TIL skipping drywall seam tape is a DISASTER waiting to happen

I used to skip taping seams to finish jobs quicker. But after seeing cracks pop up in EVERY room I did that way, I had to eat the cost and fix them all. What's your must-do step to make sure seams stay solid?

4 comments

4 Comments

taylor_young6d ago

Bedding the tape without air pockets is key because any gap lets the mud move and crack later. I use a 6-inch knife to press the tape flat and push out extra mud from the edges. If you see bubbles, peel it back and do it again, it stops problems down the road. That extra minute per seam keeps cracks from coming back.

ruby_webb6d ago

Ouch, I totally get that pain from skipping steps! It's so tempting to rush but cracks always show up later. For solid seams, I make sure to bed the tape completely with no air pockets.

matthew736d ago

Come on, is it really that big of a deal every single time? Sure, maybe in a fancy house or a room that sees a lot of moisture, but for some basement wall or a rental fix up, a little crack here or there isn't the end of the world. I've seen plenty of quick patches hold up just fine with a ton of mud and a prayer. People act like skipping tape is a crime, but sometimes you just need the job done, not perfect.

elizabethmason4d ago

Seriously though, sometimes a job just needs to be closed up fast. Not every wall is a forever home masterpiece. Thick mud can bridge a gap for years if the framing is stable.