How to Repair Sheetrock Around a Front Door

One of the dangers when removing side or top trim around a door is that the nails will sometimes pull the sheetrock behind the trim and crack it, or worse yet, pull the sheetrock loose. Although this is an apparent dilemma, it's actually quite simple to repair and replace the sheetrock, and you don't have to buy an extra piece.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Utility knife
• Hammer
• Sheetrock tape
• Joint compound
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper

1. Remove the strip of damaged sheetrock from the wall. Use a utility knife to cut the paper loose if part of it is still attached.

2. Trim the long side of the sheetrock just slightly, making it even so you don't have to force it back into the opening.

3. Cut the split and damaged sheetrock from the ends, squaring off the top and the bottom of the piece. You don't want to leave the damaged pieces, because they will create an uneven surface below the new door trim.

4. Replace the sheetrock in the hole, tapping it lightly into place with a hammer. You'll be left with an open hole where the damaged part was removed.

5. Tape over the seam and the hole from the damaged area. Use a putty knife to float joint compound over the tape.

6. Sand it when dry. This will give you a smooth surface to install the trim.

Tips & Warnings

• Although you will have a hollow area beneath part of the trim, this won't be a problem. As you replace the trim, position the nails so that they hit solid sections below.