What is going on with my walls?

[TheFlashGuy]

Hi, I'm new to this forum hope someone can help!

In the corners and along the door frames of the walls in my apartment there are strips of stiff card that have been painted over ( I presume to give a smooth finish to the corners? ) but recently they have started peeling away from the walls and I've no idea what to do!

I brought someone in to take a look but they said they'd never seen anything like this before, does anyone here know a) what the card is for b) what to do about it peeling away?

I don't know if I should try and glue it down or just paint over it, heck I haven't a clue what to do about it.. does anyone here know?

 

[joe-90]

A photo would help.

 

[ajrobb]

If it is a modern build/conversion with dry lining walls, then this might be joint tape. I would describe it as thick paper rather than cardboard though. This is usually laid over a fresh layer of Easi-fill to cover joints. Another layer of Easi-fill is applied over the top and sanded down to give a smooth surface.

It sounds like maybe the job wasn't done right. I think it is a pretty standard job for a plasterer to replace failed joint tape. If the building is still under guarantee, I'd look into claiming for the rectification.

You could try just sticking it down with PVA glue before redecorating. You can always replace them later if that doesn't work.

 

[roughcaster]

If it is a modern build/conversion with dry lining walls, then this might be joint tape. I would describe it as thick paper rather than cardboard though. This is usually laid over a fresh layer of Easi-fill to cover joints. Another layer of Easi-fill is applied over the top and sanded down to give a smooth surface.

It sounds like the job wasn't done right. I think it is a pretty standard job for a plasterer to replace failed joint tape.

I'd agree,, sounds like a classic case of paper tapes coming away from the corners etc. Better to get them replaced, because they wont stick back down very successfully.

 

[TheFlashGuy]

Thanks for the help so far!

I've taken some pics to highlight the problem.

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• TheFlashGuy
• 5 Sep 2010
• 1

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• TheFlashGuy
• 5 Sep 2010
• 1

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• TheFlashGuy
• 5 Sep 2010
• 1

I guess there is no quick fix here?

 

[TheDec]

I think it would be best to replace those tapes, if you don't mind me asking, in the center pic there appears to be mould growth under and above of the cove.

If this is so it would indicate the ingress of water, or extreme condensation. If so this could be the cause in relation to the lifting of the tapes.

Dec.

 

[TheFlashGuy]

I think it would be best to replace those tapes, if you don't mind me asking, in the center pic there appears to be mould growth under and above of the cove.

If this is so it would indicate the ingress of water, or extreme condensation. If so this could be the cause in relation to the lifting of the tapes.

Dec.

Thanks Dec, yes that picture was taken inside the utility room, the boiler had a severe problem and filled the apartment with steam a couple of years ago. I agree that this is probably the cause of the tape lifting and peeling.

This is happening in every room of the apartment ( living room, bedroom, hallway, kitchen, utility room and bathroom ).

Any ideas what this could cost me?

 

[TheDec]

I can't say regarding the tapes its not my field and I would'nt presume in a mere guess. With regard to the decorating if you address this yourself it should'nt be to costly.

If you suffer from heavy condensation this type of problem will re-occur, you should try an increase the ventilation.

Before you consider a re-dec you will need to treat those areas of mould with an anti fungicidal wash prior to any paint application.

Dec.