Cracks in the drywall and plaster are a very common occurrence. They occur over time when there is stress or even a little settlement of the home. Contractors may call them hairline cracks, meaning that they are very thin looking. The majority of the time they are considered cosmetic and can be covered over when repainting is done.
- Hairline Cracks In Ceiling Uk
- Hairline Cracks In Ceiling Plaster
- Hairline Cracks In Ceiling
- Hairline Cracks In Ceilings And Walls
- Covering Hairline Cracks In Ceiling
- Hairline Cracks In Ceiling New House
- How To Fix Hairline Cracks In Ceiling Plaster
Where do you often see drywall cracks?
These cracks are most commonly seen in areas where the structure develops more stress than other areas. The most common areas are the corners of doors and windows as well as the corners of wall openings. This is true of both exterior and interior doors and openings.
Another common place to see these cracks is where two pieces of drywall come together. These cracks usually run either horizontal or vertical at the drywall seams. Homes with vaulted ceilings may develop these cracks in the higher areas as well.
Additionally, drywall cracks are often found where two pieces of drywall are butted together. This occurs because there is a joint, which gets drywall taped and then layered with two or three coats of drywall mud. These joint areas are weaker than in the center, or field area of the drywall, therefore some cracks may occur at these joints.
Generally, we can see two types of cracks on the drywall. One is minor cracks or hairline cracks, and the other is serious cracks. Let’s know the reason for drywall cracks and ways to fix hairline cracks in drywall ceiling. Table of Contents:= Show. Marco Sumayao Date: February 03, 2021 A cracked ceiling. Ceiling cracks happen naturally over time as a result of many factors. The older a structure is, the more likely that stress, moisture, and temperature will cause the formation of cracks. The most common cause of hairline cracks in walls is old paint. When a wall has been painted many times without removing the old paint underneath it, problems start to occur. The old paint dries and curls, which causes the top layer to splinter into hairline cracks. Cracks Where Wall Meets Ceiling.
Common causes of drywall cracks
As previously mentioned, stress is usually the main reasons that cracks occur. However, there are many potential causes of stress; some of the more common ones are:
- Wood framing drying out; the wood cures or loses moisture as it ages, causing the lumber to twist or warp a little and even a little dimensional change occurs.
- Movement of the structure:
1. Wind loads from storms, creating stresses on walls and ceilings
2. Settling of the home or soil movement
3. Expansive soils pushing up on the structure
4. Wet and dry seasons
5. Expansion and contraction due to hot and cold weather (this can be common in vacation homes and homes that have been left vacant due to the fact that the internal temperature of the home has been allowed to get higher and lower depending on the outside temps)
6. Earthquakes – if the home is in an area that has trimmers or earthquakes
7. Truss uplift – can create cracks where interior walls meets ceiling (read more)
8. Poor quality workmanship in taping the drywall joints. (Too much mud, too little mud, missing drywall tape, and drywall secured with internal stresses are some causes)
- Removal of “Pop-corn,” textured or “cottage cheese” looking ceiling material may leave a drywall taping job that tends to crack at the drywall joint. This often happens because the home builder knew that they were going to texture the ceiling, so they had the drywall contractor put on less coats of drywall mud over the joints since it would save money and would be covered with a textured material. i.e. a “pop-corn” ceiling material. With fewer coatings over the joints, the more likely a crack will develop.
Some cracks may be a “Red” flag under a few circumstances.
Wide cracks or cracks that run at an angel or diagonally may be a “Red” flag. It is important to note that while these cracks should be looked at more closely, these types of cracks may not be serious. Whether or not these cracks are serious is dependent on the particular circumstances.
If concerned, do a quick structural check of the home
First step outside the home and walk around the exterior; check for:
- Cracks in the foundation or is it bowed or leaning(READ MORE)
- Cracks in the siding or stucco (a few small cracks are common)
- Does the roof sag or is it bowed
- If there is a basement, check for cracked or bowing walls
Walk around the inside:
- Are the floors level or sloping
- Do any doors rub the flooring
- Are any doors or windows sticking
- Look for sagging ceilings and bowed walls
The above items can be an indication that a structural issues may exist, depending on the location and severity. If so, some of these issues may need to be addressed to help keep the drywall cracks from coming back.
Who can fix drywall cracks?
Handymen, homeowners, painters or drywall tapers
For the majority of cracks a painter would be the appropriate person to seal and cover the cracks. At times, a drywall contractor or a skilled handyman who can tape and mud joints may be needed. There are many products that can be used such as mesh tape, mesh patch kits, drywall mud and caulking. In some instances depending on the type of texture on the wall, it may be difficult for the homeowner to properly match the existing texture pattern. In this case an experienced drywall contractor is recommended although the majority of small cracks can be filled and repainted such that they cannot be noticed easily. By using a mesh tape product the crack is less likely to show up again. Simply applying some drywall mud or spackle will not be very strong and you may find that even the normal expansion and contraction from temperature fluctuations may be enough to cause the crack again.
Hairline Cracks In Ceiling Uk
Additional Resources
If a load bearing wall is removed, there are structural issues and risks that homeowners and buyers should be aware of.
