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
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.