Drywall is undoubtedly the standard wall covering material used in new homes today. Drywall is relatively inexpensive, it performs well in most applications, it is easy to install and it looks great when finished and painted properly. But there are still so many options for covering your walls, including plaster.
Old plaster ceilings sometimes fall without warning. Nailed to the ceiling joists are wooden lath boards that plaster is spread over. Temperature changes cause moisture changes in the boards and the plaster, eventually leading to plaster cracks and the whole ceiling caving in.
Nail pops in drywall are caused by rough framing lumber shrinkage. Lumber shrinkage cannot be prevented - it is natural. However, you can reduce nail pops by installing the screws and drywall correctly.
To avoid the dust of drywall, use plaster instead. Plaster, like concrete, begins as a mixture of dry compounds. Plaster veneer systems are placed over blue board, similar to drywall gypsum. However, plaster is faster to install by about two or three days and very affordable.
Joint banding or telegraphing in drywall is caused by the drywall paper and the joint compound having different textures. They both absorb liquids differently. Seeing shadows on the drywall is a result of this. To repair your drywall, create a uniform textured surface that absorbs liquids evenly.
Plaster cracks on walls are usually the stress release points of the wall. To prevent old plaster from cracking, maintain a constant humidity in your house. To repair cracks in plaster, apply tape or large sheets of thin fiberglass mesh and spread the joint compound over this.
Drywall tape blisters usually happen because there is a lack of joint compound between the tape and the drywall surface. There should be 1/16th of an inch. You'll need hand-eye coordination, joint compound mixed to the right consistency, and the right tools to prevent drywall tape blisters.
While finishing drywall looks easy, it requires years of acquired skill to really get good. DIY'ers can buy the tools for less than $75. Two common mistakes made are working with lumpy joint compound and being a perfectionist on applying the second coat.
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