How to fix a ceiling that keeps cracking in tape and spackle area?
by
Leona Solow
I have joints in ceiling that keep cracking in tape and spackle area. How can I solve this problem? I have tried a number of different materials, and it continues to crack.
Related Discussions
Suggested Project Book
Hi Leona! When a professional fixed a crack in my ceiling, he cleaned out the crack, first, removing all loose material. He added drywall screws to tighten it up since he felt a little bit of flex along the joist where it was attached. Then, he taped and spackled. He let it dry 24 hours, sanded, wiped it down, and spackled it again, and once it was smooth, he primed it and painted it. The professional painter we had warned me that painting one spot is often very noticeable, so she painted the entire ceiling. She told me if I wanted to touch up one area, to use a small roller, not a brush to blend it in. Settling, loose sheetrock, not tightening the sheetrock or cleaning out the crack enough all contribute to re-cracking, according to my contractor. Mine hasn't re-cracked, so he must know what he's doing!
Those are always a pain. They suggest you dig out your crack at least 1" wide and use drywall mesh to repair. If you already did that, the next step would be to remove that section of drywall from joists to joists screw up a new piece and finish that. If that doesn't work you may have a,foundation issue or just is still settling.