Smooth out those cosmetic cracks to spruce up an unsightly ceiling
A crack in your ceiling can be panic-inducing, and it’s not something to ignore. But, more often than not, hairline cracks are cosmetic and not too tricky to fix. Before calling the pros, do some detective work to look for a bigger underlying problem. If you’re sure it’s something superficial, you can save big by learning how to repair ceiling cracks yourself.
Ceilings crack for all sorts of reasons. Though larger cracks can point to structural damage, most smaller cracks result from minor issues. Common causes include:
Improper installation: If your contractor doesn’t use enough joint compound, the drywall tape will pull away from the drywall, causing a straight crack. The same goes for other issues like improper taping. You can patch these if the damage is minor.
Damage from above: If you drop a heavy item on the floor above or step incorrectly in an unfinished attic, a crack in the ceiling below may occur.
Settlement: As a building ages, it settles into the ground. This can cause minor cracks, and it’s unlikely to impact the structural integrity of your home.
Subsistence: Subsistence is a more significant problem that happens when the ground beneath the foundation begins to sink. This can impact the structural integrity of your home and will cause cracks.
Water damage: If you’re getting moisture in your basement from improper grading, it can cause your home’s foundation to shift and create serious ceiling cracks. A small leak in a pipe can seep into drywall joints and also cause cracks.
Structural damage to joists, beams, and other elements: There are a number of reasons for structural damage, whether you install a floor that’s too heavy for the ceiling or accidentally remove a load-bearing wall. Structural damage presents with larger cracks, cracks along a bowed ceiling, or multiple cracks.
You can patch over a cracked ceiling, but you’ll need to find the underlying issue, or the crack will return. A local ceiling repair contractor can find the cause, fix it, and freshen up your ceiling.
Not all cracks are cause for alarm. There are different types of ceiling cracks with varying degrees of severity:
Hairline cracks: Hairline cracks are tiny, cosmetic cracks. When temperatures and humidity levels change, ceiling materials expand and contract, cracking the joint compound.
Spiderweb cracks: Spiderweb cracks have multiple arms that extend from an initial crack or point. Smaller cracks can result from poor workmanship or impact damage, but larger cracks can point to structural issues.
Straight cracks: Straight cracks appear as a straight line running along the drywall joint. These can develop due to poor installation, and you can repair the drywall with a simple patch.
Discolored cracks: Water damage can leave behind discolored cracks. Depending on the color of your paint, you might see yellow or brown staining. You’ll need to find the source of the water damage before you can fix the crack.
Cracks between the wall and ceiling: Gaps between the wall and ceiling can indicate shifting roof trusses. This isn’t always serious, but if the cracks continue down the wall, it could be a sign of structural damage.
Deep cracks: A crack is considered deep if it’s wider than 1/8 inch. These cracks can signal structural damage, especially if they’re longer than 12 inches, in which case you should contact a pro ASAP.
Some small cracks are merely a cosmetic issue. You may not like how they look, but they don’t point to any worrying damage that could impact the structural integrity of your home. That said, there are a few warning signs that your crack stems from a serious issue.
If you notice any of the following signs, it’s essential to call a ceiling repair pro to assess the damage:
A crack is wider than 1/8 inch
Cracks accompanying a sagging ceiling
Multiple smaller cracks
Cracks running across the ceiling and down the wall
Cracks longer than 12 inches
Most of the time, you can repair minor ceiling cracks using drywall tape and joint compound. This is a simple patch you can sand and paint over for a seamless fix. If the crack isn’t cosmetic, you’ll need to address the underlying issue, or the crack will return. Follow these steps to learn how to repair small ceiling cracks.
Avoid giving yourself extra cleanup at the end by doing some simple prep work at the start.
Move clutter and furniture out of the way. You need room to set up a ladder and work safely.
Lay down drop cloths or plastic sheeting to catch debris, wet compound drips, and paint.
Set up a stable A-frame ladder to comfortably reach the ceiling. Practice ladder safety to avoid a DIY disaster before you even get started.
Don protective goggles and a facemask to guard against falling debris and billowing dust.
Getting up on a ladder to work on your ceiling is dangerous. Unless you have experience and a buddy nearby to help you, call a pro to complete the job.
Use a utility or drywall knife to scrape away loose, flaking paint, plaster, or drywall compound, working with the crack rather than across it. Cut away any loose, damaged drywall tape, then use a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust and wait for the area to dry.
If the drywall itself is loose or uneven, use drywall screws to secure it at either side of the crack.
Firmly applying a single layer of adhesive drywall mesh tape or paper directly over the crack helps bond the joint compound, prevent sagging, and strengthen the repair job. Use long strips to cover the length of the crack, ensuring it is in the center of the tape.
There are various types of drywall mud. Use a pre-mixed joint compound or mix a powdered version with water. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when mixing.
Put the wet joint compound in a mud pan to make it easy to hold, and scoop the mix as you work. Use a putty knife to apply a layer of compound in one direction, remove any excess as you go, and completely cover the drywall tape. Aim for as thin a layer as possible—thick applications can result in cracking and a poor-quality finish.
Apply at least three layers of compounds to conceal the crack completely. Always clean the putty knife, and allow the previous coat to dry fully before applying the next.
Wait at least 24 hours to allow the layers of joint compound to fully dry and turn white, then sand to achieve a smooth finish.
In preparation for painting, use a damp cloth to clear dust particles from the surface. It’s best to start with a paint primer to act as a sealant and promote an even finish. If you can find paint that matches the original ceiling color, repaint the section over the crack. Sometimes, painting the whole ceiling provides a more consistent, fresh finish.
For most homeowners, ceiling repair costs $450 to $1,750, but it can cost even more in situations with serious structural issues. If left unaddressed, the crack will come back.
If the crack is cosmetic, expect costs to remain on the low end. Sometimes, the smallest hairline cracks only require a fresh coat of paint. Other times, you can patch them yourself with spackle or joint compound.
In the most serious cases, foundation repairs cost an average of $5,100. Repairing a ceiling joist ranges between $150 and $750 while fixing a main support beam could cost more than $10,000.
Repairing straightforward cosmetic ceiling cracks caused by settlement is within most homeowners’ reach. However, if DIY isn’t your thing and you struggle to paint ceilings without unsightly streaks, hiring a pro to repair your drywall is money well spent.
The average cost to repair drywall is $650. However, basic DIY ceiling crack repairs cost less than $50. You could spend up to $400 to have a large crack professionally remedied, and costs increase when there is an underlying leak or structural issue.
You might save money by hiring a local handyperson rather than a drywall repair company near you to repair straightforward hairline ceiling cracks. However, if the ceiling cracks are concerning, it’s best to take advice from a general contractor. They can assess whether any serious structural or water ingress issues need addressing.
While you can paint over a faint hairline ceiling crack, it might still be noticeable underneath the paint. Deeper cracks will be visible, and the paint can crack, peel, and flake away because of the uneven surface. It’s best to fill the crack with a joint compound first to ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Ensure you resolve any underlying issues to reduce the chances of ceiling cracks returning. However, hairline cracks caused by house settlement are sometimes unavoidable. To reduce the chance of filled cracks reappearing, properly prepare the surface, use a flexible joint compound, apply sufficient coats, and let them dry before painting. If you continue to have problems, don’t be too proud to call in a contractor for advice.
