Gypsum Association releases updates to wallboard repair standards

The Gypsum Association released updates to both GA-221 Repair of Joint Ridging and GA-222 Repairing Screw or Nail Pops standards publications. Each set of recommendations clarifies best practices associated with common wallboard repairs.

Joint ridging, or beading, is a uniform, fine linear deformation that occurs at the joints of finished and decorated gypsum panel products. Compression at the edges or ends of the panels due to extreme fluctuations of temperature and humidity is the most common cause of ridging; however, misaligned framing can also contribute to the problem. The Gypsum Association recommends waiting until a new structure has experienced at least one complete heating/cooling cycle before making repairs.

Fastener popping occurs most commonly from lumber shrinkage due to initially high moisture content in newly constructed wood framing. Overly long fastener length contributes to the problem. While fastener popping that appears before or during finishing and decoration should be repaired immediately; popping that occurs a month or more into the heating season should wait for repair until the season’s end.

In the case of fastener popping, the secure reattachment of the gypsum panel product to the framing is essential. All new screws or nails should be of the proper length. Key to the repair methods outlined in both GA-221-14 and GA-222-14 is careful sanding and treatment with joint compound as well as observing recommended drying times prior to redecoration.

(https://www.gypsum.org/2014/07/just-released-updated-recommendations-for-gypsum-panel-product-repairs/)