Although the majority of homeowners take pride in maintaining their properties, damage can nonetheless happen. Cracks in the ceiling are a typical problem. Even small fractures might occur as a result of temperature changes or variations in humidity. A cracked ceiling can also be caused by water damage, which usually indicates a more serious issue. Learn how to identify the type of ceiling crack, identify its cause, and address ceiling cracks before they worsen by using this tutorial.
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How to Assess the Degree of Ceiling Crack Severity
Some ceiling cracks are too small for a do-it-yourself project. Examine the ceiling crack to ascertain the extent of the damage before beginning any repairs. The type of crack and the reason for the damage will determine whether or not it is best to hire a professional.
Types of Ceiling Cracks
When determining the cause and extent of the damage, knowing the type of crack might be helpful. There are various sorts of ceiling cracks, such as hairline, straight, discolored, spiderweb, deep, and cracks that run between the ceiling and the wall.
- A do-it-yourselfer can usually fix hairline cracks. Temperature and humidity variations are frequently the source of these little cosmetic fissures. A fresh coat of paint might even be sufficient to repair the fracture, depending on its size.
- Another kind of fracture that is reasonably simple to fix is a straight crack. These fissures, which usually form around the drywall tape’s edge, are caused by shrinking plaster, shoddy construction, or not enough plaster.
- Water damage is frequently the cause of discolored fissures. Although small fractures and discolorations should be manageable for do-it-yourselfers, depending on the extent of the water damage, this may be a task best left to the experts. Before patching the ceiling, it is advised to contact a plumber to identify the cause of the water damage and conduct the necessary repairs.
- Spiderweb fractures can be repaired by a skilled do-it-yourselfer and are usually caused by subpar construction. Larger spiderweb fractures, on the other hand, might occasionally be the result of the foundation settling, which could have more detrimental effects on the home’s structural stability. Make an appointment with an expert to evaluate the harm and perform repairs.
- Do-it-yourselfers shouldn’t attempt to fix deep fissures. To save the ceiling from falling, long, deep fractures should be repaired as soon as possible since they indicate significant structural damage.
- The movement, shifting, shrinking, or expanding of the roof truss as a result of temperature changes or humidity can cause cracks to appear between the wall and ceiling. A do-it-yourselfer can resolve these problems. But, if the fractures extend from the ceiling down the wall, this indicates structural damage that has to be examined and fixed by a specialist.
Causes of Ceiling Cracks
A ceiling may crack for a variety of reasons, such as water damage, poor construction, damage from above, or even structural issues. When deciding how to fix a cracked ceiling, take into account these potential causes of ceiling cracks.
- It’s crucial to use caution when navigating the attic because damage from above may cause a crack or even a hole in the ceiling. A misplaced footstep or the dropping of a large object could seriously harm the ceiling.
- Many small problems, including incorrectly taped seams or insufficient drywall adhesive, might be caused by poor craftsmanship. Cracks may develop from this, but the majority of do-it-yourselfers should be able to repair the damage.
- One major problem that frequently results from an ongoing leak is water damage. The leak should be easy to find and correct by a plumber, but patching the damaged ceiling will still be necessary. A significant spill, an overflowing toilet, or a flooded bathtub, shower, or sink can also result in water damage.
- The worst probable reason for ceiling cracks is structural deterioration. This indicates that there has been an event that has impacted the home’s actual structural stability. Unresolved structural damage may cause the ceiling to collapse or cause the fracture to expand. If you think a structural issue is the cause of the ceiling crack, get in touch with an expert.
Best Ways to Fix Ceiling Cracks
Set Up the Space
To collect any falling debris, lay down a drop cloth, tarp, or piece of plastic in the area where you will be working. To keep the space clear of dust and paint, it’s also a good idea to remove any furniture.
Next, assemble the ladder so that you can reach the ceiling without having to stand on the top two steps and that all four legs can remain level on the ground. To reach the ceiling, some homeowners will need to use a big A-frame ladder, while others might simply need to use a step ladder.
Cut off any cracked drywall, then measure
If there is just a little crack in the ceiling, move on to Step 5 to finish the repair. It is essential to remove and replace the damaged ceiling section if there is a large crack or even a tiny hole. Utilizing a drywall saw, excise the cracked area.
Take a measurement of the ceiling opening and the space between the joists. It is advised to enter the attic and access the damaged ceiling from above, if at all possible.
You will have to work from below, though, if you are unable to enter the attic or if flooring from the floor above covers the damaged ceiling.
Prepare Plywood Backer Board and Replacement Drywall
The replacement piece of drywall will have strong support from the plywood backer board. A piece of 1/2-inch plywood should be measured and cut to fit between the ceiling joists and fill the ceiling hole entirely, leaving about 2 to 4 inches on each end. Cut a substitute piece of drywall with a utility knife so that it fits as closely as possible to the ceiling hole.
Replace the drywall and secure the backer board
All you have to do is drop the backer board into place if you have access from above. Similarly, if the only way in is from below, turn the backerboard until it fits diagonally through the hole, and then move the plywood until it covers the hole.
To secure the plywood, drive a few screws at an angle through the backer board and into the joists. Then, put in more screws through the plywood and the existing drywall. After that, insert the replacement drywall into the opening and fasten it using drywall screws to the backer board.
Clean the Ceiling Crack and Apply Drywall Tape
If any damaged or loose drywall is still present around the ceiling crack, remove it using a drywall knife and clean the area with a moist towel or rag. By doing this, any debris that may otherwise hinder the drywall tape’s appropriate adhesion should be removed.
Over the crack, directly apply the sticky drywall tape. In the event that a hole needs to be cut and a drywall repair needs to be installed, cover the spaces between the patch and the ceiling using adhesive drywall tape. Refrain from covering any one spot with more than one piece of tape.
Apply Joint Compound
Apply the joint compound to the injured area using a putty knife. Make sure the joint compound covers the drywall tape fully by spreading it thinly. The joint compound may tumble off the ceiling if you apply too much of it or it may be too heavy. Applying too little will allow the drywall screws and tape to show through the patch.
Sand the Joint Compound Until Smooth
After allowing the joint compound to dry for a full day or two, smooth out the patch and eliminate any raised areas with sandpaper. Apply extra joint compound to any spots you detect where it’s too thin or nonexistent, let it dry, and then sand the area until the repaired region is smooth.
Paint and Prime the Ceiling
Priming and painting come next after the joint compound has completely dried and been sanded down. Apply ceiling primer first, then paint the ceiling with a color that complements the existing ceiling. As an alternative, paint the entire ceiling to make sure the patch blends in.
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