Cracks In Ceiling Along Joists

These structural members sit on top of the wall plates and are often connected to the plates with nails.

Cracks in ceiling along joists.

Seasonal cracks in the ceiling my living room shows 3 4 cracks in the ceiling that become bigger in the summer up to 1 4 and nearly disappear in the winter. Lay drywall jointing compound along the crack on top of the tape. When the wood rafters expand and contract naturally with changing temperature and humidity it pulls the ceiling joists away from the wall plates forming cracks along the corners between the ceiling and the wall. Then sagging may result and the stress from this.

If there s an issue with the trusses that could create a crack between the ceiling and the interior wall. Next put mesh drywall tape over the crack and press it firmly onto the ceiling. If the crack is discolored you could have moisture problems. The cracks seem to run along joists.

These cracks tend to be coinciding with joists in the ceiling and are therefore created by stresses on those joists from above. To fix a ceiling crack start by scraping away any loose material from the crack with a drywall knife. If the ceiling joists or trusses supporting the ceiling drywall is spaced too far apart then sagging may result and the stress from this may create cracks. Basically created by people walking or jumping on the floor above.

The jointing compound will cover the tape and be reinforced by the tape. Do your ceiling cracks run along the length of the ceiling continuing down a wall along the same line. The cause of your ceiling crack depends on various factors such as the ceiling material and the home s age. Usually the cracks begin to grow as the temperature outside reaches 102 f mid july here in tx the cracks subside by the end of november.

Improperly sized ceiling joist. The joists of a home are meant to hold up to the weight of the home and remain level but once support weakens the ceiling will start to sag as gravity takes over. If the crack is between drywall sheets along ceiling joists then use drywall screws to hold the two sheets of plasterboard immobile and approximately level with each other. When the ceiling joist or trusses are undersized for the drywall ceiling weight that they re carrying.

Cracks that occur near the edges of your ceiling are not usually an issue for concern but those that cut through the middle of your ceiling are likely structural and will require repair. Then prepare 5 minute mud by mixing the mud powder with lukewarm water. Once the mud is mixed apply a layer of it to the ceiling using a putty knife making. Homes naturally settle as they age which can create crevices in the walls and ceilings typically above doors.