Why so Many Problems with Gypsum Board Finishing?
Over the years, I’ve had many discussions and problems with the quality of gypsum board joints. Often a wall looks good with the gypsum board hung and the 3 coats of joint compound applied, sanded and wet sponged. Later in the construction project, that wall will look poor with a semi-gloss paint and direct lighting which illuminates all the imperfections. When standing with an Owner, looking at a finished wall and clearly seeing all the joint locations, it’s difficult to defend the quality of the work. Here are a few things I’ve learned: • Discuss how the gypsum board will be hung prior to the Drywall Contractor even stocking the job, agree on where the challenging areas will be for quality control. • A window at the end of a long corridor or lights near the edge of the ceiling that wash down over the wall both highly accent any drywall finishing joints. So if you can’t avoid those light conditions, make the Drywall Finisher aware of how the lighting will occur. Also, make the Owner a
