My contractor wants to use caulk, rather than tape and Spackle, to finish the inside corners of sheet rock he has just hung in my house. He says it will save time and that I will never know the difference. I have never heard of this. Is it an acceptable practice? Thanks.

NO

Unless the joints are so clean as to not need any filling.

No way would a reputable drywall contractor do this,taping is the only way to ensure a closed corner.

Make him finish like a professional,or find someone who knows this trade to do it for you.

KBC

No way, he is a clown, get rid of him

Hey sskwire...

Like these guys have suggested... this is a bad practice for new work.

On old work, say filling a crack that has developed over time, we use caulking plenty often to fill the void and then once dried will paint as needed... makes for super nice finish job.

For new work..this is a poor practice! He is simply trying NOT to tape the corners and blend!

I would not accept this!

MARK

Basically he is just trying to get out of doing any additional work. You will definetely notice the difference and so will anyone who comes into your home. If you paid him to hang and finish the drywall he needs to do it the right way.

Aaron

The caulk will not adhere to the gypsum. However, if he used 'J' channels on the long vertical edges of the 2 sheets that meet in the corner AND if he spaced the sheets apart so that the caulking has a good 'purchase' AND if used backer rod so that he had a properly designed caulk joint with the required two sided adhesion then it MIGHT work just fine. It may not look so great but it should provide a stable and relatively airtight corner.

Good Luck!

I don't feel that the technique is wrong at all... Ive done both... depending on how straight, plumb and square the sheets have been hung... Ya traditional tape and mud on seems is always accepted being the method for quite some time... but with well percision seam work.. caulking corners works very well.. alows movement where tape and mud will crack, giving the condition... I use both methods depending on self judged conditions.structure strength, moisture, etc... now someone who does only drywall work for a living unlike a handyman... will suggest ONLY tape and mud method because when making a bid on a job he wants someone else to us the same method... for estimate sake... mud and tape takes longer... more hours... more work... more moneys... larger estimate... its OK to be inovative as long as you stand behind your work... No bias... Like both methods... there both fine...

Hi Askmejoemac...


Sskwire's original question asked if caulking corners on newly installed sheetrock was an "acceptable practice". It is not an accepted standard anywhere that I know of... ;)

I certainly agree, however, that in remodeling work this technique is valuable to both the homeowner and the tradesman!

Thanks...

Mark

Hi mass I'm laughing.. You jumped on an old thread that Askme reactivated... So easy to do especially when its slow...

YUP... just wanted to add my two cents in JUST IN CASE someone else reads this in the future... HUH?

Have a great day!

Mark

Your builder is trying to save a buck have the job taped by a good drywaller to get it done correct

What type of caulking did you use?

Hi Richie T

Welcome to AMHD.

U are on a post that is 2 yrs old. If u want an answer from the most people, make a new post.

Chuck