes up. Our precision approach means fewer adjustments, less wasted material, and a flawless final product.
Incorrect Fastener Placement
You wouldn’t think something as small as a misplaced screw could cause major issues, but in drywall work, it absolutely can. If screws are overdriven, underdriven, or misaligned, they can crack the drywall, cause visible bulges, or weaken the structure. Over time, this leads to unsightly screw pops, where the drywall shifts and the screws push through the surface, requiring costly repairs and repainting.
A proper drywall installation ensures fasteners are evenly spaced, placed at the correct depth, and set precisely to hold the sheets securely in place without damaging them. At Curtis Partition, we follow strict fastening guidelines to prevent weak joints and eliminate unnecessary touch-ups, ensuring durability from the start.
Improper Joint Taping and Mudding
A smooth, seamless finish is what separates professional drywall work from an amateur job. But when joint taping and mudding are rushed or done incorrectly, the results can be disastrous. Poor taping techniques often lead to visible seams, bubbling tape, or cracks that appear over time, forcing contractors to sand down and redo entire sections. Applying too much or too little joint compound can also result in rough textures, uneven surfaces, and the need for extra sanding, delaying the finishing process.
Our team at Curtis Partition knows that patience and precision are key. We apply the right number of coats, allow for proper drying times, and ensure each layer is smooth before moving on. The result? Perfectly finished walls, every time.
Failing to Account for Expansion and Contraction
Buildings move—whether due to temperature changes, humidity, or settling over time. Drywall expands and contracts with these shifts, and if proper spacing and control joints aren’t used, cracks will inevitably form. This is a common mistake that leads to costly repairs and ongoing maintenance issues.
By carefully planning for movement, Curtis Partition prevents unnecessary cracking and damage. We leave precise gaps where needed and incorporate control joints in larger wall sections, allowing the drywall to move naturally without compromising its integrity.
Skipping Soundproofing and Fireproofing Considerations
Drywall isn’t just about aesthetics—it also plays a key role in sound insulation and fire protection. Using the wrong type of drywall in commercial buildings can compromise safety, leading to code violations and expensive retrofits.
Curtis Partition ensures that each project uses the correct drywall type for the job, whether that means fire-rated drywall for compliance or specialized acoustic drywall for noise control.
Eliminate The Risks Of A Poor Drywall Installation From The Beginning With Curtis
Drywall mistakes don’t just affect the look of a building—they cost time, money, and credibility. At Curtis Partition, we eliminate these risks with precision techniques and a commitment to quality. Whether it’s a commercial office, healthcare facility, or large-scale industrial project, we ensure flawless drywall installation from start to finish.
Want to get your drywall project done right the first time? Contact Curtis Partition today and we will build something great together.