What Causes Loosening of Drywall Tape?

Improper Application

• If the taper did not get enough drywall compound (or mud) on the seam before he applied the tape, gradually the tape can loosen and pull away from the wall. This can also occur if the taper did not apply the tape soon enough after he mudded the seam and the compound was already starting to dry. When the taper applies the drywall tape, he smooths it in place with a taping trowel. If this process, known as “bedding the tape,” isn’t adequate, the tape can loosen and come off the wall, even months later.

Structural Movement

• When the house foundation settles or the wall framing shifts, sometimes due to humidity changes, it creates pressure on the drywall, which then cracks at its weakest point. The weakest points are often the seams between drywall panels, which contain dry joint compound. If the compound cracks or breaks free from the panel, the tape holding it in place may also come loose from the wall.

Moisture

• Moisture and drywall are not friendly neighbors. A roof leak that travels down the wall can moisten joint compound or a portion of a drywall panel, causing drywall tape to loosen. Other moisture issues that can affect the adherence of drywall tape include rooms with high humidity, such as non-vented bathrooms.

Problem Solving and Repairs

• Loose drywall tape is generally an easy repair, and it requires scraping away the old tape and dried bits of compound before filling the seam with new compound and applying new drywall tape. If the drywall panels are wet, you must first repair the leak and then replace the soaked drywall before applying new tape. Once soaked, drywall loses its integrity and may develop mold.