Cracked Drywall: Replace It or Tape It?

So, you've spotted a crack in your drywall. What's the next move? The answer depends on how severe the damage is. In some situations, you'll need to cut out and replace the damaged section completely. In other cases, you might be able to salvage it with a bit of joint tape and compound. But how can you tell when the damage is too much for a simple patch? Let's look at the signs that tell you when to replace cracked drywall and when to tape it.

When You Should Replace Your Drywall

Sometimes, a simple repair just won't cut it. Certain types of damage compromise the drywall's structure, so replacement is the only sound option. Let's look at a few scenarios where you'll need to grab a utility knife and cut out the damaged section.

Extensive Water Damage

Water damage is a serious issue that often requires full replacement. If you see discoloration, staining, or a soft, spongy texture, the drywall's integrity is compromised. Water can weaken the gypsum core, which makes it prone to crumbling and provides a perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow.

Even if the surface feels dry, moisture can be trapped behind the panel. This hidden dampness can lead to rot and structural decay in the wall's framing. Taping over this kind of damage just hides the problem and allows the mold to spread. The only proper solution is to cut out the affected area, address the source of the leak, and install a fresh sheet of drywall.

Large Holes or Major Impact Damage

Did a piece of furniture get moved a little too carelessly? Large holes or areas of significant impact damage are clear candidates for replacement. If you have a hole larger than about six inches in diameter, a simple patch won't have enough support to create a durable, flat surface.

Trying to fill a large gap with just joint compound is a recipe for a weak repair that's likely to crack again. The best approach is to cut a clean, square-shaped section around the hole. Then, you can fit a new piece of drywall into the space, which provides the stability needed for a long-lasting fix.

Crumbling or Deteriorating Drywall

Over time, drywall can start to deteriorate, especially in older homes or areas with high humidity. You might notice the surface is flaking, powdery, or crumbling when you touch it. This indicates the gypsum core has broken down and can no longer provide a solid structure.

This type of degradation can't be fixed with tape and mud. Any repair you attempt will be on an unstable foundation and is bound to fail. The only effective solution is to remove the deteriorating sections until you reach solid, stable drywall and then replace them.

When You Can Get By With Taping

Not every crack spells disaster for a wall. Many common cracks are superficial and can be repaired with some tape and joint compound. This approach saves time, money, and a lot of cleanup. Here are the situations where taping is a perfectly good solution.

Hairline Cracks

Hairline cracks are those very thin, superficial cracks that often appear near corners or around door and window frames. They're typically a result of the house settling or minor shifts in the framing. Since these cracks are just on the surface and don't signal a deeper structural issue, they're ideal candidates for a tape repair.

You don't need to replace the panel for a simple hairline crack. A layer of joint tape and a few coats of compound will cover the blemish and reinforce the area to prevent the crack from reappearing. It's a quick and easy fix that restores your wall's smooth finish.

Small Holes or Dents

Small holes from nails, screws, or minor impacts are another type of damage you can easily repair without replacement. If the hole is less than half an inch wide, you might not even need tape. You can often fill it directly with a spackle or joint compound.

For slightly larger dings and dents up to a few inches across, a self-adhesive mesh patch or a small piece of paper tape provides the reinforcement needed for a durable repair. Just apply the patch, cover it with compound, sand it smooth, and your wall will look as good as new.

Stress Cracks at Joints

Stress cracks often form along the seams where two sheets of drywall meet. These cracks are usually straight and follow the line of the joint tape underneath. They occur due to minor movements in the house's structure, which puts stress on the seams.

As long as the drywall panels themselves are secure and not loose, you can repair these cracks. The process involves removing any loose tape and compound, reapplying new tape, and feathering fresh layers of mud over the joint. This method reinforces the seam and gets rid of the crack.

Your Guide to Drywall Repair

Once you've decided on the right approach, you can get to work. Both replacement and taping require a bit of patience and the right technique to get a seamless finish.

How to Replace a Section of Drywall

1. Cut It Out: Use a utility knife and a straight edge to score a neat rectangle around the damaged area. Cut through the paper and into the gypsum core, then carefully remove the section.
2. Add Support: If your new patch doesn't have a stud behind it for support, you'll need to add a backer board. A small piece of plywood or a 1x3 furring strip works well. Secure it inside the wall opening with screws.
3. Install the Patch: Cut a new piece of drywall to fit the opening. Fasten it to the backer board or studs with drywall screws.
4. Tape and Mud: Apply joint tape to the seams, then cover it with thin layers of joint compound. Allow each layer to dry completely before you apply the next.
5. Sand and Prime: Once the final layer is dry, sand the area until it's perfectly smooth and flush with the rest of the wall. Apply a coat of primer before you paint.

How to Tape a Crack

1. Prep the Area: Use a utility knife to lightly score the crack, which creates a small V-shaped groove. This helps the joint compound adhere better.
2. Apply Compound and Tape: Apply a thin layer of joint compound over the crack. Press a piece of paper or fiberglass mesh tape firmly into the compound.
3. Cover the Tape: Immediately apply another thin layer of compound over the tape. Use a drywall knife to smooth it out and feather the edges.
4. Add More Coats: After the first coat dries, apply one or two more thin coats of compound. Each coat should be wider than the last to create a smooth, invisible transition.
5. Sand and Prime: When the final coat is dry, lightly sand the area until it's smooth. Wipe away the dust and apply a coat of primer.

Get the Right Tools for the Job

By carefully considering the type and extent of the damage, you can figure out when to replace cracked drywall and when to tape it. Your ability to judge the situation correctly can save you money, time, and a lot of extra work.

Whatever your drywall repair project demands, Timothy's Toolbox has what you need to get it done right. We sell automatic drywall taping tools that make the taping process a breeze by applying compound and tape in one simple motion. We also have all the tools you'll need for a full replacement. Check us out today and make your next repair your best one yet.