How to repair corner joints in window drywall returns

Question

I am doing some minor drywall repairs throughout my home and am uncertain how to properly finish the inside corners of the drywall returns. After 45 years in quake country, these joints are cracked in every window. In the attached image, I have scraped away loose joint compound to reveal the corner bead. To prevent re-cracking for as long as possible, would it be best to tape this joint, caulk it, or simply recoat with mud and pray?
Thanks for your time!

isherwood · Accepted Answer

This is one of those rare cases where I'd use fiberglass mesh tape, and I'd also use setting-type compound like Easy Sand 45. Together they'll make about as strong a joint as you can get with conventional drywall materials.
First clean away any loose material down to bare metal/paper (if possible). Give the new compound a fighting chance of a good grab.

DMoore · Answer

I have two things for you...
First if you have corners cracking:

I take out as much of the old mud as possible, scraping down to corner tape/metal.

Put a thick bead of caulk in the corner make sure it has smooth edges.

Joint compound over it.   Works 80-90% of the time.

Second if you have a mess of issues like your picture:

I would scrape back more of the corner area.

Hit the whole seam area - in and out - with caulk.

Then I would use something more flexible like - Elastopatch.   Note that the link is an example.  I have used it.   It works, does not dry super hard.   There are a wide range of options here including Plaster of Paris (which I think takes more skill/practice using.)

I would finish off with a thin coat of joint compound so that the texture matches (this is something you may notice even after painting).

Third for the stubborn wall cracks:

If I have a wall crack - especially ceiling - that just keeps coming back the first thing I do is notch out a "V" and make the crack bigger.   The small point of the "V" should be about 1/8".

Then I go over with a bead (thick) of caulk to cover up the 1/8" gap.

Then I hit it with caulk again to fill up most of the "V".

Put a piece of mesh tape over it and mud/sand as normal.

How to repair corner joints in window drywall returns

2 Answers

First if you have corners cracking:

Second if you have a mess of issues like your picture:

Third for the stubborn wall cracks:

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