Chủ Nhật, 15 tháng 9, 2013

Drywall Crack Repair Basics

By Brian Winters


Every homeowner encounters drywall problems since it is not the strongest material to cover walls and ceilings around the house. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to perform a solid and virtually invisible repair. For professional help, do not hesitate to contact your local drywall specialist.

Safety should always be your priority, especially when it comes to repairing drywall. When performing large-scale repairs it is important to secure the area and do not allow anyone to enter the room until the room is finished. Wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling dust particles and wear protective gloves, goggles and footwear before proceeding.

If you are using an old drywall compound, check whether the consistency has gotten too stiff to apply. You can use a newspaper to support the compound if its consistency gets too loose. This is important since a stiff compound can make the drywall look bumpy and unnatural. Premixed compounds are easier to apply and spread over the crack instead of using powdered drywall mud.

First thing to do is open the crack with a utility knife and remove the remaining plaster around it. Some homeowners prefer filling the crack with joint compound to conceal the crack. However, doing this only repair the crack temporarily as it will eventually crack anytime soon. You may have a weak foundation or your house may have been built on heavy clay soils that cause drywall to move and crack.

Cover the crack with drywall compound until it is no longer visible. Flush it with the existing drywall with a taping knife to spread the compound evenly. Use a tough drywall paper tape to cover the crack and make it difficult for the compound to fall out. There are fiberglass mesh tapes available in your local hardware stores if you want to use self-adhesive drywall tapes.

Next thing to do is conceal the tape pieces with a thin layer of drywall mud. Make sure to squeeze the excess mud and spread it evenly before allowing it to set. Before sanding, make sure to feather and flush the mud to blend with your existing drywall. Use a sand block to remove the texture and wipe the dust particles with a damp cloth before proceeding with the finishing stage.

You can now start applying primer once the surface is dry. This is important since primer prevents the compound from drying up the paint. It is recommended to use paint rollers instead of brushes to avoid having brush marks in your drywall. Rollers are easier to clean that don't come with high price tags. Do not hold the nozzle too close to the wall if you are planning on using spray cans.

Repairing drywall crack should be easy if you follow the steps listed above. However, if you think you cannot handle performing repairs on your own, you can always call a drywall specialist for help. Doing this protects your drywall from further damage without having to spend a lot of money on costly repairs.




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