Are you struggling with drywall cracks that keep coming back? If you are, you have come to the right place. Today we will talk about fixes for your drywall cracks.
Drywall cracks can be very bothersome when it keeps coming back even after being repaired.
So, we would like to enlighten you on some of the causes of drywall cracks coming back before we talk about the step-by-step instructions.
Why Do Drywall Cracks Occur?
The most common cause of drywall cracks is stress due to improper foundation settlement or excessive moisture. These issues can also cause vertical or horizontal cracks.
But those cracks can return even when you have tried to repair indicate foundation problems. So, these could be the underlying problems behind the coming back of drywall cracks:
- Drying out of the framing components of the house.
- Void under the concrete slab.
- Temperature changes causing the drywall to contract and expand.
- Leak in the concrete slab.
- Water damage or soil erosion near the foundation.
- Poor installation of drywall.
- Use of cheap materials for the foundation.
If you find that your drywall cracks keep coming back even after multiple attempts to repair them, it is best to hire a professional to get everything checked and find the root of the problem.
How Do You Fix Cracks In Drywall That Keeps Coming Back?
Now let us talk about the step-by-step process to fix the drywall crack.
- Materials You Will Need
Most of the materials may be available in your house already. If not, you can buy these from your nearby hardware store.
So the materials you will need to set up for the drywall cracks repair are:
- Sandpaper or Sanding sponge.
- Fiberglass mesh drywall tape.
- Mud pan.
- Drywall knife.
- Patch Primer or Spackle.
- Putty knife.
- Wall Paint.
- Paint Brush or Roller.
Once you have all these, you can start the fixing process.
Fixing the drywall cracks is easy, something you can do on your own. Now you may want to know how you can fix cracks in drywall that keep coming back.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to fix the crack that has been bothering you:
- Step 1: Use the sanding sponge or the sandpaper on the cracked area to smoothen in. Make sure you also sand the area around it as well. Because it will be included in the repair.
Just sand the wall in a manner so that the chipped paints get off from the wall near the crack.
- Step 2: Now, take fiberglass mesh drywall tape and cover the crack areas precisely.
- Step 3: Then, it is time to apply the patch primer or spackle. Patch primer works as a joint compound that helps to repair the drywall cracks.
So take the patch primer or spackle and apply it thinly on the crack over the fiberglass tape. Use the putty knife to spread the patch primer over the cracked area of the wall.
The patch primer will take around 30 minutes to dry down.
Some of the best spackle for drywall cracks are:
- Red Devil 0544 ONETIME Lightweight Spackling Paste
- 3M High Strength Small Hole Repair Kit with 8 Ounce Spackling Paste
- 3M SHR-3-AIO Patch Plus Primer (4-in-1)
Get anyone from the above you prefer.
- Step 4: Once that dries down, you must apply another layer of the patch primer. But this time, layer it around the crack as well.
Cover at least 2 to 3 inches around the crack with the patch primer. Once you are done layering it evenly, wait for 30 minutes to let the patch primer dry down again.
- Step 5: After that is done, take the sandpaper again. In this type, you must sand the patch primer you applied on the wall. This helps to blend the product into the wall properly.
Use a circular motion to sand that area. This motion is said to help with blending.
- Step 6: And the final step is to repaint that area. Take a good quality paintbrush or roller and paint over the crack. Give it a couple of coats to get back to its previous form.
Wait for the paint to dry down. And there you have it. Your wall is good as new without any cracks.
Now, watch this video to have a clear understanding.
The Dos And Don’ts Of Fixing The Drywall
The process of fixing the drywall crack is very easy. But you should know the dos and don’ts just to make sure what you should avoid.
- Try to use products that are premade.
- Buy the right tools for repair.
- Do not try to repair large cracks without the fiberglass tape. The cracks will appear again over time.
- Wait for the first coating of primer to completely dry before you go for the second layer.
- Keep the coating as light as possible. Do not overdo the primer coating by applying thick layers.
- Do not be hasty with the repair. Take your time.
- Remember to cover up the floor with a towel to avoid anything spilling there.
Can You Do the Repair Job by Yourself?
As you can see from the step-by-step instructions, fixing the drywall crack is a very simple job. But there are decisions to be made based on the type of cracks you have.
Choosing the best material or figuring out what to do on each step can be confusing. But if you understand the instructions well and are sure of yourself, this could be a very do-it-yourself project.
Under any circumstances, if you find that the repair is getting a bit too hard to handle, we suggest you call the professionals without any hesitation.
Final Words
Drywall cracks can be very unsightly, destroying the beauty of your room. Now that you know how to fix the drywall cracks that keep coming back, it will be easier for you to protect the beauty of your house.
But if the drywall cracks become a recurring thing, get it inspected by a professional. Till then, good luck with your do-it-yourself project. Give your room a whole new fresh look!
About Author
Great tips! Really, using the right tools and keeping the coats thin so they dry evenly are necessary. In the end, you can sand it down and smooth it out to get a decent result. For the best fix, it’s best to get in there and remove the old tape, if the crack is in a taped area.