What Are the Common Problems of Improper Drywall Taping?
Drywall taping is an important step in installing drywall, and it is essential to ensure it is done correctly. Poorly taped drywall can cause various issues, from unsightly cracks and gaps to more serious problems like mould, water damage, and structural instability. This article looks at some of the most common problems that can arise from improper drywall taping and how to avoid them with a drywall installer.
Bubbled Tape
A weak bond between the paper tape and the joint compound is what causes bubbled or loose paper tape. The tape may break loose and cause a bubble if it is not well anchored in the compound. The adhesive should be strong enough to keep the panels in place yet flexible enough to allow small amounts of movement between the panels.
When using tape for drywall taping, it is important to apply it correctly. First, the surface should be cleaned and dry before applying the tape. Next, the tape should be cut to the desired length and applied along the drywall seams. The tape should be pressed firmly to ensure it has fully adhered. Finally, the tape should be smoothed out with a putty knife or other smoothing tool to ensure it is flush with the drywall.
Concave and Crowned Seams
Concave and crowned seams are two of the most common problems with drywall taping. They occur when the joint compound is not evenly spread across the seam, leaving a low spot or a bump in the finished surface. This can be caused by numerous factors, including uneven pressure on the trowel, insufficient joint compound, or too much joint compound.
The first step is to remove any excess joint compound from the seam to fix these problems. If the wall has already been painted, the paint should be scraped off to inspect the seam properly. Once the excess compound has been removed, the seam should be sanded down smoothly. It is important to use fine-grit sandpaper and to sand in the direction of the seam.
Once the seam has been sanded, an additional joint compound should be applied to even out the surface. Using the proper compound amount and spreading it evenly over the seam is important. After applying the compound, it should be smoothed with a trowel. The trowel should be held at a slight angle and pressed firmly against the wall.
Lastly, the wall should dry for a few days before painting. This will allow any bumps or dips in the surface to settle and ensure a smooth finish. With proper care and attention, concave and crowned seams can be easily fixed, and the wall will look as good as new.
Pitting
Pitting is a pattern of craters or pits on the taped finish's surface. The microscopic air bubbles that either weren't completely expelled or came to the top after sanding caused the holes. When the joint compound is mixed incorrectly or excessively, air bubbles form. When the joint compound is smoothed with insufficient pressure, tiny air bubbles may develop on a damp surface.
To avoid pitting, the drywall tape must be applied properly, and the joint compound must be mixed correctly. Before applying the joint compound, preparing the area by sanding the drywall is important to create a smooth surface. Additionally, the drywall tape should be pressed firmly into the joint compound with a drywall knife. It is also important to avoid overworking the joint compound, as this can create air bubbles.
When mixing the joint compound, using the right amount of water is important. Too much water will make the compound too thin and cause it to run off the wall. Too little water will make it too thick and difficult to spread evenly. The ideal consistency should be similar to that of cake frosting.
Conclusion
Drywall taping can pose a variety of problems if not done correctly. Poor taping can cause fireproof drywall to crack, bubble, peel, or blister. Using the right tools and techniques when taping drywall is important to avoid these problems. This includes using the correct type of joint compound, properly preparing the wall, and using the proper taping techniques. It is also important to allow the drywall to dry completely before applying any additional coats of joint compound. Following these steps ensures that your drywall taping job is done correctly and looks great.
Konstruction Group Inc. is your trusted Toronto contractor for house framing, drywall installation, insulation, foundation, and excavation. She is proudly serving the City of Toronto and the GTA. Contact us for drywall taping in Toronto!