If you’ve ever noticed cracks forming along drywall joints or seams splitting on ceilings, it’s often a sign that the taping wasn’t done correctly.
As buildings settle and temperature changes cause slight shifts, drywall expands and contracts. Without proper taping, these natural movements can lead to visible cracks, weak spots, and long-term damage.
But how does taping actually strengthen drywall? In this article, we’ll break down how proper taping reinforces drywall, prevents structural issues, and ensures your walls remain durable for years to come.
What Is Drywall Taping?
Before talking about how taping enhances the structural integrity of a drywall, it’s necessary to understand what drywall taping actually is.
Basically drywall taping is the process of reinforcing the seams between drywall sheets to create a strong, seamless surface. When drywall is installed, the seams between panels become weak points that can crack over time. Taping bridges these gaps, reinforcing the wall structure and ensuring a smooth finish.
Taping Calgary involves several key steps, including:
Applying Joint Compound (Mud) – A thin layer of joint compound is spread over the seam.
Embedding Drywall Tape – Paper or mesh tape is pressed into the wet compound to reinforce the seam.
Adding Additional Layers of Compound – More layers of joint compound are applied to smooth and blend the taped seam with the wall.
Sanding and Finishing – Once dried, the surface is sanded for a smooth, paint-ready finish.
Without proper taping, drywall remains structurally weak at the joints, leading to cracks, shifting, and premature wall damage.
The Role of Taping in Drywall Strength
Drywall sheets are attached to framing using screws, but they do not naturally bond together at the seams. This leaves gaps between sheets that, if left unsealed, make the wall susceptible to cracking, shifting, and failure.
Here’s how taping strengthens a drywall:
Bridges Gaps Between Drywall Sheets – Taping unifies individual panels into a single, solid surface.
Prevents Cracks and Weak Points – Without tape, seams remain vulnerable to damage.
Distributes Stress from Structural Movement – Taped seams absorb movement, reducing the likelihood of cracks.
Creates a Foundation for a Durable Finish – Proper taping ensures a smooth, professional appearance that lasts.
Skipping or incorrectly applying tape results in weak, unstable joints that make the entire drywall structure less durable.
What Happens When Drywall Isn’t Properly Taped?
Poor or missing taping doesn’t just affect the appearance of drywall, it leads to long-term structural issues. Even if a poorly taped wall looks fine initially, problems can arise within months.
Usually, these problems arise when improper taping practices are used:
Cracks Along Seams – The most common issue, occurring as drywall shifts.
Unstable Joints – Without tape, the seams remain separate, weakening the overall structure.
Peeling or Bubbling Tape – Poor adhesion or improper application leads to loose or visible tape.
Rough, Uneven Surfaces – Poor taping becomes highly noticeable once walls are painted.
Once cracks start forming, they often spread, leading to extensive damage and costly repairs.
How Taping Helps Drywall Handle Structural Shifts
Every building experiences subtle shifts due to factors such as:
- Temperature fluctuations
- Humidity changes
- Natural settling of the foundation
- Vibrations from movement and activities
Even small movements put stress on drywall joints. If seams aren’t reinforced with tape, they can separate, weaken, or crack over time.
But if taping is properly done, it can prevent structural damage, and here’s how:
Absorbs Expansion and Contraction – Proper taping allows drywall to move slightly without cracking.
Strengthens Wall Structure – Taped seams keep drywall panels tightly bonded, preventing separation.
Protects Against Moisture Damage – Sealed seams reduce moisture penetration, preventing mold and warping.
Minimizes Long-Term Maintenance – Properly taped drywall lasts longer, reducing repair costs over time.
Skipping taping or applying it improperly increases the likelihood of drywall failure over time.
Choosing the Right Type of Drywall Tape
There are two main types of drywall tape, each with advantages and disadvantages.
