Repairing Separated Drywall Joints

House Doctor | Gary Dymski

March 27, 2003

Q. This may not seem like a big problem, but it is really bugging me. I have noticed that the tape and joint compound used to seal the seams between the Sheetrock is separating in some places, mostly between the joint at the top of the ceiling. I have tried to re-spackle the areas with some success. The repair lasted about four years. I have noticed that the repaired area is separating again. Do you have any suggestions, other than removing all the tape and retaping the entire room? By the way, the house is about 30 years old. -Walter Olszewski, Middle Island

A. I suspect that your home's interior is dry during the winter months, and that dryness, over a period of years, causes the breakdown of the drywall joints. It's not unusual. I have a newer home, and several drywall joints need to be mended, especially a few where the wall meets the ceiling.

Two suggestions: First, don't use spackling to make this repair. Spackling is better suited for repairing holes and gouges in drywall. To apply wallboard tape correctly, you should be using a joint compound that is latex based and contains some elastic properties when it dries.

Second, try using fiberglass mesh drywall tape. I find it easier and more durable than paper wallboard tapes. Again, this fiberglass tape seems to have more flexibility and resists splitting.

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I've had great success covering drywall joints by first thinning the joint compound with water and then applying it over the tape. Use two or three thin coats. After the second coat dries, wipe the edges smooth with a wet sponge. Wiping the joint smooth eliminates a lot of fine, white dust created during hand sanding. Apply a finish coat of compound to create a smooth joint. Smooth the joint by sanding with a fine-grit sandpaper. Wear a dust mask, and open a window.