Drywall Above the Shower Is Cracking

Moisture Damage

• Drywall contains tightly compacted gypsum particles that become soggy when they are wet. Even after the drywall dries, it is crumbly and often develops a dark brown stain. If the drywall above your shower suffers from moisture damage, it may swell or become soft, or the wall paint may loosen and peel.

Drywall Cracks

• Cracks in drywall are typically the result of structural shifting. If a crack is straight and vertical, it’s probably a seam crack where two drywall panels meet. If a crack is jagged and horizontal, it was caused by shifting, but the problem might be more serious. Cracks between the top of the wall and the ceiling could be the result of truss uplift. Not all drywall cracks signify the need for structural reinforcement.

Loose Drywall Tape

• Sometimes what looks like a crack is just drywall tape coming loose. That situation is the result of inadequate joint taping during the original wall finishing. If the contractor did not use enough joint compound to hold the paper tape securely, then the extra humidity above the shower could make the tape loosen and pull away, producing what resembles a crack.

Repair

• Repairing all types of cracks and loose drywall tape requires scraping away crumbling bits of drywall and applying joint compound and new tape over the crack to smooth it out before repainting. For recurring horizontal or jagged cracks that are bigger than a hairline, consult a contractor about installing reinforcement blocking to improve structural support.

  A section of drywall with moisture damage must be replaced because drywall that was wet loses its integrity.

Moisture Prevention

• To reduce damage from shower moisture, use water-resistant drywall panels, and install a bathroom vent fan to remove humidity. In addition, apply a water-resistant paint or enamel. Both repel moisture better than standard, flat, interior wall paint.