Do you believe that tree roots can really cause the drywall to crack in a home?
When the drywall tape in a corner area or where the wall meets the ceiling has a wrinkled look, then it may be caused by humidity, workmanship or movement
Know which ceiling cracks are serious and which ones are just cosmetic.
Drywall nails and screws sticking out or sunken in? Is the house new or old? Then...
Has the drywall tape come loose or is there wrinkles in it? Then...
How do you recognize mold and get rid of it? Does Insurance cover it?
Mold may cause or aggravate health issues under some circumstances.
Can you get rid of mold yourself? Are there legal considerations?
In the USA, drywall is the most useful indoor building material. The drywall is made up of gypsum. Gypsum is a very leaky material. For this, it is easy to handle and work.
Generally, we can see two types of cracks on the drywall. One is minor cracks or hairline cracks, and the other is serious cracks. Let’s know the reason for drywall cracks and ways to fix hairline cracks in drywall ceiling.
Hairline Cracks In Ceiling Plaster
Table of Contents:=>
- 6 Steps To Fix Hairline Cracks In Drywall Ceiling:
What Causes Cracks in Walls and Ceilings?
Drywall cracks mostly occur above the doors and window. It develops on the weakest part of the wall. Also, the minor cracks are due to the weather condition too. If you want to fix hairline cracks, follow the instructions below.
6 Steps To Fix Hairline Cracks In Drywall Ceiling:
1. Put a sheet of plastic down under the drywall crack:
At first, select the crack area. Then, the plastic sheet lay down under the selected crack area. When you are clean the debris, Mud applying, and other work, the floor will dirty. But now the floor won’t dirty, because the first time you lay down the large sheet of plastic on the floor of under the selected area of ceiling crack.
2. Set up an A-frame ladder or table:
It would help if you had a ladder or table, which helped you reach the ceiling crack. You can put your necessary instrument on it and use this. While you climb on the table or ladder, don’t make a sudden movement.
3. Scrape away any loose material with a drywall knife:
Now you need a 6” inch drywall knife. Use this knife to slide up any loose, unattached materials of drywall paper and other unnecessary things. It uses to position 150 angles near the ceiling crack area. Be careful; don’t slide up to another ceiling area.
4. Apply mesh drywall tape (adhesive) directly over the crack:
Finishing the slide up, add to the mesh drywall tape. This tape is adhesive, so it attaches to the stick firmly on the ceiling. The long mesh drywall tape covers the entire crack that adds a layer of mud to the ceiling.
5. Mix the mud powered and applies the mud to the crack on your ceiling:
you have needed for mixing the mud powered as:
- drywall mud powered [Joint Compound for Skim Coating]
- low, warm water,
- large plastic container, and
- putty knife.
At first, take out to like quantity dry mud powered in the plastic container, and then put low warm water into it and mixing it with the putty knife. Continue the mixing process until the mud is roughly the consistency of mayonnaise.
Now, you are ready to apply mud to the crack. Use a broad edge of the putty knife to apply the mud, a single layer, and smoothly. Make sure to cover the mesh tape with mud fully. While applying the mud, a single direction of applies the mud, parallel with the crack. The mud dries very fast, so apply the mud as fast as you can.
Read Also: How to Smooth Plaster Walls Before Painting [Fix Rough Uneven Walls]
After 30 minutes, the sanding sponge uses the mud layer to look smoother and more professional mud surface. First, use a sanding sponge lightly. It would be best if you used a sanding sponge by back-and-forth motion.
Again, mixing the mud powered, to apply the crack area. The second mixer should be thinner than the first mixer. A thinner mixer makes to layer on the first the coat of mud area. Continue mixing until the mixer will sour cream.
Hairline Cracks In Ceiling
Now, applies the second mud to the crack area of the ceiling by using the same method. Ensure that the mesh tape is fully applied with the mud, for it won’t be visible the mesh tape. It takes 30 minutes to dry.
6. Sanding and printing the layer of mud:
Hairline Cracks In Ceilings And Walls
After 30 minutes, the layer of mud dries fully, but it doesn’t look smooth. Now, make to smooth the layer of mud to use a sanding sponge or a wall sander. Be careful at sanding time; continue sanding on the mud until the mud will flush and smooth as the other ceiling area.
Look at the repaired area. It is different from other rest area colors. So this area needs to print the same colour as the rest area. Collect the same color in the hardware store or mixing the colors to make the same color. Then, print the color on the mud of the ceiling. Now, the repaired area and the rest area are looking at the same.
Read Also: How to Remove Sand Textured Paint from a Wall
Conclusion:
Covering Hairline Cracks In Ceiling
I tried to get to know you that how to fix hairline cracks in drywall ceiling. Now, you can easily solve the crack in the drywall ceiling by following the above steps. Skim coating is the most effective way to repair the drywall ceiling.
Hairline Cracks In Ceiling New House
How To Fix Hairline Cracks In Ceiling Plaster
Hope this article helps to fix any type of hairline crack. Please, write to your any questions, tips, or suggestions in the comment box. Thanks for your participation.