Drywall cracks at seams and bullnose corners

Frustrated 1

I am frustrated!! I keep getting cracks in my seams and on the edges of my bullnose corners. I have used both paper and mesh tape. Sometimes the cracks don't show up until I have already primed, textured, and painted. One or two have shown up as far back as a year after being completed. How do I prevent this from happening or what is the easiest way to fix this or prevent it from happening. Please help!!!

Scuba_Dave

Where are you located ?
What type of mud used ?

chrisn

There most likely is no prevention. Houses move and drywall cracks, it is just the way it is.

bjbatlanta

Chrisn is correct to a point. Lumber "moves" twice a year, generally speaking, in the heating and cooling season. That's the main cause of corner beads (or tape, or nails) "popping" loose or cracking. If you are just taping over the cracks, the tape itself will eventually crack also if there is sufficient movement. Metal bead is especially prone to this sort of problem. Adding more nails in the places where it cracks the worst sometimes helps. If you have metal bead and since this is a recurring problem, it might be worth tearing it out and replacing with "mud-on" type metal-reinforced paper bead. I've had way less problems and call-backs since I started using the paper beads. Installed properly, it is bonded the entire length of the bead to the drywall rather than in a few random places by nails and what mud goes through the holes punched in the bead. Use a setting type compound to apply the bead for an extra measure of assurance.....

__________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a soldier. Support our troops.

Frustrated 1

I live in New Mexico, I am using premixed All Purpose Joint compound, it comes in 5 gal buckets from Home Depot. I am using the metal bullnose corner bead, that is covered in paper.