Drywall Crack Repair Basics

Drywall can easily crack and break since it is not the strongest material to use in covering walls and ceiling. However, performing drywall repair can be easy if you have the right tools and knowledge in doing so. If you are seeking professional help, you can always contact your local drywall specialist for guaranteed results.

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.

Always prepare your tools beforehand. Check whether the consistency of your compound is not too loose or stiff. Old drywall compound can be extremely difficult to apply and can lead to a bumpy and unnatural drywall repair. Use a premixed finishing compound after applying base compound since they are easier to apply compared to powdered ones.

Remove the excess plaster around the crack with a utility knife. Since drywall can easily crack, using a drywall compound alone to conceal it will only last for a short period of time. If you think your house is built on heavy clay soils or you have an unstable foundation, contact a specialist for professional help.

After removing the plaster edges, grab a drywall compound to fill the crack until it is no longer visible. Use a taping knife to spread the compound evenly and flush it with a wall. To prevent the crack from opening easily, lay over a tough drywall paper tape over it. This should keep the crack intact, making it difficult for the panel to open up. If you want a self-adhesive tape, use fiberglass mesh tapes instead of paper tapes.

Apply a thin layer of joint compound over the crack to conceal the tape pieces. With a taping knife, squeeze the excess compound and wait for it to set before applying a top coating. Flush the repaired area with the existing drywall before sanding. Once the texture has been removed, wipe the dust particles with a damp cloth to prepare the panel for finishing.

Before painting the repaired area, apply at least two coats of primer to prevent the compound from drying up the paint. Avoid having brush marks on your drywall by using paint rollers instead of brushes. At the same time, rollers are cheaper and easier to clean. If you are thinking of using spray cans, do not hold the nozzle close to the drywall.

Following the steps listed above should help you perform a successful drywall crack repair. If you are not comfortable in repairing drywall alone, call a professional for help. Attempting to repair it on your own can bring further damage that leads to a more costly drywall repair in the future.

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