Have you ever had a crack in your drywall that just wouldn't go away? You may have tried simply patching it up, but the crack seems to reappear no matter what. In this blog post, we'll show you how to fix a crack in drywall that keeps coming back for good! So keep reading to learn more.
A drywall crack is a small split in the wall, usually vertical, that's caused by either improper installation or not enough contraction joints.
There are typically two types of drywall cracks - the ones that run parallel to one another are called "hairlines" while those perpendicular are called "longitudinal." Removing excess moisture from the room will take care of most hairline cracks. If you believe your walls have suffered extensive damage, call in an expert to fix them for you or try taking matters into your own hands with this step by step guidelines below.
Besides drywall crack, there's always the chance that you'll have to deal with bulging. If this happens be sure read how fix drywall bulging right away!
Related: Drywall Screw Gun Buying Guide
Why Do Drywall Cracks Keep Coming Back?
Drywall is a common building material used in the construction of interior walls. It is composed of a gypsum plaster core that is sandwiched between two thin sheets of paper. Drywall is often used because it is inexpensive and easy to install.
However, one downside of using drywall is that it can often crack or sag, which can lead to a number of problems, such as water damage and mold growth. One common question that people have is why do drywall cracks keep coming back? There are several possible reasons for this.
1. Improper installation:
One reason why drywall cracks keep coming back is because it may not have been installed properly. If the drywall isn't attached securely to the studs, it can easily sag or crack.
2. Thermal cycling:
Another reason why drywall cracks keep coming back is because of thermal cycling. This occurs when the temperature changes rapidly, which can cause the drywall to expand and contract. This can lead to cracking and other damage.
3. Moisture infiltration:
If there is moisture infiltration into the drywall, it can cause the plaster core to become saturated and soft. This can lead to cracking and other damage.
4. Settlement:
Drywall can also crack due to settlement, which occurs when the soil underneath the building moves or settles. This can often be caused by earthquakes or heavy rains.
5. Poor quality materials:
Finally, another reason why drywall cracks keep coming back may be due to the use of poor quality materials. If the gypsum plaster core is not dense enough, it can easily crack or sag.
By understanding why drywall cracks keep coming back, you can take steps to prevent them from happening in the first place. By using proper installation techniques, choosing high quality materials, and monitoring moisture levels, you can help ensure that your drywall lasts for many years.
Drywall Crack Repair Products
Crack Repair Spray
By spraying on drywall crack, you can extend your repair time. The drywall crack repair spray form an acceleration on the crack that can propagate and unwind during the building's movements.
Fill it in with the patching compound first if the crack is open. Then follow the can instructions to cover the crack with the spray for crack repair. Allow it to dry and cover with paint to complete the repair. In hardware shops, in paint shops, or online you will find crack-repair sprays.
Fiberglass Mesh Tape
The addition of fiberglass mesh to the crack is like a miracle product. Two pieces of paper are kept together in this type of paper. drywall crack tape has a similar function because it provides resilience to drywall panel edges. When drywall joints are finished, drywall tape provides a strong bond where both drywall joints match. If settling causes minor movements, the drywall tape will help to avoid an unnecessary cracking process.
Self-Priming Filler
Before painting, cracks made from traditional materials must be primed with a hardening prime. The crack areas could otherwise be hazy sections by the finished paintwork. But you can avoid this additional step by using a self-priming patch material. There are several brands; look for the container's self-priming.
Setting Compound
It is best to use a joint compound that causes a chemical reaction for fixing crack in drywall. They are available with setting times in powder form. The reaction begins when the water blends and the compound stiffens within the time suggested. Note that sand-type compounds are harder to sand than regular patches, so ensure that you strike them down when filling the hole. Wherever you sell drywall taping supplies, you find set-type compounds.
Raking Light
Once you are trying to prepare your paint walls, put the beam across the wall with a bright light. This emphasizes any breaks and makes them visible more easily. You will be warned about patches that require more filling or further sanding. If your walls look smooth in raking light, you can get sure when you need to finish painting.
Putty Knives
With a bit of effort to complete the repairs, you can repair a surface to perfection with putty knives reasonably quickly. A putty knife is then used to make the crack in the wall before painting may be carried out. You must apply the putty first on the knife before putting the putty on the hole to patch. To that end, you have to be sure that the knife is applied relatively evenly on the entire knife blade. Please ensure you don't place on the knife too much putty material.
Joint Compound
Cracks can be repaired by applying the joint compound coat to smooth it on either side of the joint. You only have to smooth a thin layer of a joint through the crack and make the path a little wider than the paper band.
Sanding Sponge
The sanding sponge smooths the cracked wall area. Squeeze the wall gently to isolate the distorted paint on the wall and clear the dust. Make sure the surfaces are covered that you will include in the repair process.
