7 Drywall Winter Installation Mistakes in Canada (and How to Avoid Them!)
Winter in Ontario is no joke. The freezing temperatures, dry air, and constant fluctuations in humidity don’t just affect your home’s heating and insulation—they also impact drywall installation in ways many people don’t expect.
If the process isn’t handled correctly, you could end up with cracking walls, weak joints, or poor adhesion, leading to frustrating repairs down the road.
Many assume that drywall behaves the same way year-round, but cold weather makes it brittle and unforgiving.
Tiny mistakes—like driving screws too deep, failing to leave proper gaps, or using the wrong joint compound—can lead to serious structural problems once the seasons change.
Even experienced contractors sometimes overlook these winter-specific challenges.
The good news?
With the right techniques and professional handyman service like Custodia and their home improvement and renovation experts, you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure your drywall stays strong, smooth, and built to last.
Below, we’ll break down 7 Drywall Winter Installation Mistakes in Canada, why they happen, and—most importantly how to fix them before they turn into bigger issues.
Here Are 7 Drywall Installation Mistakes That Will Cost You in Canada
1. Driving Screws Too Deep in Cold Drywall
When drywall is exposed to cold temperatures, it becomes brittle and fragile. That means if you drive screws too deep, they can puncture the paper face, weakening the hold.
Over time, this leads to loose panels, sagging drywall, and even cracks appearing on your walls.
2. Leaving Joints Too Tight
Drywall might seem solid, but it naturally expands and contracts with temperature changes. If panels are installed too tightly together, they can’t move freely, leading to stress cracks and uneven joints—especially in winter when materials shrink in the cold.
3. Over-Sanding the Drywall Surface
Sanding is necessary for a smooth finish, but too much of a good thing can cause serious problems.
Over-sanding can thin out the drywall paper, making it vulnerable to cracks, weak adhesion, and uneven paint absorption—especially in Canada’s dry winter air.
4. Poor Insulation Behind the Drywall
Cold air creeping in behind your drywall is a recipe for disaster.
Without proper insulation, your walls can suffer from temperature fluctuations, condensation buildup, and even mold growth. Over time, this weakens your drywall, causing it to warp and crack.
How to Fix It
Before hanging drywall, make sure your walls are properly insulated. Use foam sealants to close small gaps and install a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from seeping in. This is especially important for exterior walls and basements.
Read on Signs Your Home Needs Additional Insulation for Winter
5. Using the Wrong Joint Compound for Cold Weather
Not all joint compounds work well in winter. Regular drywall mud dries too slowly in cold conditions, leading to poor adhesion, shrinking, and cracking. If you’re working in an unheated space, this problem gets even worse.
6. Not Preparing the Framing Before Installation
If the framing behind your drywall isn’t dry and stable, your walls are doomed from the start. Moist wood shrinks and warps as it dries, leading to cracks, uneven surfaces, and even mold issues behind the walls.
7. Ignoring Drywall Expansion and Contraction
Many people assume that once drywall is installed, it stays put. But in reality, drywall expands in warmer temperatures and contracts in the cold. If you don’t account for this movement, you’ll end up with cracks, joint separation, and uneven walls.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be honest—nobody wants to deal with drywall surprises, especially in the middle of a Canadian winter. A tiny mistake now could mean cracks, drafts, and costly repairs down the road.
Avoid the most common 7 Drywall Winter Installation Mistakes in Canada with expert help from Custodia.
Why risk DIY disasters when you can have a pro handle it for you?
Get a free consultation today and let our home improvement experts take care of everything.
Plus, check out our Home Management Plans for year-round support, and grab exclusive discounts—especially for seniors!
Call 1-833-410-4357 or Book Online to lock in your custom offer now!