crack in ceiling

[satch]

I have an Artex (I think its artex) covered lounge ceiling and have noticed there is a crack that runs the whole length of it. The crack is in the centre and is a reasonably good straight line so I think it’s probably along the plaster board joints. When the room is warm it is barely noticeable and looks like a hairline but when the room is cold it is noticeable about ~0.4mm width. Does anyone have any ideas how I should cover this up? I was just going to emulsion over it but thought it might crack again. Picture included.

Cheers

 

[Robbie uk]

Large ceilings, in particular bungalow ceilings, there can be a lot of flexing. The expansion and contraction of the ceiling timbers will cause cracks. Older 1960's ceilings seemed worse as they had little in the way scrim or joint tape. The only way to try and overcome this , is to wait till the crack is at its largest and using some caulk pump this into the crack and using oyur finger to push it in further. Use a damp cloth to get the excess off and wait to dry before painting. The caulk usually has enough elasticity in it to move with the ceiling.

 

[satch]

Hi Robbie uk
The house is only about 28 years old, its a 3 bed detached and not very big. I'm not sure if any joint tape has been used the only way to tell would be to open up the crack which I don't really want to do. I'm going to try as you suggested, this method is also mentioned in one of the other ceiling topics with a similar problem.
It'll give me something to do over the Christmas break...

Thanks

 

[jhon123]

Is the plaster flat? not textured? That will make it easier.

Is it a straight crack? like a seam over a floor joist above?
That would make it seem more likely it might need to be taped over to keep it from appearing again.

 

[Therms]

Would there be any value in driving some drywall screws either side of the crack and into the joists before taping?

 

[satch]

Is the plaster flat? not textured? That will make it easier.

Is it a straight crack? like a seam over a floor joist above?
That would make it seem more likely it might need to be taped over to keep it from appearing again.

Hi, jhon123

The ceiling is textured. I’ve attached a photo this is a close up about 20cm away. It’s straight so I assume it runs along the ceiling plasterboard joints. What helps hide it is that the ceiling has artificial wooden beams that run perpendicular to the crack (this makes painting the ceiling more difficult). I was thinking of mixing a little powdered filler in some emulsion then painting over the crack then painting the whole ceiling in emulsion. Or do you think leave the crack as is and paint with Polycell crack free ceiling paint?

ceiling crack

• satch
• 9 Dec 2008
• 1