Does your drywall have any unsightly cracks? Well, you are not alone. Fixing stress cracks is a common home improvement task that many homeowners encounter. The appearance of wall cracks may be caused by a number of factors, but no matter the reason, their presence can be very unattractive and stressful.
The structural condition and visual appeal of your house can be preserved by knowing how to treat stress cracks, regardless of how big or small the gap is. In this write-up, we’ll go over the basics of this issue and discuss how to fix drywall cracks in an easy method.
What is a stress crack in drywall?
If we talk about one of the most familiar issues experienced by professional house painters in Sydney with their projects, it would be stress cracks in drywall. It is often caused by foundation movement and variations in temperature and humidity, which causes framing and drywall to expand and contract. In simple words, drywall cracks are considered to be caused by seasonal variations and usually show up in three main places:
- At the corners of windows and doors
- The connecting point of a wall and ceiling
- Seams or joints where two drywall pieces merge
Why is your drywall cracking?
Other than seasonal changes that we talked about previously, there are two other major causes responsible for this cracking-
- The natural settling of buildings over time, where houses gradually adjust due to their own weight and the soil beneath them, is a major cause of drywall cracking.
- Certain clay-rich soils are more likely to swell and contract in response to differences in moisture content, which can eventually lead to foundation movement that puts stress on the drywall and causes cracking.
It’s essential to determine the leading cause of the crack before beginning any repairs. Look for indications of moisture damage, as this can be responsible for expanding the drywall and resulting in cracks. Additionally, look for structural problems, as a crack could indicate a more serious issue, such as shifting of the foundation.
Can stress cracks be repaired?
Yes, repairing a stress crack that results from natural settling is usually safe. If the fracture is less than 1/16-inch-wide and routed vertically or horizontally, it is easier to repair. However, if the crack is more than 1/8-inch-wide or runs diagonally, it will be more challenging, and you will definitely need professional support. You can get help from expert residential painters in Sydney who will assist in repairing the crack and provide the necessary painting services for a smooth result.
What will you need to repair cracks in drywall?
Here are a few essential items you must gather before starting-
- Utility knife
- Drywall taping knife (6″ or 12″)
- Joint compound (also known as mud)
- Mesh tape (paper tape preferred for cracks)
- Primer
- Wall paint (to match your wall)
- Ladder or step stool (if needed)
What are the safety measures you should consider?
When sanding drywall joint compound, put on breathing protection. To stop the drywall dust from spreading, cover the area with plastic sheeting. The dust can be reduced by using a dust control joint compound.
Repair stress cracks in four easy steps
Once you have collected all the equipment, stress cracks can be repaired by following these simple steps-
Step 1: Prepare the area
Using a utility knife or scraper, begin by clearing the crack of any loose material. Cover the crack with a layer of mesh tape after the area has been cleaned. Because of its strength and flexibility, the mesh tape supports the repaired area. It’s best to use an adhesive spray before using mesh tape. Although mesh tape has an adhesive backing, this backing can be unreliable, particularly in warm environments. Adhesive spray guarantees a strong connection.
Step 2: Use joint compound
After that, use a drywall knife to apply joint compound over the tape. The wide (12- or 14-inch) drywall knife should be filled with drywall compound. Go over the crack lengthwise with the knife. The tape is fixed to the wall by the joint compound, which also fills the crack. To make the repair blend in with the surrounding wall, apply the compound smoothly and evenly, feathering the edges.
Step 3: Ensure enough drying time
Let the compound completely dry. The compound’s thickness and the room’s humidity can affect how long it takes to dry. Apply one to three additional light coats to the patch to make it even wider after the drywall compound has dried. The patch must be widened up to twice as wide as the original patch in order to visually blend into the wall. To make sure the repair is flat and level with the rest of the wall, sand the area smooth after it has dried.
Step 4: Apply paint to the wall
Although warmer weather may shorten the drying time to 12 hours, joint compound usually takes up to 24 hours. Once everything is dried and repaired, it’s time to paint. First, apply a drywall primer, and then, to help the patch blend in with the wall, apply two or more coats of paint.
How can you prevent future stress cracks?
You might want to install a control joint to stop stress cracks in the future. A “planned” crack in the drywall that permits movement is called a control joint. A control joint can help avoid stress cracks above windows and doors by providing a specific area for the wall to flex.
Why is it best to call the professionals?
Though now you know the easy steps to repair a stress crack, we still suggest consulting someone experienced. It’s best to call the company where you usually get your residential painting services. If you are looking for a reliable name for that, then Priority One Coatings can be a top choice. Starting from repairing any issues with your walls to giving them a flawless paint finish, our house painters in Sydney are experts in everything.
