Hey everyone! I've been dealing with a frustrating issue in my old Victorian home with vaulted ceilings in the attic. Every few years, the taping on the ceiling drywall just falls off. The roof was redone in 2018, but even before that, the tape was having problems. Since there's no heat or AC up there, it gets pretty extreme with hot summers and cold winters. The attic is just used for storage, so I really want to find a solution to make it look decent again. I've tried taping it myself, and had a professional come in to do it twice, but no luck. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance! Check out this [image of the problem](https://imgur.com/a/JhsFzAt) for reference.
3 Answers
Have you thought about trying a different type of tape? There's this mold-resistant mesh drywall tape, like Fibatape, that works great in areas with moisture, such as attics. Since your space is unconditioned, consider using a dehumidifier. If it gets humid enough, it might help with the tape sticking better. It's worth checking the humidity levels in there over time too. If you regularly see levels above 60%, a dehumidifier could make a big difference!
Keep in mind that drywall is really meant for conditioned spaces. It does best around 72°F, but once it hits above 90°F, it starts to break down. Since your attic has no climate control, that could be the issue. You might want to think about installing a window AC unit, although I know you mentioned the windows are small, which complicates things. Maybe replacing the drywall with something more suitable could be the way to go.
Thanks for your input! The window units won't fit because the windows are tiny, but I like the idea of replacing the drywall with something else!
If you're looking to keep the drywall but want a new look, you might consider going for a board and batten finish. It can really change the aesthetic without needing to do a full renovation. Just make sure it matches your style!
Yeah, but I've seen plenty of garages in the US with drywall and they're not air-conditioned either. It might not be perfect, but it's not totally unheard of either!