Jointing & Scrim Tapes
Reinforcing Joints Before They're Covered
Jointing and scrim tape is used to reinforce and seal joints in plasterboard, insulation board, and sheet materials before they're finished, plastered, or covered. The open weave or mesh structure allows filler or jointing compound to key into it properly, preventing cracks from telegraphing through the finished surface later, which is the main reason it's used rather than skipped on drylining work.
Common Applications
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Plasterboard joint reinforcement
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Insulation board joint sealing
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Drylining and partition wall construction
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Sealing joints before skimming or filling
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Reinforcing corners and junctions prone to movement
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Repairing cracks in existing plaster or board surfaces
What to Look For
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Mesh or scrim density, which affects how well filler bonds and keys in
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Adhesive backing quality on self-adhesive versions
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Compatibility with the specific board or substrate material
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Tape width relative to the joint width being covered
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Fibreglass versus paper construction, depending on finish requirements
Why It's Worth Getting Right
Skipping scrim tape, or using a low-density mesh on a joint prone to movement, is a common cause of hairline cracks appearing months after finishing work is completed. The small extra cost and time upfront is far cheaper than a callback to fix cracked plaster later.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is scrim tape necessary on all plasterboard joints?
It's strongly recommended on most joints, particularly those prone to movement, since it significantly reduces the risk of cracking once the wall is finished and decorated. - What's the difference between paper tape and mesh scrim tape?
Paper tape is bedded into the joint with compound, giving a very flat finish, while self-adhesive mesh scrim is quicker to apply, though it can be slightly less flat. - Can jointing tape be used on insulation boards as well as plasterboard?
Yes, many scrim tapes suit both, though it's worth checking the product is specifically rated for the board material being used before ordering.