Can Spackle Go Bad? Drywall Joint Compound Lifespan

There are different types of drywall joint compound available now and none of them lasts forever.

Spackle does go bad. But it is hard to guess the exact lifetime of spackle for various determining factors like air, water, mold, etc.

In this post, we will discuss the factors behind bad spackle and other drywall joint compounds.

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1. Air

Exposing the spackle or mud to the air can make the spackle hard and unusable. If you leave a container of joint compound in the open air, you will see the product is not as it should be.

It will be dried up completely. There are some instances, where you will find the bottom layer of the compound usable but it will lose a bit of its strength.

So, if you want to protect your spackle or mud from going bad even before applying them, we recommend you not to open the jar before the application time.

When you do not need the whole container, move the amount you need to a spare jar and seal the main container. Following this will prevent you from spending money every time you need a small amount of drywall joint compound.

2. Water

Water is the enemy of spackle. Though modern spackles come with water-resistant technology, protecting the product from the water will increase the lifespan of the drywall compound.

When the spackle is in a container, you must protect it from water. No matter whether it is water-resistant or not.

Read Our Take on The Best Water Hammer Arrestor!

Dried spackle having water resistance can survive after getting in touch with water. But the less you pour water on drywall spackle, the better.

Water-resistance is achieved by using a certain type of chemical. Continuous flow of water on the wall can demolish that coating resulted in quick damage to the spackle.

3. Mold Growth

Mold growth is another factor that is liable for damaged spackle. Spackle used in the kitchen and washroom is prone to mold growth as these surfaces remain moisture.

Moldy spackle will not last long. To protect your spackle from being damaged within a few years, we recommend you to choose a mold-resistant spackle.

Spackle can be damaged for mold growth in the caulk also. When the spackle is mold-resistant but the caulk is not. The caulk may be caught with mold and damage the spackle on the side of that moldy caulk.

So, when you pick materials for your home. Make sure all the material you use on the surface comes with the same strength and structural integrity. Ensuring these will relieve you from stress each year for moldy surfaces in the home.

Understanding the Bad Spackle

Now that you know what causes the spackle to go bad, we should discuss about the signs and symptoms for a bad spackle so that you can prepare for reapplication of the compound.

These are the symptoms of damaged or bad spackle-

The color of the spackle has changed or color shed is not consistent on the surface.
Bad odor coming up from the surface. (Most of the time it smells like chemical.)
Spackle is coming out of the surface.

Final Words

Drywall joint compound is a chemically made product that is widely used in all our homes. Though it does not go bad in a few months, you have to take care of it for a long lifespan.

Perfectly cared spackle or drywall mud can protect your wall for decades.

So, ensure that you follow all the necessary steps to protect the strength and integrity of the product.