When installing drywall, mesh tape is an essential tool. It is employed to connect drywall components. To strengthen and stabilize the connection between the parts, mesh drywall tape can be used on joints, seams, and corners.
Despite its usefulness, mesh drywall tape has its share of issues, just like any other building material.
It’s important to understand some of the problems that mesh drywall tape can cause if you want to utilize it in your next job.
1. It’s prone to breaking
Due to its relative ease of installation, mesh drywall tape is the preferred option for novices. However, mesh tape’s extreme susceptibility to cracking is one of its main problems. For this reason, a lot of specialists would rather utilize paper tape.
Mesh tape is prone to warping when stretched. Drywall sheets are subjected to stress and undergo some movement over time. Mesh tape travels with the drywall since it isn’t rigid, which causes cracking.
There isn’t much you can do about mesh drywall tape’s stiffness. However, by using a setting compound rather of a standard drywall compound, you can avoid cracking.
A setting compound embeds itself into the tape and stops cracks from forming while drying more quickly. Additionally, it is far more durable than ordinary drywall compound.
Another option is to use paper tape. The latter doesn’t break as easily.
2. This kind of tape isn’t the strongest.
Because mesh drywall tape cannot be torn apart, people always assume it is more durable. Conversely, when compared to other kinds of tape, mesh tape is the weakest. The primary cause of mesh tape’s weakness is its flexibility or lack of stiffness.
Paper tape is a great option if you want to make the joint stronger.
3. If not covered, it may fall off.
Mesh tape is prone to falling off, therefore you should avoid leaving it exposed for extended hours. As soon as you can, you must cover it. It is less convenient to work with because of this problem.
Mesh tape cannot stay onto drywall compound for very long if left uncovered, despite having some adhesive qualities.
This implies that you cannot stop working on the drywall installation project at any time when utilizing mesh tape. It must be completed that same day.
4. Repairing it after installation is really challenging.
We often anticipate that drywall installation would take years to complete. However, you will actually need to make a number of repairs throughout the course of its lifetime. Repairs would be more challenging if drywall joints were installed using mesh tape.
Mesh tape is resistant to tearing. As a result, you could have to remove more drywall compound than is necessary during repairs, particularly if you’re working in a tiny space.
It takes a lot of time to repair drywall with mesh tape since you have to reapply a lot of drywall cement afterwards.
5. It Usually Appears When Sanding or When Drywall Compound Contracts
Sanding is typically a crucial step in the majority of drywall installation operations, guaranteeing a consistent and smooth finish.
Mesh tape tends to show up as you start sanding, which has been a common complaint over the years. In other words, it’s challenging to hide, which could cause problems during the drywall construction procedure.
Unfortunately, mesh tape is the only product that is impacted by this issue. You don’t have to be concerned about it coming loose when sanding if you use paper tape.
However, by using three coats of drywall compound, you can prevent this issue. By doing this, the tape will be slightly deeper. Additionally, just the ridges should be sanded.
When the drywall compound dries and shrinks, mesh tape could also become visible. In this case, you can also use more drywall compound, which is the same solution mentioned previously.
Can I Get Rid of Mesh Drywall Tape Issues by Hiring a Qualified Contractor?
Hiring someone with extensive drywall installation knowledge will help you avoid almost all of the issues mentioned above. As you can see above, there are solutions for every mesh drywall tape issue.
Use it with a setting compound rather than a standard drywall compound to avoid cracking. Use thick layers of drywall compound if you don’t want it to show through when you sand.
All of the aforementioned solutions are known to a skilled contractor. Additionally, they can use paper drywall tape, which is a better alternative, if you agree. You can always get expert assistance if you’re a novice and don’t want to encounter any of the aforementioned issues.
What Benefits Does Mesh Drywall Tape Offer?
Although mesh drywall tape could have certain issues, it’s not always a terrible thing. There are many benefits to using this kind of drywall tape. Furthermore, merely listing the issues and ignoring the advantages would be unfair.
The following are some advantages of mesh drywall tape:
- Installing it is quite simple. Mesh tape is the easiest to apply of all the tape types that may be used on drywall joints. It’s a popular option for beginners because of this.
- Mold can’t grow on mesh drywall tape. Mold on your walls is the last thing you want while installing drywall. This kind of tape stops mold from growing in places with a lot of moisture, including kitchens and toilets.
- The fact that mesh tape doesn’t bubble like paper tape is an additional advantage. When placed over a drywall compound, the mesh pattern lets air out. Paper, on the other hand, retains air bubbles that might become visible once the wall is finished.
Alternatives to Mesh Drywall Tapes
Paper drywall tape is an alternative to mesh tape that can help you avoid the issues mentioned above.
Paper drywall tape doesn’t have an adhesive as mesh tape does. Attaching it to the drywall compound is the most effective method of adhesion.
If you want to get a flawless finish, paper tape is the best option. It is frequently utilized in corners because of this. The fact that paper tape works with all kinds of drywall compound is another advantage.
The paper tape does not flex like its counterpart does. It is therefore less vulnerable to cracking brought on by drywall motions.
It’s crucial to understand that paper drywall tape has drawbacks as well. For example, it cannot be used in a location with a lot of dampness. When the paper comes into contact with moisture, it will dissolve. It doesn’t have an adhesive either.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both mesh and paper drywall tape. As a result, you must weigh your options and select the one that best suits your drywall installation project.
When it comes to using mesh drywall tape, is there a learning curve?
Of course. Before you can successfully install mesh drywall tape, you will need to make a number of efforts. Because of this, skilled contractors find it easier to utilize mesh drywall tape than novices.
The good news is that you can learn from these problems because you don’t have to go through them.
In this article, I’ve enumerated every issue related to mesh drywall tape. The majority of mesh drywall tape problems can be avoided if you adhere to the preceding advice.
