 |
|
  |
|
 Hamilton Drywall
Products is proud to introduce Prep Coat Plus "Level 5" as our newest addition to
our paint line. Click here for more information! |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
| Delamination of
texture on drywall surfaces is an expensive and apparently increasing problem. Job site
investigation of this problem reveals not one cause, but
several. Read more >>> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Cracking In Gypsum Drywall Surfaces |
|
Cracking in stucco, plaster
and concrete construction is a common occurrence that is typically not only tolerated, but is accepted.
Cracking in gypsum drywall surfaces however, is considered a defect in the system requiring complete
and expert repair.
The most common area for cracking is in the center of the drywall joint
and is commonly defined as "Center Cracking". While there are various contributing factors,
it can be logically argued that the overwhelming majority of these cracks do not occur without movement.
Such movement may be related to the gypsum substrate itself or more commonly, to the structural
components over which the board is applied. The severity of the movement determines the extent of the
crack, ranging from very fine "hairline" defects to fissures of 1/8" or
more.
The function of a drywall joint is cosmetic, not structural. It is understood that a
crack in that joint is a defect, but there is no standard as to how much movement and/or force the joint
should withstand prior to failure. It becomes very difficult therefore, to determine the primary cause
of the crack and who is responsible for repair costs. For example, because we accept the fact that
movement occurs in all structures, the next question is how much does the structure have to move to
consider drywall cracking as a "structural" or "design" problem rather than a
"drywall" problem? It is quite evident that every crack in drywall is neither the result
of defective drywall finishing products nor improper application of those products.
While
Hamilton cannot inspect each instance of cracking nor profess to know the cause of every crack, we
will continue our research into minimizing the problems as they relate to our products. We invite the
participation, advice, and input from all interested parties within the drywall industry as well as
parties having expertise in structure and design. We particularly invite the consideration of all
parties to effect that job conditions play in expansion, contraction and movement within the
construction process from soil compaction through final decoration.
As a service to the
industry we have prepared technical bulletins regarding recommended drywall application and finishing
techniques, which should minimize cracking. Also available are recommendations regarding the repair
of cracking by various methods. |
|
|
|
