Cracks in your ceiling can make your entire home look tired. Don’t stress, I would dare to say that 99% of cracks are cosmetic in a nature, and by end of this article you will learn how to fix ceiling cracks.
This hands-on guide gives you the exact tools, time frames, saving you the NZD $500++ a tradie would normally charge. Ready to swing the putty knife? Let’s jump in.
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In this article, you’ll learn how to:
Spot the difference between minor and major crack in ceiling
Gather the right materials for a smooth repair
Fix hairline fractures in under two hours
Handle bigger cracks without losing your cool
Wrap up with a seamless paint finish
IIntroduction
Working Time:
- Damaged ceiling repair: 2–3 hours (plus drying time)
Total Time:
- Depending on plaster drying time, your repairs may extend over 1–2 days, especially if multiple coats of plaster need to dry.
Skill Level:
- Beginner to Intermediate
Estimated Cost (NZD):
Small ceiling cracks: $50–$100 for materials (e.g., plaster, tape, sandpaper)
Step 1: Identify the Culprit
What’s Causing the Ceiling Crack?
Ceiling cracks often show up due to everyday wear, moisture issues, or temperature swings (Yes, that steamy summer day followed by a chilly night can stress your ceiling plaster and open ceilings cracks!).
Pinpointing the cause helps you decide if it’s an easy fix or if you need professional backup. Take a closer look at your home’s environment, consider recent earthquakes or big weather events, and decide if your ceiling is just aging or your ceiling gaps opened due to significant structural movement, signaling a serious problem.
Action: Check your council file and there were previous leaky home issues, shifts, or installation problems.
Step 2: Quick Diagnostic
Gauge How Serious the Ceiling Crack Is
Not all cracks are created equal. Hairline ones (under 3 mm wide) are usually just cosmetic. You can tackle these with basic plaster or compound. Larger cracks, especially those with a stair-step pattern or more than 5 mm wide warrant a professional check. If you spot sagging plaster, brownish water stains, or cracks that keep coming back, it’s time to call in a pro.
Think of it like a car check engine light: sometimes it’s a quick fix, but sometimes you need a mechanic. The trick is to catch serious issues early so you don’t end up with pricier repairs down the line.
Action: Measure the crack’s width and watch for signs of moisture or recurring damage.
Step 3: Get Set for Success
Gather Your Tools and Materials
Before you jump in, line up your essentials. A sturdy ladder is your best friend here, no wobbly bar stools, please! You’ll also want a utility knife, putty knife, plasterboard tape, sandpaper (120- to 220-grit), safety gear (dust mask, gloves, goggles), and a ready-made plastering compound (Polyfilla Rapid 30 or Filler PAL Contract) for minor cracks.
If the damage is bigger, opt for specialized plaster or even a replacement piece of GIB® board. And don’t forget primer and matching paint so you can blend the repair seamlessly into the rest of your ceiling.
Action: Set everything out in one place so you can power through your repair without scrambling for supplies.
Step 4: Final Step
How To Fix Ceiling Cracks
The Simple Route
Repair Minor Ceiling Cracks
Minor ceiling damage are typically straightforward to repair. Follow these steps:
- Prepare the Area
- Lay down drop cloths or old sheets to protect your floors and furniture.
- Clean the area of any hazards and any loose debris.
- Open and Clean the Crack
- Use a utility knife to gently widen the crack if needed. This helps remove any flaking plaster and ensures better compound adhesion.
- Apply Plasterboard Tape
- Cut a length of plasterboard tape slightly longer than the crack.
- Press the tape firmly over the crack to reinforce the repair.
- Apply Joint Compound
- Recommended joint compound GIB Trade Finish® Extra Lite, Polyfilla Rapid 30 or Filler PAL Contract.
- Using a putty knife, apply a thin layer of joint compound over the tape.
- Feather the edges for a smooth, even finish.
- Allow the compound to dry completely (follow the product’s recommended drying time).
- Sand and Repeat
- Once dry, lightly sand the area until it’s smooth and level with the surrounding ceiling.
- Apply a second thin coat of compound if needed to fully blend the repair.
- Priming and Painting
- After sanding and wiping away dust, prime the repaired section.
- Paint the area with the ceiling paint to match your ceiling for clean finish.
Action: Start with the smallest ceiling crack for a quick DIY confidence boost and get it done now!
Heavier Lifting
How Repair Major Ceiling Cracks
Deep cracks or recurring cracks in ceiling plaster call for a bit more effort, especially if they involve large sections of plasterboard ceiling or raise a structural concerns.
- Inspect for Underlying Damage
- If the crack is substantial or continues to reappear, check for moisture problems or structural movement.
- Consult a specialist if you suspect water damage or foundation issues.
- Cut Out the Damaged Section
- Using a utility knife or plasterboard saw and remove the damaged portion of the ceiling.
- Be careful to cut along the edges of solid plasterboard to create a neat repair area.
- Reinforce the Area
- For bigger gaps, you may need to fit a new piece of GIB® plasterboard to fill the hole.
- Screw or nail the new board securely into the existing framework or battens.
- Tape and Plaster
- Cover all joins with plasterboard tape to keep them from cracking in the future.
- Apply a first layer of plaster or joint compound, embedding the tape and feathering out the compound on all sides.
- Build Up the Layers
- Allow each coat of plaster or compound to dry fully before applying the next.
- Sand between coats for a smooth transition to the existing ceiling surface.
- Finish and Paint
- Once you’re satisfied the patch is level and smooth, prime the area.
- Ceiling paint with a colour that matches the rest of your ceiling.
- For cornice crack repair, follow the same process around the cornice edges, ensuring the new plaster blends seamlessly with the original mouldings.
Action: Tackle significant ceiling/drywall cracks methodically and keep an eye out for any warning signs of deeper structural issues or water ingres.
Recap & Future-Pacing
You’ve learned how to pinpoint what’s behind those ceiling cracks, choose the method based on size and depth of the ceiling cracks, and simply put – go get hands dirty and repair cracks in your ceiling.
You’ve got this – happy fixing!
