Hairline Crack in Ceiling
#1
06-09-13, 01:59 PM
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Hairline Crack in Ceiling
In the last few weeks, I have discovered a hairline crack in the ceiling above our living room. Its now about 2-3 in length. It is extending from casing holding fluorescent lights over the kitchen. I have read online regarding this and have seen a few different causes of it. I was hoping to get a permanent fix to this and not a cover up job. Any recommendations to causes and fixes for this.
#3
06-09-13, 04:30 PM
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I believe it might be textured. What do you mean by a bad tape job? Is this a relatively easy fix?
#4
06-09-13, 04:52 PM
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Since it's textured...it won't be as easy for DIY. Textures are pretty hard to match.
Bad tape job basically means that since the crack is so straight, it's likely the joint of 2 panels. If the paper tape over the joint wasn't done correctly you can see issues like that. Even when done correctly, you can get it from a weak structure above in a 2 story home or someone crawling around in the attic and stressing the trusses.
No expert but IIRC it would involve scraping or sanding off the texture along the area, re-taping, covering with joint compound, sanding, and then re-texturing. Probably simpler to re-texture the whole room.
If this is a new home...call the builder.
Bad tape job basically means that since the crack is so straight, it's likely the joint of 2 panels. If the paper tape over the joint wasn't done correctly you can see issues like that. Even when done correctly, you can get it from a weak structure above in a 2 story home or someone crawling around in the attic and stressing the trusses.
No expert but IIRC it would involve scraping or sanding off the texture along the area, re-taping, covering with joint compound, sanding, and then re-texturing. Probably simpler to re-texture the whole room.
If this is a new home...call the builder.
#5
06-09-13, 08:10 PM
Group Moderator
Any idea whether the joints have paper or mesh tape on them? Mesh, IMO, will eventually fail so I would be inclined to re-do the whole ceiling if it's mesh.
#6
06-10-13, 04:00 AM
Vic is correct on the fix. Not a quick/easy job. I have smeared caulking into the crack [removing any excess] for customers that didn't want to go thru the expense of fixing it correctly. Not a perfect fix but it will make the crack less noticeable for a lot less money.
#7
06-10-13, 03:59 PM
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Thanks for the advice. To answer your question, the house is about 12 years old.
I probably will end up getting it fixed by a professional from what you are saying.
Just curious, can this lead to any more serious issues? Is this something that can wait a few months to get taken care of right now. Unfortunately, my money is pretty tied up at the moment. If it is something that can wait, then I would rather do that. Otherwise, I will try to get professional to take care of it now if it is rather serious or can to rather serious issues.
Thanks.
I probably will end up getting it fixed by a professional from what you are saying.
Just curious, can this lead to any more serious issues? Is this something that can wait a few months to get taken care of right now. Unfortunately, my money is pretty tied up at the moment. If it is something that can wait, then I would rather do that. Otherwise, I will try to get professional to take care of it now if it is rather serious or can to rather serious issues.
Thanks.
#8
06-10-13, 04:17 PM
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Here is close up the ceiling texture. I have no idea on the different types of ceiling textures. I am not sure if this something I can do or a professional would better off be doing it.
#9
06-11-13, 03:36 AM
The crack is nothing serious! mainly it's just cosmetic. It may or may not ever get any worse than it is now.
As previously noted, matching/blending the texture is the hardest part. Some pros are better at matching texture than others. While it is a diy project, it's not a quick job. As Vic mentioned it might be simplier for a novice to make the repair and then retexture the entire ceiling. It can also be a messy job as both sanding dust and texture tend to go everywhere.
If you hire it out be sure to check references and don't pay until you're satisfied the job was done right.
As previously noted, matching/blending the texture is the hardest part. Some pros are better at matching texture than others. While it is a diy project, it's not a quick job. As Vic mentioned it might be simplier for a novice to make the repair and then retexture the entire ceiling. It can also be a messy job as both sanding dust and texture tend to go everywhere.
If you hire it out be sure to check references and don't pay until you're satisfied the job was done right.
