Find out what’s causing those unsightly squiggly lines that have marred your paint job—and learn how to remedy the situation.
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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. DAP 12276 Elastomeric Patch & Caulk. Flexible patching. Spackling compound.
Q: I recently noticed a few cracks in our living room wall. I’m not sure if they’ve been there for a while and I just missed them, or if they’re new. Are cracks in the walls easy-fix cosmetic problems—or signs of a structural issue that will need extensive repairs?
A: Wall cracks are fairly common in both new and older homes and are often the result of normal house “settling” that can quickly, inexpensively be remedied by re-taping the joints—the seams where the drywall panels meet. Occasionally, however, cracks in walls signify a larger problem that should be addressed before you attempt to repair the crack. Here’s how to determine if the crack is flagging a serious problem, and what steps to take to get your wall back in shape.
RELATED: 6 Low-Cost Lifesavers to make Wall Repair a Cinch
Causes of Cracks in Walls
If your home was recently built, cracks in walls could be the results of “new home” settling.
New lumber, sometimes called “green lumber,” contains a high level of moisture and tends to move slightly as it dries out, so small wall cracks are common in newly built homes. It’s a good idea to wait a year after your home was completed before repairing any cracks. This gives the wood time to dry completely. After that, you can re-tape the cracked joints (see the last section below for how-to info) without worrying that more will appear.
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Hairline cracks over doors and windows are likely due to settling.
Houses of any age move and shift subtly over time, and the weakest area in a wall is the most likely to crack. A wall is constructed with vertical studs that extend from floor to ceiling. The studs must be cut, however, in order to install a door or a window. While the builder adds extra framing to the adjacent studs, these areas are still weaker than the rest of the wall, and when settling occurs, these spots are the first to develop cracks. Hairline cracks across walls and doorways do not indicate a structural problem; they should simply be re-taped and painted.
Leaving a house vacant can cause wall cracks.
Vacation homes and those that sit empty for a few months are prone to developing cracks in both walls and ceilings. This is due to the house not being climate controlled as it would be if it were occupied. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels can cause framing members and drywall to expand and contract, resulting in cracking. Like other wall cracks, these can be re-taped and painted.
A thin straight crack could be the result of faulty taping.
When drywall panels are installed, the seams between the panels are filled with drywall mud and covered with paper tape. If the tape doesn’t have enough mud underneath to stick firmly, it can start to pull away from the wall over time. When this happens, you’ll see a fine crack where the tape has lifted. If there’s only one crack, try squirting a little household glue behind it and pressing it back into place. If the tape is lifting in multiple areas, however, your best bet is to re-tape all the seams because the problem will continue to recur.
Discoloration around the edges of the crack indicates a leak.
Water leaking from a window or the roof, or even a leaky attic water line, can run down inside a wall’s framing and saturate the drywall, which then softens and deteriorates, creating a crack with noticeable yellow or brownish stains. If the leak is fresh, such as from a recent rain, the area might also feel damp to the touch. Before fixing the crack, which will require replacing the damaged section of drywall and then re-taping, it’s important to find the source of the leak and repair it.
Large, jagged, or diagonal cracks could indicate a structural problem.
Jagged or diagonal cracks indicate that the foundation may have shifted or sunk, or another problem has occurred, such as the deterioration and collapse of supporting wood members due to termite damage. Likewise, cracks wider than one-quarter inch indicate a potential problem with the home’s structure. These cracks warrant bringing in a reputable builder or engineer to inspect your home’s structure and pinpoint the cause. Once the structural problem is resolved, you can make drywall repairs, which involve replacing the damaged drywall panel(s) and then re-taping the joints.
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Repairing Cracks in Walls
The best way to repair a crack in drywall is to re-tape the joint.
This involves scraping away the loose tape and crumbled bits of drywall mud, sanding the surface smooth, and then filling the crack with drywall compound and applying new tape. The trick to getting a smooth wall is to apply two to three very thin coats of drywall compound over the paper tape, and sand each coat after it dries before applying the next coat.
