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Strait-Flex® X-Crack

Framing Alignment

Eliminates ceiling cracks and straightens uneven framing.

Application(s): Drywall

X-Crack’s rigid design, hinged backbone, and flexible tab design will straighten all uneven framing members. This pre-straightening of sub-structure will eliminate the need of all pre-filling due to irregularities of framing members. It makes easy work of intricate ceiling applications that have no backing.

  • Eliminates ceiling cracks and straightens uneven framing
  • Drywall ceiling areas that use wood roof trusses or conventional wood framing members
  • Intricate ceiling applications, such as tee-pee ceilings in octagon rooms and butterfly vaults
  • Areas where framing members are out of alignment
  • Ceiling areas where drywall is not properly supported
  • Ceiling areas where movement may occur
  • Galvanized steel construction for long-life

 

Product Data & Ordering Information

Product code Item Size Case Pack Case Weight Cases/Pallet
X-R 4-1/4" x 10' 10pc. 10' long,  100lf 21lbs 24 or 48

 

Installation Requirements to Eliminate Potential For Cracks

Adjust X-Crack to desired angle and use drywall screws to fasten it to ceiling framing members. Install drywall over X-Crack using fine or coarse threaded screws – be sure screws only penetrate drywall and X-Crack but miss trusses or ceiling joists by 2 to 4 inches. You must install the last screws in the field 10 to 12 inches away from X-Crack to allow for lumber movement. By missing the framing members and fastening drywall boards only to X-Crack; finished inside corners will not move or crack. Use Strait-Flex Mid-Flex250 or Mid-Flex300 flexible corner trim to complete installation.

NO SCREW SHOULD PENETRATE ALL THREE MATERIALS
(Drywall - X-Crack - Framing Members)

Installation

  • Fasten X-Crack to ceiling trusses or conventional framing members before drywall installation.
  • (1) Adjust X-Crack to angle of corner. For inside corners, surface of PVC hinge faces framing members. For outside corners, surface of PVC hinge faces out.
  • (2) Using drywall screws, first fasten X-Crack at end of lengths. Align center and fasten to framing members. Overlap X-Crack approximately one inch at joints.

Let X-Crack float over irregular framing members to create a straight line. Six screws per length is all that is required to hold X-Crack in place. The last screws in the field secures drywall to ceiling - and the screws through drywall into body of X-Crack secures inside corners. Install drywall over X-Crack with fine or coarse drywall screws.

  • (3) Be sure the drywall screws penetrate the X-Crack product but miss the truss or ceiling joist by 2 to 4 inches.  
  • (4) The last screw in the field should be 10 to 12 inches away from  X-Crack.  This allows ceiling members to move independently of drywall joint.
  • Use Strait-Flex Mid-Flex250 or Mid-Flex300 drywall tape to finish the application.

X-Crack’s patented hinge and flexible tab design holds drywall joints stationary while structural framing members are allowed to move independently of the drywall.

  • (5) Causes for this movement may be due to lumber shrinkage, snow or wind loads, expansive soil, and truss uplift.
  • (6) Screws that secure X-Crack to ceiling member Penetrates: X-Crack, Framing Member
  • (7) Screws that secure drywall to X-Crack
    Penetrates: Drywall , X-Crack
  • (8) Last screws in field
    Penetrates: Drywall, Framing Member
Architectural Specs AIA / CEU SustainabilityPRO

Documents

Code Approvals & Performance Standards

  • ASTM C1047 Standard Specification for Accessories for Gypsum Wallboard and Gypsum Veneer Base
 

Product Submittal Sheets

Click the below Product Code to view Submittal/Tech Datasheet.

Product Code Description
X-R Strait-Flex X-Crack

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