Patch cap cracks before they get with our footmark - by - step scout .
Getty Images / Cunaplus_M.Faba
Most householder take pride in keeping their homes in honest condition , but damage can still happen . Ceiling cracks are onecommon emergence . small-scale offer can look due to something as simple as a temperature change or variation in humidity levels . piddle damagecan also cause a ceiling to crack , and is typically a mark of a bigger underlying trouble . Use this usher to learn how to recognise the character of roof cracking , how to determine the cause , and how to fix cap crack cocaine before they can diffuse .
Credit:Getty Images / Cunaplus_M.Faba
How to Determine the Severity of Ceiling Cracks
Not all ceiling cracks should be handled by a DIYer . Before pop a repair task , inspect the ceiling crack to determine the severeness of the damage . depend on the type of crack and the cause of the damage , it may be good to call a professional .
Types of Ceiling Cracks
Learning the type of crack can avail when assessing the case and severity of the damage . roof crack types admit hairline cracks , uncoiled cracks , discolored crack , spiderweb cracks , deep cracks , and crevice between the ceiling and the paries .
Causes of Ceiling Cracks
There are a range of reasons for a cap to crack , including impairment from above , misfortunate craftsmanship , water damage , or even structural damage . count these potential effort of cap cracks to determine the good line of action to revive a cracked ceiling .
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
Materials
Instructions
How to Fix Ceiling Cracks
Prepare the Area
repose down a tarp , piece of plastic , or a drop cloth in the region where you will be working to beguile any falling debris . It ’s also a good estimate to remove any furniture from the room to keep it free of rubble and paint .
Next , set up a run , ensure that all four legs can tolerate matte on the primer coat and that you may reach the ceiling without standing on the top two steps . For some homeowners , this imply using a large , A - frame run , while other householder may only take a step ravel to extend to the ceiling .
Cut Out Cracked Drywall and Take Measurements
If the ceiling only has a minor cleft , skip to Step 5 to continue with the fixing .
If there is a extensive crack or even a small maw , then it ’s necessary to cut out and replace the damage part of the ceiling . Use a dry wall saw to cut out the area of the offer .
valuate the opening move in the ceiling and the length between the joist . If possible , it ’s recommend to get at the damage ceiling from above , through the attic . However , if you’re able to not get into the noggin or there is flooring from the flooring above covering the damaged ceiling , you will want to ferment from below .
Prepare Plywood Backer Board and Replacement Drywall
plyboard backer board will supply solid reenforcement for the switch piece of drywall . Measure and contract a piece of 1/2 - inch plywood so that it fits between the ceiling joists and wholly covers the hole in the roof by about 2 to 4 inches on each end .
Use a service program tongue to cut out apiece of replacement drywallthat fits as close as potential to the hole in the roof .
ensure the replacement drywall is the same thickness as the exist ceiling , otherwise the patch will be uneven with the rest of the ceiling .
Secure Backer Board and Replace Drywall
If you have admission from above , simply fell the backer board into office . Similarly , if you only have access from below , rotate the backerboard until it can slide through the hole on the diagonal , then adjust the lieu of the plywood until it sits over the muddle .
Drive a couple of screws through the backer card and into the joists at an angle to hold the plywood in place , then put in additional turnkey through the exist drywall and into the plyboard . Next , skid the replenishment dry wall into the hole and secure it to the backer display panel with drywall screws .
Clean the Ceiling Crack and Apply Drywall Tape
If there is any loose material or damage drywall remaining around the ceiling crack , use a drywall knife to scrape away this cloth , then use a damp shred or cloth to pass over down the area . This should get disembarrass of any dust that may otherwise prevent the dry wall tape from adhere properly .
Apply the adhesive drywall tape now over the crack . If you had to issue a gob and install a drywall darn , then use the adhesive drywall tape measure over the gaps between the drywall fleck and the existing ceiling . Avoid applying more than a single layer of tape to any one surface area .
Apply Joint Compound
practice a putty knife to use the joint compound over the damaged area . overspread the joint chemical compound lightly , but check that that it entirely cover the wallboard magnetic tape . If you practice too much joint compound , it may be too heavy , cause the joint compound to fall off the ceiling . If you do n’t apply enough , the drywall taping and dry wall screws may show through the fleck .
Sand the Joint Compound Until Smooth
Give the joint compound about 24 to 48 hours to dry , then use sandpaper to remove any high spots and smooth out out the repair . If you find out any areas where the joint chemical compound is too thin or entirely missing , implement more joint chemical compound , allow it to dry out , then sand it until the patch arena is bland .
Prime and Paint the Ceiling
After the joint compound is completely ironical and sandpaper down , the next footstep is to ground and paint . Start with asuitable primerfor the ceiling , then switch to a ceiling blusher that match the existing ceiling . Alternatively , you may paint the entire ceiling to see to it that the patch does n’t stand up out .
When to Call a Professional
It ’s commend to call a master if the cap damage is too great or if the crusade of the ceiling shot is due to morphological issue or stark water terms . A trained professional will be able to assess the place and evoke step to reanimate the problem . likewise , it ’s a good idea to hire a pipe fitter to inspect water damage and track down the leak . The cause of the H2O hurt must be resolve before desex the ceiling .
Additionally , if the ceiling has multiple cracks or you note that the roof is bowing , these are signs of a serious structural problem . Depending on the extent of the issue , there is even a risk of the roof collapsing , so you should immediately leave the room and get hold of a professional .
