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If you suspect black mold is inside your walls, do not punch a hole in the drywall yourself to look. Call a mold inspection expert to help you. Some signs of a potential black mold infestation inside the wall include an unexplained musty, damp smell. Some people liken it to rotting vegetables. You may smell it most strongly through a wall outlet. If you and your family are experiencing constant coughing or symptoms that feel like an unexplained allergy, it could indicate black mold behind a wall.

Although they are used for similar tasks, spackle and joint compound are not the same. Joint compound, also known as drywall mud, consists of limestone and gypsum and is primarily used for large-scale projects like taping and finishing seams on new drywall. Spackle is composed of gypsum and binding agents, making it a thicker compound best suited for small wall repairs like filling nail holes or cracks, as it dries quickly and is easy to sand. For small repairs, either product can be suitable. However, you can use joint compound for small jobs in place of spackle, but you cannot use spackle for large-scale taping and mudding projects.

You can paint over plaster, but repair any damage to the plaster first, or the paint will crack and bubble. You should also prepare the surface of the plaster to accept paint, which gives your paint job the best chance of looking good and lasting a long time. Before applying the color you want, apply a coat or two of primer. Additionally, use latex paint, and choose a latex paint with a satin finish for areas with dampness, like bathrooms.

The easiest way to tell if a wall is load bearing is to check if it’s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don’t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you’re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.