A hairline crack is one of the most common problems people find with their drywall. This one thing ruins the whole aesthetic of the drywall and makes it look so bad that you just don’t wish your friends and neighbors to look at it during the house parties. Today in this article, I’ll take you on a journey where we will be discussing how to repair a hairline crack in drywall like a pro.
To repair a hairline crack in drywall, first off, gouge the crack if it’s too narrow and then clean it well. Fill up the crack with joint compound and then tape over it if the crack is too long. Next, apply the joint compound over it again, sand it down, and then finish it with primer and paint.
Further in this article, you’ll get a guide explaining the whole process of repairing the hairline crack in drywall like a pro. So stick around till the end.
What Causes Hairline Crack In Drywall?
The following 5 are the main causes of a hairline crack in drywall:
Shifting/Settling
One of the biggest reasons behind a hairline crack in drywall is the shifting or settling of the home. Any sort of natural disaster such as an earthquake, flooding, etc., results in the shifting of the home, causing a hairline crack to appear on the drywall surface. So if the region your home is situated in has ever been affected by any of these natural disasters, then that could be the potential reason behind the hairline crack on your drywall.
Changes in Temperatures
The major fluctuations in temperatures are another potential reason behind the hairline cracks in drywall. If the temperature of the room where the drywall is installed, often drops or goes high, it can cause the joint compound applied on the drywall to expand and contract, resulting in a hairline crack.
Moisture Level
Moisture and drywall can never go together. If your drywall is exposed to water or high-level moisture for a long time, it will cause the drywall foundation to become weak, resulting in its cracking. Inspect your drywall for any leakage as that might have caused the crack.
Poor Installations
If the drywall was not initially installed correctly, this could also be the cause of a hairline crack. A poorly installed drywall that is not secured tightly to the studs leaves room for its shifting over time, resulting in the emergence of a hairline crack on the surface. This is the reason it is crucial to install drywall correctly in the first place.
Structural Problems
A problem in the overall structure of the building or in the foundation can exert stress on the walls and ceiling which also results in hairline cracks in drywall. Although it’s a rear case, it is still considered one of the biggest reasons behind a hairline crack in drywall. So if you notice growing hairline cracks, better to consult a professional to inspect your home for any such issue.
How To Repair A Hairline Crack In Drywall Like A Pro? (Step-By-Step Guide)
Here is a step-by-step guide on fixing this issue and it works for both small and large hairline cracks. Just make sure to go through all the steps first and then follow them in order to get the job done properly.
Step 1: Gouge the Crack
The first thing you have to do is inspect the width of the crack. If it is at least ¼ inch wide or more, it’s ok but if the width is less than ¼ inch, you need to widen it up by gouging the crack using a utility knife.
Now you must be thinking what’s the point of doing that? Let me explain to you. When the crack is very narrow, you’ll not be able to fill it with the joint compound which is the main material used in this whole process and when the gap won’t be filled, it will start showing up again after a while, leaving you with no other option than fixing it again.
You don’t need to make the area too wide. Just grab your utility knife and carefully gouge the crack to make some space in it. Remove the paint residue sticking on the sides of the crack as well for the proper application of the finishing materials.
If the crack is already wide enough, just remove the paint residues from the sides and jump to the next step.
Step 2: Clean the Affected Area
Here comes the cleaning work. Using a dry paintbrush or a vacuum cleaner, just clean the crack and surrounding area and make sure it’s dust-free. This will allow the joint compound to adhere well to the surface.
Step 3: Fill the Crack With Joint Compound
Now it’s time to fill up the gap with some joint compound. Grab your drywall knife, take a little bit of compound on it, and then apply it over the crack. Press the compound nicely into the crack to fill it completely and then smooth out the surface using the knife.
Step 4: Embed Drywall Tape
Now here’s a drill. If the length of the hairline crack is more than 2 feet, then only go for this step otherwise move to the next step. The reason I’m saying this is because a 2 ft. or less long crack is fixable with mud but any crack longer than that requires the application of drywall tape for the consolidated fix.
