While exterior drywall is usually thoroughly protected by the siding of a house, it is still exposed to many of the same elements that the siding itself is exposed to. After long periods of time, the exterior drywall will eventually begin to wear down and crack. In order to protect the rest of the wall, you must patch the area and prevent any additional moisture from entering in through the crack.
Instructions
1. Remove areas of siding that show signs of mold or mildew as it can mean that the drywall beneath it is cracked. Areas with cracks in the drywall absorb water and cause the development of mold or mildew. Mold and mildew are characterized by a series of black or green dots in a concentrated area. To remove the siding, use a pry bar to force the piece out of place and off of the exterior of the house.
2. Use a rag to clean the area in and around the crack to remove any loose materials or dirt/grit that may be present in the area. Apply a bleach solution to the area if there is any mold or mildew present, using an additional rag. The bleach solution will kill any bacteria on the wall.
3. Apply exterior joint compound to the putty knife and use the knife to pack the material into the cracks in the drywall. Deeper cracks will require more compound, so adjust the amount of joint compound that you put onto the putty knife according to the crack. Continue applying joint compound until the material is even with the rest of the wall. Use the face of the putty knife to smooth out the compound so that it blends in with the rest of the wall.
4. Allow approximately 30 to 45 minutes for the joint compound to dry. Once the compound has dried, use a fine piece of sandpaper and gently rub away any impurities that may exist on the surface. Reapply the siding by hammering in whatever nails originally held it in place. If the nails are rusted or worn, replace the nails with new ones of the same size.
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