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You should stagger drywall sheets to help prevent cracking. The joints between drywall sheets are the weak spots, so if you install drywall with seams aligned, you’ll create weak lines that run across the length of the wall and extend from floor to ceiling. But when you stagger drywall, the solid sections of panels will support the joints. This can prevent seams from cracking or separating due to fluctuating temperature and humidity, vibrations from movement inside the home, and gravity.

A common cause of separation between a wall and the ceiling is truss lift—this can happen to the ceiling of rooms directly under the attic when the seasons change and wood building materials dry out, shrink, and shift. Roof trusses often dry out at different speeds, and if the bottom pieces dry out faster than the top pieces, they can shrink and pull the attached drywall away from ceilings and walls, causing cracks. Fortunately, truss lift is only a cosmetic problem, not a structural problem, and you can fix it by separating the ceiling drywall from the roof trusses, and patching the cracks.

Drywall can get wet and dry out without sustaining permanent damage, but only if the water damage is minor. If you have a small leak and are quick to correct the issue and set up blower fans and dehumidifiers, your drywall should dry out. If the leak is persistent, the drywall becomes totally waterlogged, or mold begins forming on the drywall, you should remove and replace it.

You should wait at least 24 hours for drywall mud to dry before sanding or applying another coat. However, the exact drying time depends on several factors, including the thickness of the application, room temperature, humidity, and the type of compound used. Thicker layers, or projects in high humidity, may require 48 hours or more. Lightweight compounds tend to dry faster than heavier, all-purpose ones. You'll know the mud is ready when it feels completely dry and firm to the touch and has changed to a consistent light color. Sanding too early can cause smudging or gouges, so patience is essential for a smooth finish.