Removing Drywall With a Wire Mesh

Removing Small Mesh Pieces

• Wire mesh offers increased strength and protection against cracking and crumbling when installing and repairing drywall. To repair holes in drywall, some people use small pieces of wire mesh. The contractor places the wire mesh over the hole and plasters over it with joint or drywall compound. The mesh provides a surface that joint compound can stick to. Remove these small pieces of wire mesh along with the drywall, using a hammer. Use the ball end of the hammer to break up the drywall; the small pieces of wire mesh should fall to the floor at the same time.

Attached Wire Mesh

• Sometimes contractors attach large pieces of wire mesh to a wall stud with staples or nails to repair large cracks or holes. Wire mesh is also often used in corners to hold two pieces of drywall together. The mesh and drywall are plastered over with drywall compound, forming a smooth surface that holds the pieces of drywall together. In this case, the mesh provides a strong reinforcement for the wall or corner. Mesh used in this way can be more difficult to remove.

Removal of Attached Mesh

• Pull off mesh that is not attached to a stud with the claw end of a hammer or a crowbar. Remove the drywall from around the mesh and then pull the mesh free. If the mesh is attached to a stud, you may need to cut it lose. In this case, use a hammer to remove the drywall from around and on top of the wire mesh. Use the claw end of the hammer to pull down on the drywall so that it comes away from the mesh. Use an angle grinder to cut through the mesh. Start cutting the mesh away from the wall or stud where it is attached. Continue cutting the mesh until it comes free of the wall or stud. Pull the mesh off the wall or stud.

Considerations

• You should place a protective covering, such as a dropcloth, on the floor underneath the wall where you will be working. When tearing down drywall, you should also wear a long-sleeve shirt, goggles, a dust mask and work gloves to protect yourself from sparks, sharp edges and dust. Always make sure you know the location of any wires or pipes that may be located behind the drywall, as a misplaced hammer blow could cause damage.