From Plat to Place
The Step By Step Home Construction Site
Step 42 - Drywall Tape
How to Repair Drywall Tape
Your house begins to age the day after you purchase it brand new. Signs show up that there are parts of your house deteriorating. Paint fades, leaks from the ceiling and cracks on walls. This is because your house is exposed to climate changes or faulty installations. You could perform some do-it-yourself repairs on these issues. Cracks on walls may come from the drywall expanding and contracting. This may cause the drywall tape to loosen. In reality, you will see that the tape is peeling off already and the best way to repair it is to just simply replace it with new tape.
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Here are a few steps on how to repair drywall tape:
Do not just peel off the loose tape. Use a razor knife and neatly cut the tape off just beyond the edges of the affected area, then remove the tape from the wall.
Scrape the wall from paper edges and clean any dust to prepare it for a better adhesion. You may use a fiberglass mesh tape over the seam where you removed the old tape. Fiberglass mesh is self-adhesive and it is easier to use for beginners. You can also use paper tape as well.
Joint compound must be applied to the wall first, then press the paper tape onto the joint compound. Wipe out the excess mud. You can use either of these materials on how to repair drywall tape.
The next thing that you should do is to let the joint compound dry in place for approximately 24 hours.
The joint compound must be applied in several thin layers (about 2-3).
In between coats of spackle give the area ample time to dry. Once it is all white it is ready to be coated again. Time will vary on weather conditions and ventilation.
Smooth out the compound between the layers by using sand paper, a sand block or a dampened sponge.
When the compound is already dry to the touch, apply the second coating of joint compound.
While sanding, be wary when the paper or mesh tape begins to show. When you see it, stop the sanding.
Apply the final layer of joint compound. You have to make sure the application is flush on the wall surface.
Take note if your wall has a texture. If it does, you will have to add the drywall texture after the final coat of the compound has dried. There are some drywall textures that need to be sprayed on while there are others that have more drywall mud in them.
Apply primer on the wall. It is necessary since primers help the compound not to absorb too much of your top coat.
Apply the final paint and make sure to blend it with the surrounding drywall.
The steps on how to repair a drywall tape are not difficult. You just need to have the right tools and materials. In addition, you also need to know the mechanism of action of the compound and the tape. Make sure to use high quality drywall tape so you can prevent peeling off in the future.