Plasterboard is a simple and affordable solution for cladding the internal walls of your home. The only drawback is that it’s brittle and prone to developing cracks over time. Cracks in a plasterboard ceiling usually aren’t a big deal. They don’t look very nice, but minor cracks are normal and aren’t a cause for concern. But, if you’d like to get your home looking new again, fixing those small cracks can make a big impact! In this article we’ll go over how to repair cracks in plasterboard ceilings and which parts of the job you can do yourself.
What Causes Plasterboard Ceilings to Crack?
Cracked plasterboard ceilings are a common issue in homes and commercial buildings. Cracks can be caused by a range of issues, some more severe than others. Depending on the cause of the cracks, you may be able to repair the issue yourself, or you may need to contact a professional plasterer for help. Some of the most common causes of cracked plasterboard ceilings include:
- Building settling and movement
- Ground movement
- Water damage
- Pest problems
- Poor workmanship
- General wear and tear
Small amounts of cracking are normal in new homes. As the building shifts and settles under its own weight, the plasterboard on your walls and ceilings may develop cracks where your home is flexing. It can take up to a year for a new home to finish settling, so hold off on performing minor repairs until then.
Identifying Superficial vs Serious Cracks
It’s common to find small cracks in plasterboard ceilings. New homes and older buildings are especially prone to cracking as the home and its foundations shift over time. In most cases, cracks are simply a sign of age and are simple to repair. But, some types of cracking are caused by bigger issues, and you need to know what you’re up against before attempting a repair. The first step in the process is to identify what type of crack you’re dealing with. Take a few minutes to inspect the crack and the ceiling around it for signs like:
- Sagging plasterboard
- Blistering paint
- Discolouration
- Plasterboard sheets that are pulling apart or falling
- Loud cracking noises
- Excessive amounts of flex in the plasterboard
If you find these signs of major damage then it’s important to talk to a professional as soon as possible who does commercial plastering Sydney wide. Major plasterboard damage is often caused by pests and moisture, and a cracking ceiling can point to bigger problems that need to be addressed.
How to Repair Cracks in Plasterboard Ceiling
If the cracks in your ceiling are superficial marks, it’s usually simple to repair the issue yourself. You’ll need to gather up some plaster compound, sand paper, a putty knife and jointing tape, and then:
- Widen the crack. Use the pointy tip of a putty knife to scrape along the length of the crack and widen it slightly. The goal here is to create a V-shaped groove that will allow the plaster compound to adhere better to the plasterboard.
- Sand the surface. Once you’ve widened the crack, use 120 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the crack and the surrounding area. The goal is simply to remove any flakes of paint and plaster that will prevent the new plaster from adhering properly. Wipe down the area with a dry rag to remove any sanding dust.
- Apply jointing tape. Fiberglass jointing tape is an adhesive mesh that provides support for the plaster compound. Apply strips of jointing tape along the length of the crack.
- Fill the crack with plaster. Use plaster compound and a wide plastering trowel to fill the crack with fresh plaster. Make sure you work the plaster into the crack and apply enough to cover the jointing tape.
- Sand the plaster. Once the plaster is dry, use 120 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface and blend it in with the rest of the ceiling. You may need to apply a second layer of plaster to fill any low spots and create a smooth finish.
- Clean the area. Use a dry cloth to wipe down the surface and remove any dust left over from sanding.
- Repaint the ceiling. Finally, you can apply a fresh coat of paint to the cracked area to complete the work!
Get Your Home Looking New Again with Ceiling Repair Sydney!
Repairing small cracks in plasterboard ceilings and walls is a DIY-friendly job. With a little bit of patience, you can use the method above to deal with any superficial cracks that have developed around your home. For more complicated issues, you’re better off talking to the experts at Sydney Metro Plastering! Major cracks and damaged plasterboard aren’t always an easy fix. If you’re seeing the telltale signs of major damage, Sydney Metro Plastering is happy to help.
Our experienced plasterers are available across Sydney, and we work on everything from minor repairs to major fitouts with soundproof ceiling installation. Get in touch with us today if you’d like to make a booking with our team for ceiling repairs Sydney wide!