Attacking Those Cracks in the Drywall

June 09, 2010, By 5 comments

Attacking Those Cracks in the Drywall

They are unsightly and bothersome. They appear above doors and windows, jagged cracks that run toward the ceiling. You can cover them with spackle over and over, but they continue to reappear.

Here’s what is going on: The cracks occur when the framing lumber dries out or the home settles.

Here’s what to do for a more permanent repair:

  • Scratch along the edges of the crack with a utility knife or putty knife – you can even use a bottle opener – and widen the edges of the crack.
  • Bridge the crack with strips of adhesive-backed, fiber-mesh drywall tape.
  • Spread a thin coat of joint-compound over the taped crack using a putty knife – a four-inch putty knife is best – making it as smooth as possible. (If you are working in a bathroom or an area with high humidity, use a water resistant compound.)
  • Sweep the knife in a back and forth motion to work the putty into the crack. Push as much compound into the crack as possible, feathering the edges into the surrounding surface. (This will keep the repair flush with the wall and preventing a noticeable bump.)
  • After the compound is completely dry, sand it lightly and then apply at least two more coats of compound being careful to feather each one slightly to blend into the surface of the wall.
  • After every coat of compound, be sure to sand it down. Keep layering, drying and sanding until you have a smooth repair.
  • One caution: If the cracks reappear in a few months, get bigger or are joined by cracks in other parts of the wall or ceiling, it’s an indication of a greater problem. It could be that your studs are bowing due to moisture or the structural integrity of the home has been compromised. At that point, it’s best to call a general contractor to see what kind of problem you are facing.

Greg Hoard is the senior writer and former editor of Cincinnati Profile magazine. He is a featured contributor to ManoftheHouse.com.

Comments (5):

Louise L. Better yet, never apply more mud than you are willing to sand off. In other words, don't ever let the repair be a mound on the stuff. An acute angle with the knife, and don't fiddle with it! - 06/02/2011
Virginia E. My son punched a hole through the wall. The sheet rock is now exposed. I do I fix this fist size hole? - 04/22/2011
Jeff P.
Jeff P. Jimmie - Thanks for the advice on the paper tape and how to eliminate the dust clean up. Mark - Vinyl Spackle should be fine for small dings and cracks. And your wet cloth "sanding" is an excellent idea as well. - 12/28/2010
Mark D. I typically use a vinyl spackling for dings and small cracks around the house. I "sand" with a wet cloth (gets very smooth with zero dust) and paint. Would you recommend I use joint compound instead? - 12/28/2010
Jimmie C. Sometimes fabric tape is good. Sometimes the classic paper tape is better, especially in corners. Mud up the cracked before you put either type over the crack. Moisten thepaper tape and use your knife to press it into the mud, After the mud dries knock down the high ridges with the knife. DON'T sand. Use a moist sponge and work the mud off a little at a time. If your wall was textured, this will let some of the texture show through to blend in. Also there wont be any dust to clean up. - 12/05/2010

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