Mike Dobony wrote:
"Laurie" wrote in message
news:JnPhi.2254$7k7.395@trnddc01...
Mike Dobony wrote:
"Laurie" wrote:

snipped intro

Q1 - there are some cracks over the doorways: must that drywall be
cut out and replaced or is there anything effective that will work
on approx 8" long 1/8 - 1/16" crack between the doorframe and crown
molding? I used some flexible rubbery like spray coating several
years ago to finish cracks along a window on a P&B house I sold,
but I never saw if it held or not...


I am assuming these cracks are in the corners of the door opening
and not in the middle. If this is the case the drywall was hung
improperly and the hangers put a butt joint at or very close to the
corner instead of breaking in the middle or preferrably away from
the door (a full sheet across the opening with no joint near or
over the door). If this is the case the rubbery coating you used
might work. The preferred method is to put a single sheet of
drywall all the way across the door opening and up to at least the next
stud away from
the door.

I didn't know that - in the past it's all been corner cracks at
windows and doors, but this one goes right up the middle. It looks
like it was a decent sized one that was plastered over when they
smoothed the wall to wallpaper - and the top layer of the new
plaster pulled away - but it doesn't go all the way through now.
I'll try it the easy way and if it doesn't hold pay someone to do it
right. :-)

I talked to my boss about this, the long time pro. He suggest you
make sure the joint is well nailed as it is likely only nailed at the
top and bottom. You want a minimum of on nail per side in the middle
of the butt joint, preferrably 2 or even 3 if you are having
problems. Another possibility is that there is no header, must
stringers running from the door to the ceiling.

Thanks for the extra info Mike - I've been out of town and am just back -
and getting ready to tackle this project head on. There are some other
"interesting" creases in the wallpaper where there's SOMETHING going on
beneath it - either a new crack or more imperfect repairs. Everything you've
told me will come in handy - I learn how much I don't know every day!!

Thanks again - Laurie