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Knowing what causes drywall damage can help stop it before it starts. Here are some of the most common causes of drywall damage: 

• Water damage from roof leaks or leaky pipes. 

• Small holes caused by doorknobs, minor accidents, and rodent infestations. 

• Wall dents stemming from moving furniture and minor accidents. 

• Wall cracks that form from a settling foundation or seismic activity. 

• Nail pops from nails and screws in the walls. 

• Large holes that are caused by accidents with heavy objects, children and pets, or sporting equipment.

If you already have plaster walls and ceilings, adding new plaster costs $2 to $10 per square foot. For an average-sized room, that would come out to $1,200 to $10,000. However, the cost to replace plaster with drywall is higher—running between $720 and $1,250 for a 10-by-8-foot wall or ceiling (not including drywall finishing).

All plaster walls will crack over time due to normal house settling and expansion and contraction from temperature and moisture changes. Small, thin hairline cracks are generally not serious and are mostly a cosmetic issue. However, larger or more significant cracks can indicate structural problems.

Here's how to tell the difference:

• Cosmetic Cracks: Cracks that are 0.5 cm (0.2 inches) or thinner are typically cosmetic.

• Structural Cracks: Cracks wider than 0.5 cm, excessive or deep cracks, multiple cracks in the same area, or cracks that span around corners can signify a structural or foundation issue. Cracks along the joints where walls meet the ceiling also warrant attention.

For cracks wider than 0.5 cm, structural repair is needed. If a crack is 2.5 cm (1 inch) or wider, or if you notice any signs of a structural problem, it is best to contact a plaster repair professional to assess the damage.

The two most common drywall thicknesses for ceilings are 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch. For most standard residential applications, 1/2-inch drywall is sufficient and widely used. It provides adequate support and is lighter and easier to handle during installation compared to thicker sheets. However, 5/8-inch drywall is often used for specific cases where additional benefits are needed. It is heavier but provides superior sound dampening and fire resistance. You should consider using 5/8-inch drywall for ceilings in commercial buildings, between a garage and a living space, or above a finished basement to meet building codes or for enhanced soundproofing.