Pick up a drywall mesh tape as it works the best and embed it over the crack right after applying the joint compound. Make sure that the tape sticks to the crack area properly.
Step 5: Apply The Joint Compound Again
After the application of the mesh tape, apply the joint compound over it from one end to another end. Using the drywall knife, slim down the compound layer in order to make it look as flat and even as possible. Make sure that the tape is completely covered with the mud and that the surface looks smooth.
Important Note: As mentioned above, if the crack in the surface is less than 2 ft. in length, then there’s no need to apply the mesh tape and in the 3rd step right after filling the crack with joint compound, you have to apply another thin layer of joint compound over it and then finesse the area using the knife. Just make sure it’s flat, smooth, and looks even.
Now, before moving on to the next step, allow the joint compound to dry for 24 hours. 24 hours of time is ideal for all types of joint compounds to get completely dry.
Step 6: Sand the Area
Now that the surface is completely dry, let’s sand it out. Grab a 120 to 150-grit sandpaper and start sanding the mudded area. Sanding helps smooth out the surface by removing the excess compound and it also makes the surface look more even. Ensure to go gentle with it to avoid damaging the surrounding area.
Step 7: Apply Primer & Paint
Here we go with the final step of the whole process which involves priming and painting the sanded area. Many people advise applying the paint directly over the sanded area which you can do, but if you want to get it done like a professional, you must apply primer over it first before going for the painting.
Apply a thin layer of drywall primer on the affected area and then let it dry for 18 hours. Once the primer is completely dry, apply the paint over it and you’re done. Make sure to opt for the same color of paint as the surrounding area to match it.
So here this whole process of repairing a hairline crack in drywall comes to an end. For the best outcome, make sure not to skip any step and follow everything as stated.
How Do I Stop My Drywall From Cracking?
Following are 6 tips that you can follow:
Correct Drywall Hanging
As discussed earlier, incorrect installation of the drywall leads to issues like cracking so it’s crucial to install it correctly in the first place. Ensure that the drywall sheets have no gaps between them and they are nailed or screwed to the stud properly. The joints between the sheets should also be flat and look even.
Avoiding Over-tightening of Screws
You may not know it but over-tightening the screws deforms the drywall and makes it susceptible to developing hairline cracks. Make sure to avoid over-tightening the screws while attaching the drywall sheets to the studs.
Using Good Quality Materials
The quality of the materials such as joint compound, primer, tape, etc. creates a huge impact on the durability of the drywall. If you’re using poor-quality materials, you’ll face a lot of issues with your drywall in the future and you’ll need to fix it very often. Go for high-quality materials. They might be a bit costlier but they ensure to prevent the drywall from developing cracks.
Add Backing
There are certain areas in your drywall such as around windows and doors that are likely to be subjected to stress due to frequent opening and closing. For such areas, using metal corner beads is highly recommended to prevent the drywall from stressing which may result in its cracking.
Add Multiple Layers of Drywall Mud
People often apply a thick layer of drywall mud (joint compound) during the finishing which is not good at all. Always make sure to apply multiple layers of joint compound on your drywall and let the first layer dry before applying the next layer. This not only ensures a smooth finish but also prevents the drywall from cracking in the future.
Apply Primer
Priming the drywall before painting is one of the crucial steps that people often skip. Primer works like a vaccine for drywall as it protects the drywall from moisture, preventing cracking and other major issues. Using a high-quality primer for the drywall is always recommended by professionals.
So these are a couple of things you can do to stop your drywall from cracking.
Conclusion
Repairing a hairline crack in drywall is important to prevent it from further expanding and to maintain the aesthetic look of the drywall. Following the right guide that involves the application of certain materials, tools, and techniques helps you get rid of a hairline crack and achieve a flawless-looking drywall surface back.
So this concludes our discussion on how to repair a hairline crack on drywall and I hope you have found this article valuable. Have a great day ahead!