Beneficial Effects of Jointing Compounds on Structures
During construction works; most especially for homes and offices, the possibility of blemishes been left on the wall can never be overemphasized. In most cases, such blemishes come in form of nail holes or even a more glaring plastering defect which if left not corrected could hamper a fine, fresh and smooth looking wall. At some other time, the need to renovate an already existing structure can demand that some corrections be made to walls of interiors thereby making the need for jointing compound essential in other to enhance embedding of joint tape, finishing gypsum joints, texturing, skim coating and laminating or repairing cracks in plaster and masonry. A jointing compound which could be otherwise referred to as drywall compound, mastic, mud or joint cement is a white powdery substance of primarily gypsum dust which when mixed with water forms a mud-like material used with paper or fibre joint tape to seal the joints in between sheets of drywall to enhance painting on the wall of interiors.
There are several types of jointing compounds which often make the choice of a suitable one difficult. For the purpose of this writing, we shall examine the three broad and most important types whose choices and application is a product of suitability and purpose as far as drywall repair is concerned. These however include: –
- Drying Type Joint Compound: – This type is vinyl based which hardens when they dry through evaporation. It is the most common of all jointing compound materials also known as drywall mud. It’s readily available for use with its capacity to reduce wastage as a result of durability which makes it easy for storage for usage at a later date is among the reason for the preference it enjoys. This premixed drywall compound can, however, be subdivided into three categories which are: –
- Taping Compound: – this is one specifically made for taping and the second coat. It is a strong drywall compound that has very little shrinkage which serves as resistance against cracking when it dries.
- Topping Compound: – unlike the taping compound which is most suitable for a second coat, the topping compound on its part is specifically produced for the provision of the final coat. It is easy to use, dries quickly and sands smooth and can be applied as coating finishes over taping compound or All-purpose compound.
- All-Purpose Compound: – this is a type of jointing compound that fits for all phases of drywall finishing whether from the stage of taping to the final coat, even the texture. Among all jointing compound materials, the all-purpose compound is often the most used as a result of its multi-dimensional function. As multi-functional as it is, it doesn’t possess equal strength and quality as achievable with the combination of taping and topping compounds.
It is however important to note that all drying types of joint compounds must be with a temperature of above 55° degrees Fahrenheit in other to ensure proper drying. How long a jointing compound will take to dry is also a function of temperature, humidity, and airflow.
- Setting Type: – Unlike the drying type jointing compound that depends solely on airflow, humidity or evaporation to dryness, the setting type joint compound is a distinct type of joint material which dries through a chemical reaction and is typically very hard. Aside from the fact that it takes less time to dry, setting type also has excellent bonding capabilities to a variety of surfaces with greater resistance against shrinkage and crack. It is also much harder than regular All-Purpose drywall mud.
Despite the numerous advantages that the use of a setting type has, it is also without its own shortcomings when compared to that of its drying type counterpart. It is relatively harder to sand thereby making it a matter of extra effort in other to arrive at a smooth joint or patch when being used thereby making it a bit more difficult to apply. Also, it is a type that sets up quickly which implies that one should only mix the amount that can be used within a very short time in other to avoid waste.
- Special Type Jointing Mortar: – when walls are built for special purposes such as firewalls (meant to resist the spread of fire), the use of a special type joint compound is also a necessary factor to consider in other to enhance the purpose for which such walls are built. It is mostly with reduced dust formulas which cause the dust particles to clump together thereby falling out of the air sooner than regular formulas by reducing airborne dust. Moisture and mold resistant formulas are also special type joint compounds available.
Why We Use
To a layman, a construction work starts and ends with setting and plastering of walls. At times, men often wonder how a previously haggard looking structure is transformed into a blemish free smooth texture. This is one reason why the use of jointing compound is essential in the realization of a near perfect structure with a smooth and unblemished painting.
The various types earlier identified all seek to enhance structures in the following ways: –
- Patches and Repairs: – the powdered setting type joint compound is one specifically designed to enhance a quick repair of structures as it avails one the opportunity to patch and even paint on the same day.
- Finishing Touches for Entire Room: – for unprofessional usage, the drying type joint compound is the recommended jointing compound to be used while a professional finisher could employ the fast drying setting type. They are also mostly used to employ finishing touches to repair works either in rooms or offices. Such finishes include fasteners, damage, drywall tape, holes, bumps, tears, and other minor damage.
- Texturing: – this is another important function to perform in the realization of a good looking home. When a large area within the home is in need of texturing, the All-Purpose drywall mud is most preferable as it dries slowly, much easier to work with and require less of professionalism.
As important as it is to know the different types of jointing compound available, it is more important to know which best fits for any given task required at any point in time. While this material might have provided with the basic information required in other to determine the type that best fit for a particular task at hand, getting expert advice from authorized easy joint jointing stockists can also be another wise way towards ensuring that the most informed decision is made. What is the best jointing compound to use, the answer to that question is either of the following rompox or jointex or easy joint.
Please do contact us for any further information required.