Drywall Crack Repairs (Step By Step Guide)
Drywall cracks can be fixed in a number of ways, but it's important not to skip any steps. Follow these guidelines if you want your drywall back as good as new!
Step 1: Apply Fiberglass Mesh Tape to cover the crack
Firstly, you have to apply the ratification side of the tape on the wall. You must make sure the tape on the wall is sticky. If the crack is large, then the tape can be cut into several strips and then moved to the drywall.
Just adding the compound together doesn't try to fix drywall crack. It does not provide you with a permanent solution, but the crack of your drywall will return.
Step 2: Add a Thin Coat of Patch
You must apply a thin patch primer over the mesh tape using a brush or another stretching instrument. Just collect the amount of patch you need to hide the crack. With a 6-inch drywall knife, you can apply the patch primer to the tape. To do so, the patch plus first has to be put into a mud pot to use the larger knife.
You need to use the putty knife to put the patch primer firmly on the crack and fracture the drywall. When you apply the patch first, you don't need to twist the mesh tape. Then check it twice to ensure that you have applied the topping entirely from within.
Now, you can allow the patch to dry for approximately 30 minutes. Applying coat on drywall patch requires some fundamental understanding of how to finish the drywall. It's not as simple as it looks because there is a right way and a wrong way.
Step 3: Add Second Coat of Patch
You then have to apply your knife to place the patch primer on a second coat. Put on either side of the center of the tape the second layer with a width of 2inches. Then straighten your putty knife out of the fiberglass resin.
Step 4: Lightly Sand the Patch
Use a sanding sponge to fill the edges of a spray or articulation in case of minor drywall crack repair. The sanding sponge can then move slightly over the patched surface in a circular motion.
Step 5: Paint the Drywall
Finally, you must remove dust and paint the whole area now. There's a lot of different ways to paint drywall. Sometimes you'll want to use brushes and rollers, but other times you'll need an airless sprayer or even a drywall sanding machine.
You can find out how to fix a crack in drywall that keeps recurring by watching the video:
Does Drywall Crack in Cold Weather?
Yes. drywall can crack in cold weather. For many other reasons, drywall can crack. When these cracks are numerous, large, and occur at each seam, a structural problem could cause them. However, the drywall is structurally OK, and the drywall cracks in winter due to frequent temperature changes. The structural frame expands and contracts due to temperature reduction in cold regions.
For this reason, the drywall that is attached to frames can causes cracks and breakage. In the cold region, due to excessive snowfall and cold contraction can happen. This can result in a crack in your drywall.
Tips That Might Help Stop Future Cracks
If you recently built or renovated a home and your walls have started to crack, then you may be able to prevent the issue from happening again in the future by keeping these tips in mind.
- Consider using plastic building paper instead of asphalt paper when installing exterior drywall (the moisture barrier between the outside air and your indoor living space).
- Reduce the risk of drywall cracks by never settling for a lower grade of drywall. While a few small imperfections might not be too noticeable, most homeowners will notice large defects and they may consider it unacceptable.
- Ensure that all the components used to build your home are high quality without any protection from moisture or leaks in mind. If there is any risk of water getting into the wall, you should consider adding a vapor barrier behind the drywall.
- Don't underestimate the value of proper ventilation in your home. Keeping moisture under control will reduce or eliminate the chance that your walls will develop drywall cracks over time.
- Use sheetrock instead of gypsum board. It's a more expensive option, but it also offers better protection against moisture in your home.
- Keep your air conditioning vents clean to improve the efficiency of your system. If you allow too much moisture to stay in your home when running the AC, the humidity will eventually find its way behind your drywall.
- Give your exterior walls enough time to fully dry out after winter before you install your interior drywall. If any moisture remains in the structure of the home, it could eventually cause problems with the interior wall insulation or result in cracks that appear years down the road.
- You can reduce the chances of developing future drywall cracks by painting or coating your walls. This will help limit the amount of moisture in the drywall.
- Ensure that you properly maintain any dehumidifiers or other appliances in your home to minimize water vapor and humidity levels indoors. Keeping moisture at bay is one way to reduce the likelihood that you will experience drywall cracks in the future.
Final Words
Sometimes, it quite tricky to fix cracks in drywall. But you can do it easily and quickly if you follow the above steps. This is one of the most satisfactory home renovations projects because it takes a short amount of experience to achieve excellent results. It's an excellent experience for yourself whether you have the tools and the skills to repair drywall crack properly. The kind of crack can tell you about the cause, along with its condition and location. In turn, knowing the cause of the crack can help you decide whether it is cause for concern.
I am hoping that you will find proper guidelines by reading this article.