Filling cracks with spackle is not recommended.
The spackle does not provide the same reinforced surface coverage you’ll get by re-taping, and any slight settling will cause the crack to show up again. For long-lasting repairs, re-tape cracks rather than filling them with spackle.
Hairline ceiling cracks are usually common in homes. In most occasions, hairline cracks are cosmetic in nature and can be repaired swiftly and easily. It’s also significant to examine the cause of the hairline crack, its shape, exact location, the size before fixing it. In some cases, it could be an indication of a more complex problem that requires a more intensive home remodeling effort. Some of the most common causes of hairline cracks include poorly and weakly taped joints and moisture above the ceiling. Extreme drywall application and trusses uplift could also cause hairline cracks. In cases of humidity, it’s always better to examine what could have caused the moisture to accumulate above the ceiling. The below hairline ceiling crack repair tips provide quick guidance on what to do.
1. Start by Examining the Hairline Crack
First off, it is essential that the cause of the ceiling hairline crack be determined. This will aid in getting the required material in repairing the hairline crack and preventing such problems in future.
2. Cleaning and Taping
In cases where the crack is cosmetic, consider cleaning the crack and remove the old points and drywall. Cleaning also ensures that the discolored part is refined before repair. After cleaning, the repairer should mesh tape along the line of the crack. The tape should also be placed carefully and run along the center of the crack.
3. Spreading the Compound
Using a utility or a putty knife; carefully spread the compound over the tape. Make sure that it covers the entire tape and that it appears flat. This avoids bumpiness on completion of the process. It’s advisable to cover the tape with plenty of compounds, rather than just applying a thin layer on the tape. Once done, you can refine the compound to a reasonable side using sandpaper.
4. Painting
Preparation
Painting is the other important step in hairline ceiling crack repair. Before painting, it is significant to make sure that the crack in the ceiling is completely covered. Also, ensure that the edges are fine. When making the edges fine, a putty knife can be resourceful. However, be sure to not to tamper with the tape. This process requires a lot of caution since more often than not, there’s a lot of dust to deal with.
Using an eye protector can come in hand during this final part of the process. Also, it would be proper to cover the furniture in your house. You don’t want to go back shopping for your precious furniture. Depending on what the type of furniture you own is made from, getting rid of paint can be a nightmare.
Addl Painting Tips
Always remember, the painting process comes in only when the edges have been refined. Also, be sure to select a paint that is similar to the one previously applied to the entire ceiling board. In case you’re applying two paint coats, which are preferable, you’ll want to allow the first coat to dry completely. Afterward, you can use a fine tooth sanding paper to prepare the surface before dusting and applying the second coat.
Hairline Cracks In Ceiling Repair
Paint Types
Also worth noting, there are many different types of paint depending on color, application method, and time taken before drying. Some such as nitrocellulose paints (NC) takes just a few seconds to dry up. Others may as well take 2 to a few days (slow dry) before drying enough to allow the second coat. You can also mix up paints of the same density and strength to get your desired color and finish. Thinned paints tend to dry faster. Some of the most common thing paint thinners include the following:
• Turpentine,
• White spirit
• Acetone
• Methyl ethyl ketone
• Toluene
• Ethylbenzene
If you’re using a fast-drying paint, go for a nitrocellulose universal thinner, preferably the same brand as the paint.
In Closing…
Hairline ceiling cracks are not as complicated as wall cracks, which are more often than not hazardous and structural. Discolored hairline cracks require more examination of the causes of leaks. When repairing the cracks also, it’s crucial to avoid compounds that may lead to stress on your ceiling. More stress could lead to cracking, even after the repair. Nonetheless, the wisest way to go about it is to hire an experienced contractor for the job. Much as saving a buck is important to anyone; no one appreciates fixing the same thing after every few months.
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