Avoiding cracks
STEPHEN SHEEHY
| Posted in General Questions on
We’re in the early design stage for a new house in Maine, zone 6. What can we do to avoid the cracks in plaster and screw heads showing through the plaster skim coat? Using dry construction lumber should help, but would leaving the framing open for a while help or hurt?
Heidi’ s recent experience with moisture in her walls in Vermont has me especially concerned.
We haven’t gotten to the point where we’re deciding on how to frame the walls, but any advice on heading off the problem will be appreciated.
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Replies
Stephen,
1. Dry lumber is better than green lumber.
2. Advanced framing is better than framing with redundant framing material.
3. Drywall clips at corners are better than screwing to studs at corners.
4. Follow methods recommended for avoiding truss uplift cracks.
For more information, see:
Stopping Nail Pops
Truss Uplift Causes & Cures