Ceiling repair
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Ceiling cracks can be caused by issues such as:
- Changes in the temperature.
- Settlement.
- Additional weight from extensions or other renovations.
- Other structural changes.
[edit] Dealing with cracks
Depending on the size and severity of ceiling cracks, three questions may arise:
- Is this cause for concern?
- How much will it cost?
- Is professional repair required?
It's a good idea to monitor ceiling cracks to know how and when to repair them. If a ceiling crack is accompanied by a wall crack, or it is rather large, this may justify professional repair assistance or to seek advice about possible structural problems.
If the ceiling crack has impacted cornice work, or a ceiling rose, this will have an impact on the project as well, since it will be necessary for the repair to stay consistent with other rooms.
[edit] The repair process
The composition of the ceiling should be checked before a repair project is attempted. Once the composition of the ceiling is established, there are several steps in the repair process.
The following tools are recommended for a project of this type:
- Plaster knife.
- Ceiling crack repair tape.
- Lightweight, fast drying filler.
- Paintbrush or roller, paint tray, tape, drop sheet.
- Ceiling paint (preferably a colour that already matches the ceiling).
- Protective equipment.
- Spirit level to test if the crack falls between two separate surfaces.
[edit] The repair method
To clean and tape the ceiling crack:
- Scrape away any dried paint or debris from the crack, going back to sound plaster.
- Use a damp cloth to clean the area.
- Let the area dry.
- Apply reinforcement if necessary such as crack repair tape.
- Apply a first coat of filler such as bonding to patch the crack.
- If bonding is used on larger areas, score the bonding to give a key for the next coat of filler to adhere to.
- Wait for the filler to dry.
- Smooth the area.
- Apply a second coat of finishing filler.
- Wait for the filler to dry.
- Sand the ceiling surface.
- Clean down the surface to remove any dust.
- Prime the surface.
- Paint the ceiling.
Labour rates vary, depending on what is included in the scope of work. Will it include painting the repair and removing any rubbish? The price of the repair project may also depend on the level of complexity.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Civil engineers and environmental methods of construction
Can the profession use its skills to save the world from climate change?
How faulty science resulted in sanitation reform.
Conserving the Hilda Besse Building
Improving facilities, accessibility and overall appearance.
BSRIA IAQ topic guide published
Free download of TG 12/2021 available.
Electrotechincal mentors wanted
TESP works with The Youth Group to form skill sharing network.
OpenBuilt supply chain technology in development
Big tech collaborates on platform for the built environment.
Concerns raised over Future Buildings Standard
Letter signed by 21 organisations sent to MHCLG.
The infrastructure planning process
A look at the Government's strategic approach.
Steps to help reduce the spread of infection inside buildings.
Urban exploration and construction
This social media-centred hobby can be both dangerous and illegal.
Millwork wall treatment with a long and illustrious history.
Weekly workplace noise estimator tool
HSE introduces cumulative exposure calculator.
The Edwardians and their houses.
Cut off from civilian life for over 900 years.
Receive the Designing Buildings newsletter
Click the button to subscribe.