Hi everyone! I'm new to Reddit and just starting my DIY journey. I have a couple of persistent cracks in my home that trace up to the peak of my cathedral ceilings. My house is on a slab foundation, and since it's out of warranty, I can't rely on the builder for help. I've tried sanding, taping, mudding, and painting, but the cracks keep reappearing with the changing seasons. It's stressful to look at, especially when I have company over. Is there a flexible mud or caulk that could help? I feel kind of embarrassed asking this, but I'm really looking for some guidance!
3 Answers
To tackle stubborn cracks, I recommend removing all the old mud, tape, and loose drywall. Sometimes, cutting a small V along the crack helps the mud fill it properly. For materials, fiberglass mesh tape and 'hot mud' work wonders. You can find good options at Home Depot. Just a heads up, if your doors or windows start sticking, that’s a clear sign to call in a civil engineer before it gets worse!
What type of tape and mud have you tried so far? It could help narrow down what might work best for you!
Have you considered using the V-cut method? You cut the crack into a V shape with a razor blade, then mud and tape it over. If the crack keeps coming back, something might be shifting in your house's structure. If you notice any foundation cracks, definitely call a professional to assess it. Ignoring structural problems could lead to bigger issues down the line!
Yeah, I agree. It’s better to be safe and get a professional to check it out if the foundation is involved.
Great tip! I’ve used hot mud before and it works much better than regular drywall mud.