Joint tape is used as part of a drywall installation. It's applied along the seams of two adjacent drywall sheets. The reason is mainly to seal the small gap created by the seam and create a smooth, even wall surface ready to be painted. Traditionally, joint tape was made of adhesive and paper, but new innovations include fiberglass tape made of a mesh of fiberglass and adhesive.
The Facts
Joint tape is applied along the seams of two sheets of drywall to seal the wall and create a smooth surface. It is usually adhesive-backed and covered with joint compound, which is applied with a trowel to completely seal the seam. Few drywall hangers use joint tape. Most simply hang the drywall and seal it with joint compound, which forms a better seal.
Benefits
Joint tape creates a stronger bond between the two sheets of drywall in case they're damaged by the elements. If water seeps in through the ceiling and lays atop the drywall, it can weaken it and cause the screws to slip through. With joint tape, the seams may hold together.
Features
Joint tape is made from a piece of heavyweight paper created from a combination of wood pulp and, possibly, fibers. The tape can also be woven from fiberglass threads in a very large loop mesh, or combination material (Fibatape). An adhesive backing is applied to the paper, or the mesh, and the entire sheet is cut into thin sections of tape, then rolled onto spools. A piece of plastic backing is then applied to the adhesive. When the backing is removed, the tape sticks to the drywall seam, covering the small gap.
Identification
There are two types of joint tape sold today, including paper and fiberglass. Each is effective; however, fiberglass tape has far more tensile strength. It is not as sticky as paper joint tape, however, because it is made of mesh, and there is not enough surface area for the adhesive to stick to. The mesh is designed to hold the drywall compound; however, it often shows through and requires more compound to be applied. Fibatape is a hybrid of the two, designed to solve this problem. The other type of joint tape is a veneer plastic tape that is very sticky and flexible.
Risk Factors
Most people do not use joint tape because they do not feel it is necessary. The drywall is being screwed to the wall, and the mud or joint compound provides enough of a cover-up for the seams to create a smooth surface. You do run the risk of having your drywall collapse under a substantial amount of weight if you don't use tape. Professionals use tape because it helps to create a smoother joint and, if applied correctly, makes the finishing process much easier.
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