How do you try to prevent drywall cracks from returning? When I bought my house I repaired the drywall stress cracks of the house settling over the 45 years. I repaired the crack & now 4 years later it has returned. Is there some type of "special" compound additive or something I can do to prevent this from happening again?
Joint compound by itself is for covering and smoothing. It has no strength to prevent cracks. Usually drywall cracking happens when there is some kind of movement so that the two sides of the joint move differently. Usually the tape provides the continuity for the joint compound to cover and accomodate those movements. You may have to retape in order to stop the cracks. The self sticking mesh tape will work well for this. My own preference is the paper tape.
JdN
Posts: 7205 | Location: Elkader, IA, USA | Registered: Mar 07, 2004
If the cracking is on 1or2 walls and you have tried taping, you can cover the wall with 1/4 or 3/8 drywall and laminate the new board on the wall and hold with a few nails. Remember corner to corner and bring your elec boxes out.
depending on where the crack is you can add stiffbacks in the attic in the area of the crack and also reinforce between two ceiling joists with 2x6 also for repairing any crack always use paper tape
I hate to say it, but the only solution to recurrent drywall cracks is to get to the root of the problem: usually a settling foundation. In older homes, it is usually post and pier. To stop the cracks, 1, pull the existing drywall down to studs. 2, go under the house and put some REAL support under the sagging pier, usually a small concrete job. 3, don't be afraid to shore up the entire sagging foundation, which is a lot of work (best handled by an EXPERIENCED contractor) but the results will definitely be worth it. I hate to say how many homes we have raised (and razed) because of post-and-pier foundations. Note that if your drywall cracks, something more important will go next: the floor may already be out of level, heaved, or possibly you even have a rotten rim joist -- that needs to be fixed ASAP!
Measure precisely one time, then assure that you have made the right cut!
The simplest method would be to run screws, staggering them on each side of the crack every 2 inches or so. Than apply the mesh tape and use the quick setting compounds and smooth to a nice finish. Contrary to belief, do not go heavy and sand down. Rather wipe somewhat tight and build up(might take 3-4 coats for a Do it yourselfer) good Luck.
