{"id":797,"date":"2020-11-06T03:06:23","date_gmt":"2020-11-06T03:06:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/whatblueprint.com\/?p=797"},"modified":"2023-04-14T09:22:48","modified_gmt":"2023-04-14T09:22:48","slug":"what-happens-if-you-dont-use-drywall-tape","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/whatblueprint.com\/what-happens-if-you-dont-use-drywall-tape\/","title":{"rendered":"What Happens If You Don’t Use Drywall Tape?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Drywalls are a very common and cost-effective means of adding vertical partitions in your home. They are easy to construct and do not require any heavy-duty work for it to be installed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As they are commonly used and often used repeatedly in a house, the question now is how exactly should you finish your drywall to make them look the best they can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although it is not required, it is highly recommended to use drywall tape. If you skip out on using drywall tape, you\u2019ll end up with a sloppy looking drywall finish. Applying tape to the joists of the drywall helps clean up the look.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we\u2019ll be going more into drywall tape, how to use it properly, and a general overview on how finishes should actually be finished. Read on if you just want some guidance with installing your drywall or if you want to do a touch up renovation in your house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What happens if there\u2019s no tape?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you don’t use drywall tape, the joints will be exposed and can easily be seen. Also, since it\u2019s no longer a uniform surface, which tape provides. The purpose of mudding will be defeated as the mudding will not be enough to cover the entire gap created at the joint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Drywall Tape?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Drywall tape is made out of either paper or mesh and is used to cover up the joints that can be found throughout the drywall. The joints are the gaps between the different drywall boards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note. This not to be confused with joists, which are the parallel members found in drywall.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Below is a table describing the qualities of these different types of tapes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paper Drywall Tape<\/strong><\/td>
Mesh Drywall Tape<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
More applications<\/td>
Moisture Resistant<\/td><\/tr>
More Durable<\/td>
Better for DIY purposes<\/td><\/tr>
Requires drywall compound to stick<\/td>
Stick on<\/td><\/tr>
Better for corners<\/td>
Better for Flat surfaces<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Paper Drywall Tape<\/strong> is, as the name implies, made out of paper and carries the characteristics that come along with that material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mesh Drywall Tape<\/strong> is made out of fiberglass, the same material used for boats and surfboards, which also gives it the properties that come along with that material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note: Notice how I repeatedly mention that the material’s properties often transfer to the properties of the tape. This is true for most building materials, and knowing a bit about the materials and what they can or can\u2019t do would be helpful when making decisions.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which drywall tape should I use?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The only thing that you need to consider is the current conditions that the drywall undergoes on a day to day basis. Joints in the bathroom should preferably be covered up with a mesh drywall tape, while joints in the living room should be covered up with paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s also the question as to who\u2019s installing the drywall tape. If it\u2019s a DIY project, it would be a safer bet to go with the mesh wallpaper tape since it\u2019s easier to apply and has fewer consequences if done erroneously. On the other hand, paper drywall tape tends to leave air pockets or crumple if not installed properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n