Drywall Crack Repairs

Doors and windows, especially those made of wood, are subjected to temperature variation with the changing season. Such variation in the temperature may result in the formation of cracks on the wall. Whether your walls are made of plaster or drywall, chances of cracks radiating from the corners of the doors and windows should not be left out. The cracks look very ugly and can cause major damage to the walls, if they are not repaired immediately. Such repairs can be made easily, if the cracks are not too deep. You need not even need to hire professionals for the same, in case the crack is not too deep. In this article, we bring you some easy steps to help you carry out drywall crack repairs. Using these steps, you can completely repair the crack and you will have your walls smooth, with no trace of the damage.

How To Fix Cracks In Drywalls

Supplies Needed

Chisel
Drywall Knife
Drywall Compound
Sandpaper
Primer
Paint
Damp Cloth
Gloves

Procedure

Prepare the room for the repairing work. For this, you will need to remove the furniture, curtains, flooring and other such furnishings, so that you can work without fearing any damage to the things in the room. Use old clothes or sheets to cover the things that are unmovable.
Widen the crack in the drywall, a bit, by scraping along the damaged area, using a chisel. Try to widen the crack to about 1/8 inch. This way, you will get a smooth surface to work on. Carve out all the loose materials, so that the surface is entirely clean to work on.
A lightweight drywall compound is sufficient to fill the crack. Wear your gloves. Now, using a drywall knife, apply a thin layer of compound over and around the crack.
Repeat the above process several times, until the crack is fully covered. Make sure that you apply a thin layer every time. Allow each layer to dry to some extent, before applying further layers.
Allow the layers of drywall compound to dry completely. This may take up to 24 hours.
Sand the area, after the compound dries completely. Use fine grit sandpaper for the purpose.
Clean the drywall dust with a damp cloth. Apply primer on the wall, after it is dried completely and is free of dust.
Paint the area of the wall, where you have worked, after the primer dries completely.

Tips

Drywall compound has a tendency to shrink after drying.
Once you open the seal of drywall compound, make sure that you tightly close it after each use. This is necessary to prevent the compound from drying. In case, it dries, add small quantity of water and mix properly. You will find the compound ready for use again.
Always wear a mask while repairing the crack. Though drywall dust is not poisonous, it can cause problems like cough, sore throat or in worst cases, even white lung disease.
Always use gloves while repairing the crack, to avoid hurting your hands.

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