From Plat to Place
The Step By Step Home Construction Site
Step 38 - Corner Repair
Simple Tactics for Drywall Corner Repair
Corners are usually noted as the most common place where cracking often develops, drywalls are not excluded from this. Cracking drywalls may be caused by a couple of reasons. Most cracking drywall corners are often caused by improper hanging and finishing. There are some simple tactics for drywall corner repairs available today for DIY lovers and for amateur builders and repairmen. Most can get copies of these simple tactics for drywall corner repairs from books and even on the internet. Each of these sources cites the same tactics on how to properly repair drywall corners.
Drywall is subject to expansion and contraction. Drywall has joints and screws that may move especially on its corners due to a house settling, slamming of doors, and any normal wear and tear on a house over time. You should know how to repair drywall corners if you are experiencing this problem. For this procedure, you should be prepared with the proper tools and materials. Keep in mind that your safety comes first since you will be using tools that require force.
The first simple tactic for drywall corner repairs is removing the drywall and checking the problem from both sides. The most common problem is usually because the two sides of the corner have been separated significantly because of the house settling and maybe due to problems with water leaks. The drywall must be re-attached to the wood foundations properly to make the corner strong. Experts suggest the use of drywall screws and a drywall screw gun for this problem as they are built for this kind of problem and may offer significant results in firmly putting the drywall in place. The screws can also be adjusted depending on how deep the screw should go in the foundation. After re-attaching the drywall, take out the tape used to strengthen the wall and examine it closely. If there are bubbles in the corner, it can easily be remedied by the use of a utility knife and cut it out. For cracks, use the utility knife to open them slightly to allow the joint compound to easily slip in and fill the area.
Another simple tactic for drywall corner repairs is by replacing the corners completely. After removing the corner, it is important to replace the tape used to fasten the drywall in the surface. For corners, it is best to use paper drywall tapes at it easily work well inside corners. The compound to be used must look like a toothpaste mixture to allow the corners to look sharp and easy to work with. Apply the compound inside the corner and spread it evenly. Fold the paper tape in half and place it on top of the compound. Always make sure to check if the compound covered the entire area to make sure there would be no empty spots and bubbles once the area is finished. The tape would then be used to squeeze out the compound carefully and leave on the wall overnight to dry. The second coat for the surface would now hide the tape and make the corner smooth. Leave the place to dry and once it is dry enough, sand it with a specially designed drywall sanding sponge. Ordinary sandpapers cannot fully cover the corner surface as it can only cover the general area. To fully get a smooth and even surface, repeat the procedure until you are satisfied. Finish off the repair by coating the drywall with paint primer before completely painting it.
Installing a drywall corner is not an easy task. Screws coming loose and cracks showing up at the edge of the corner are its common problems. If you know how to repair drywall corners with all the right tools and materials combined with the proper techniques and patience, you will be successful with the repair. Prepare these things for the procedure:
Electric screw gun
Screwdriver
Joint compound
16-ounce claw hammer
8-inch sheetrock knife
Tin snips
Flat pry bar
Metal Corner Bead
The solution would be very simple if the loose screws are the main problem. You should remove these loose screws and apply new plaster on that area. Observe the sections of the metal corner bead. If you find any exposed sections, you should consider repairing it first. Remove the plaster as much as you can from around the exposed metal by lightly tapping it. Replace the old screws with new ones. Use your electric screw gun and pull out the old screws. Install new screws right next to the spot where you pulled out the old screws. The new screws will pull the metal tightly against the surface. After replacing the old screws with new ones, apply the joint compound with thin coats. It may require you to do three coats of joint compound. In between coats, have the discipline to let it dry about 24 hours and then sand the area. While you are repairing the drywall corner, look for other cracks on your drywall. If you find any, proceed with the repairs on it using the joint compound.
There are some cases where you should replace the entire length of metal corner bead. If this is your case, tear out the old corner bead and install a new one. To install a new strip of metal bead, tap it with a hammer to part its sides farther apart. Use wood between your hammer and the metal to avoid denting it. Install screws in an alternating pattern from bottom to top. Make sure that the heads go all the way into the frame. This procedure may be challenging, but it would help you on how to repair drywall corners.
Plastic Corner Bead
If you are repairing vinyl corner bead there are no nails or screws involved, vinyl bead is glued on with a spray adhesive. Simply pop the bead off with a hammer clean excess compound off the sheetrock. If you want to use plastic bead to replace what was there, spray adhesive glue sold with the plastic corner bead and stick a new vinyl bead back on corner. Tin snips are a simple way to cut vinyl corner bead. Follow the steps above to complete the drywall finishing of the corner.
Paper Faced Metal
If you are replacing a damaged corner or a brand new one Paper faced metal bead is another option. Paper bead is applied with joint compound. Measure length of corner and cut with basic tin snips. Mud both sides of outside corner with ample compound stick bead on corner and wipe out excess. Then coat the bead with a wider knife and follow above steps.
These simple tactics for drywall corner repairs must be done with caution and precision as it would require the specific consistency and accuracy to determine if the wall is properly repaired or not. If you think you have not done a good job at it, ask for a second opinion before calling in for professional help. Also seek the advice of the local hardware store to get the proper materials to do these types of repairs and even get discounts for these items. Doing the repairs yourself also saves a lot of money but can be a very long process. Make sure you have a plan of action and the patience necessary to get the job done correctly.