I'm trying to fix some vertical drywall cracks above a door frame and I've already followed a process I found online, but I'm not happy with the results. The crack came back within a year, and I can still see the outline of the tape through the wall. Here's what I've done: I carved out and vacuumed the loose material, applied mud, embedded tape, added more mud, and feathered it out. After drying, I scraped any loose spots, lightly sanded, and repeated with more mud until the surface looked decent. I then primed and painted.
However, I've stumbled upon a lot of content from non-U.S. sources recommending a product called Toupret Fill Flex used with a caulking gun, which I can't find here. Is there something similar I should try first or any steps I might be missing? Using a caulking gun sounds way easier than mixing drywall mud! Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
3 Answers
Before diving into fixes, have you thought about what’s causing the cracks? Repeated cracks usually mean there's an underlying issue you need to address first, like a settling foundation or moisture problems. Fix the root of the problem, or you’ll be stuck patching up the same spot constantly!
I totally get your frustration! I faced something similar last year when I followed a similar repair process, but it worked out fine for me. The key thing is to ensure the tape is applied properly; even if the gap comes back, having it under the tape helps. Can you point out where exactly the crack is reappearing?
You might want to check out elastomeric caulk. It stays flexible and can handle slight movements within the wall, which could stop those cracks from coming back. Try applying it in the void before laying your drywall tape and mud—it might help keep everything smooth in the long run!
Yeah, the crack is mainly showing above the door frame at the top. It wasn't wide at all before but now it's noticeable again.