FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Drywall repair

resmreu | Posted in Construction Techniques on August 21, 2008 07:44am

I live in a house built on slab which has had considerable movement.  I’ve spent $15K on piers!  My problem it still keeps moving & cracks are showing up where there were none before.  <!—-><!—-> <!—->

  <!—-><!—->

The problem is caused by the Black Gumbo which expands when wet & shrinks when dry.  The piers supported the outside wall but I didn’t want to mess up the inside by drilling piers inside.  As a consequence the perimeter stays put while the center moves causing the new cracks.  My question is what would be the best material to fill the cracks.  If I use spackling compound it will still crack or open up as the slab moves.  If I use a external Caulk it is not supposed to harden and will move as the crack closes but will it expand as the crack opens?  <!—-><!—->

  <!—-><!—->

The next is to use a Marine caulk with has adhesive properties but I don’t think it will adhere very well to the drywall. <!—-><!—->

  <!—-><!—->

The bottom line is to put fiberglass tape over the crack.  With 1/8″ cracks will the fiberglass hold up?<!—-> <!—->

  <!—-><!—->

Add to this some walls are papered & others are painted and stippled & I will have a hard time matching the stipple. <!—-><!—->

  <!—-><!—->

I’m sure many others have has a similar problem.  Does anyone have any ideas???<!—-><!—->

  <!—-><!—->

Ed Wuermser<!—-><!—->

[email protected]<!—-><!—->

972/234/2290 <!—-><!—->

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    BillHartmann | Aug 21, 2008 07:59pm | #1

    I see that you are in texas.

    In some parts of Texas I they use soaker hose or other ways to irrigate the foundation so that the dirt keeps a constant moisture level.

    For "ordinary" cracks such as in a corner or ceiling line I use painter caulk when I paint them.

    serious cracks get paper tape and mud. but I am dealing with settling cracks and they only move slightly over the year.

    .
    .
    A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
  2. User avater
    Dreamcatcher | Aug 21, 2008 08:10pm | #2

    Resmreu,

    I am sorry, I don't have a good solution besides telling you to get a new house.

    1/8" cracks are large and denote a very serious problem with your foundation that could turn dangerous as connections weaken due to the extensive movement over time. As you have already found out, retrofitting a repair to a foundation is very expensive. Even if you could retrofit piers on the interior, I doubt they would completely remedy the situation. The truth is, what you call "black gumbo" should have probably never been built on or at least should have been carefully designed and engineered.

    I did a house many years back that was built on a piece of property deemed "unbuildable" really just a marsh but the last property on a very desirable lake. The owner architect decided to build off the ground on piers. That was 15 years ago and the house is as level and square as ever.

    Again, sorry to say I would just start over. Lumber is cheap, a lot can be salvaged and reused, you can still use the piers you had installed along with the new ones, and you will have a safer, better, brand newish house in the end.

  3. sisyphus | Aug 21, 2008 11:41pm | #3

    I had a similar problem where an addition met an existing house. The foundations moved independently. We covered the cracks with trim fastened on one side only.

  4. arcflash | Aug 22, 2008 04:14am | #4

    No repair will last until you solve what is causing the movement. All soil expands and contracts, some kinds more than others. But building material, concrete included, has built in tolerances. Sounds to me like you have a grade issue. Does the soil slope towards the slab?

    1. resmreu | Aug 22, 2008 07:38am | #5

      my slab is 4ft above my neighbor. the black gumbo expands when wet & contracts when dry.  If I don't water the foundation, there will be a 1/2" space between the foundation & soil.

      by putting in the piers i just compounded the problem.  the perimeter stays put while the center moves.  Everyone has a problem with slabs in this area.

      I think i'll just fill the crack w/a caulk that stays flexible & leave it at that.  Where there is wall paper is a different story.

      thanks for the reply,

       

      Ed

      1. Jim_Allen | Aug 22, 2008 12:24pm | #6

        Can you figure a way to water the interior too?

        1. resmreu | Aug 22, 2008 06:57pm | #7

          good idea.

           

          Thanks,

          Ed

        2. User avater
          BillHartmann | Aug 22, 2008 07:02pm | #8

          waterproof the walls.Then make it into a pool.Seriously. I would think that if the exterior ground around the house was kept at constant moisture after a while the ground under the slab in the midle would reach a steady state moisture level and thus stop changing..
          .
          A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

          1. Jim_Allen | Aug 22, 2008 07:26pm | #9

            Bill, I don't know. I'm in an area where foundations differ from one lot to the next. All I can do is let the engineer spec it and follow the specs to the letter, then let him inspect it and sign off on it.

  5. husbandman | Aug 22, 2008 08:22pm | #10

    Cover it with t&g.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

A Practical Perfect Wall

Getting the details right for a wall assembly with the control layers to the exterior and lots of drying potential.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 695: Saving Bricks, Cut-and-Cobble Insulation, and Waterproofing Foundations
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Waterproofing Below-Grade Foundation Walls
  • Midcentury Home for a Modern Family
  • The New Old Colonial

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 333 - August/September 2025
    • A Practical Perfect Wall
    • Landscape Lighting Essentials
    • Repairing a Modern Window Sash
  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data