How Do You Repair Cracks In Your Drywall

How to Repair Drywall Cracks

Drywall gives clean form and completeness to your interior walls. But all it takes is one hairline fracture snaking across the wall and your entire flawless aesthetic is thrown off. Likewise bemoaning, "Why me?" y'all may too exist asking yourself, why does drywall crack in the start identify? While you may non be able to command the fissure fate of your walls, knowing the cause of your drywall defect can assist you brand a proper repair.

Why Does Drywall Scissure?

Drywall is most likely to fracture at the seams where two sections of drywall converge. These joints are the weakest points of the wall and are the most susceptible to any upsets. There are many stresses that can crusade the seams to crack.

Temperature changes can cause the drywall to expand and contract, exerting pressure on seams. This is common in vacation homes that are not climate-controlled full-fourth dimension.

The settling of the dwelling house itself can likewise be behind drywall cracks. This blazon of damage is usually identified by vertical cracks extending along the corners, windows or door jambs of the room and may exist common in either new build or older homes as they settle on the foundation.

Faulty installation may also be the root cause of a drywall fracture. A sparse, straight crack in the drywall could be the result of drywall seams that are either improperly taped or were not covered sufficiently with drywall mud.

Take the time to investigate the source of the drywall stress before mending the wall to avoid repeated drywall repairs.

How to Repair Drywall Cracks

If the impairment is more of a gap (wider than ¼ of an inch) rather than a slight cleft, the entire drywall panel may need to be replaced or a more serious repair undertaken. Fortunately, slight cracks and hairline fractures in drywall are more often than not painless to repair. Here'due south what you will need for a drywall DIY fix:

Tools

Mud pan
Utility knife
6-inch putty knife
12-inch taping knife

Materials

Paper drywall tape
Pre-mix joint compound
Setting compound
Painters' record (optional)

Step ane: Prepare the Surface area

If the crack is near any woodwork or trim, cover with painters' tape to protect the surface. Next, apply the utility knife to cut a 5-shape notch the unabridged length of the crack. Articulate whatsoever debris from the cut (a store vac could be handy).

Footstep 2: Apply Drywall Record

Apply 1/8 inch of joint compound over the fissure and embed a strip of drywall record. Use the 6-inch putty pocketknife to squeeze out backlog chemical compound and air from the strip of tape. Smooth out a thin layer of joint compound overtop of the strip, extending a few inches of compound on each side of the strip. Let it dry completely.

Footstep 3: Shine It Out

Afterward the compound has stale, scrape off any excess or rough spots with the putty pocketknife. Employ the 12-inch taping knife to apply a 2d or third layer of articulation compound over the tape. Use long strokes to smooth out the compound. Plumage information technology out 5 to 6 inches across each side of the tape. Once over again, allow dry out, then scrape off or sand any dry particles before painting.

Professional Drywall Repair

A fracture in your wall can exist a downer, but it doesn't accept to exist the demise of your pleasant interior space. Delving into why does drywall cleft and narrowing down your particular cause can prevent the need for future repairs. Assemble the proper tools, have your time, and that hairline fracture volition be history! Still not sure how to repair drywall cracks? Requite the pros at Mr. Handyman a call today at 877-685-1377 or request an appointment online to handle drywall repair and more!

Repaired drywall is the perfect excuse to change the color of the entire room. Let our sister visitor, Five Star Painting, help with professional painting services. Five Star Painting is function of the Neighborly^® network of trusted home service providers.

August 11, 2022
By Mr. Handyman

August eleven, 2022