Paper Tape: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Stronger and more durable than mesh tape. Provides a firm bond that holds up well over time, making it ideal for long-term structural integrity. | Requires more skill to apply correctly. Needs precise application to avoid bubbles, wrinkles, or poor adhesion. |
| Better for inside corners. Folds easily along its center crease, making it the best choice for achieving sharp, clean inside corners. | Must be embedded with a joint compound. Unlike mesh tape, it does not have adhesive backing and must be fully embedded into the joint compound for proper adhesion. |
| Less prone to stretching or tearing. Its paper material maintains shape better, reducing the chances of gaps or joint failures over time. | Can be more time-consuming.Requires multiple layers of joint compound and careful feathering for a seamless finish. |
Mesh Tape (Fiberglass): Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Self-adhesive, making it easier for DIYers. Has a sticky backing that allows for quick and straightforward application without the need for an initial layer of joint compound. | Not as strong as paper tape, requiring more layers of mud. Less rigid than paper tape, which means it often requires more layers of joint compound for proper reinforcement. |
| More resistant to moisture, ideal for bathrooms and basements. The fiberglass material resists mold and mildew, making it a preferred choice in high-humidity areas. | Can be prone to cracking in high-stress areas. Since it is not as strong as paper tape, it may develop cracks if not properly reinforced with enough joint compound. |
| Works well with quick-drying joint compounds. Ideal for projects where faster drying time is preferred, reducing the overall taping and finishing time. | Not suitable for inside corners. Unlike paper tape, mesh tape lacks a foldable crease, making it difficult to use effectively in corner joints. |
Choosing the right tape depends on one thing: your project.
DIY vs. Professional Drywall Taping: Which Is the Better Choice?
Taping Calgary may seem like a simple task, but it requires precision and skill to ensure a smooth, durable finish. While many homeowners attempt to do it themselves, small mistakes can lead to long-term issues such as cracks, uneven surfaces, and weak joints. Understanding the common pitfalls of DIY taping and the benefits of professional work can help you make the right decision for your project.
Common Mistakes in DIY Drywall Taping
Many DIYers underestimate the complexity of drywall taping. Here are the most frequent errors that lead to poor results:
Applying Too Much or Too Little Joint Compound – Insufficient compound results in weak adhesion, while excessive application creates thick, uneven seams that require extensive sanding.
Improper Tape Embedding – Air bubbles, wrinkles, or loose edges prevent the tape from properly reinforcing the joint, leading to cracks over time.
Skipping Sanding Between Coats – Neglecting this step results in rough, bumpy surfaces that become even more noticeable after painting.
Rushing the Drying Process – Adding new layers before the previous one has fully dried weakens the joint, making it prone to future damage.
Why Professional Drywall Taping Is Worth It
Hiring a professional ensures a high-quality finish that stands the test of time. Here’s why professional taping is the better choice:
Flawless, Seamless Results – Experts apply joint compound evenly, eliminating visible seams and imperfections.
Stronger and More Durable Finish – Proper taping techniques prevent peeling, cracking, and weak joints, ensuring the drywall remains intact for years.
Correct Drying and Sanding Process – Professionals follow the correct steps, allowing each layer to dry completely and sanding it down for a smooth, polished surface.
Saves Time and Reduces Future Repairs – While DIY taping may seem cost-effective, mistakes can lead to expensive fixes. A professional job minimizes the need for future maintenance.
While DIY taping is possible, the risk of mistakes makes professional taping a worthwhile investment. For a long-lasting, high-quality finish, hiring a professional is often the best decision.
Final Thoughts – Why Proper Taping Matters
Taping is essential for both durability and structural integrity. Without it, drywall joints remain weak, making them prone to cracks, shifting, and long-term damage. Over time, these issues can compromise the stability of walls and lead to costly repairs.
Proper taping reinforces seams, allowing drywall to withstand natural building shifts caused by settling and temperature changes. It also creates a smooth, even surface for painting or finishing, ensuring a flawless appearance.
For the best results, hiring professionals is highly recommended. Experienced tapers apply joint compound evenly, embed tape correctly, and follow proper drying and sanding techniques to ensure long-lasting, structurally sound walls.
Investing in professional taping not only enhances the appearance of drywall but also prevents future problems, saving time and money in the long run.
