How To Repair Walls & Ceilings

Are you tired of staring at unsightly holes and cracks in your walls and ceilings? Whether you're dealing with minor dents or major damage, repairing your walls and ceilings can seem like a daunting task.

At some point in time, we've all encountered a damaged wall or ceiling in our homes. Whether it's a crack, a hole, or water damage, it can be frustrating to deal with. The good news is that repairing walls and ceilings is not as complicated as it may seem.

In this guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of how to repair walls and ceilings, so you can do it yourself and save money on hiring a professional.

But with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a flawless finish that will make your home look brand new. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of repairing walls and ceilings, from identifying the issue to applying the final coat of paint.

What Causes Cracked Ceilings

Damage From Above

The portion of the ceiling that faces the room is not the only section of the ceiling that is visible. Ceilings also have an upper surface to them. In most homes, the ceiling of the attic is not protected in any way.

If there is nothing more than loose-fill or fibreglass insulation on top of the drywall, then the drywall is at risk of being damaged by anyone who walks around or anything that is very heavy that falls.

Taping Joints That Aren't Done Properly

Cracks in the drywall that are long and straight and run in the same direction as the joists are sometimes the consequence of inadequately taped seams in the drywall. It's possible that the tape wasn't placed correctly before it was coated with more joint compounds.

Water Damage

There is a possibility of water dripping down onto the top of the drywall ceiling from the flashing, the roof, or the vents. The presence of water damage can be seen visually as blotches of yellow or brown colour, or as paint that has bubbled.

Cracks are often part of water damage, as the water may leak into the seams between drywall panels and loosen the joint tape.

Structural Damage

The sinking of the foundation is something that should be anticipated, but structural damage should not.

The joists, beams, foundation wall, band joist, and sill plate in the basement of a house are common places where structural deterioration to a house might first appear. Damage might start at the bottom and work its way up, first affecting the floor, then the walls, and finally, the ceiling.

How to Know If Ceiling Cracks That Are Serious

Cracks in the ceiling that are extensive and run in lines, particularly those that are parallel to fractures in the walls, are frequently an indication of major issues. So, the problem extends far more than just the fracture.

That is an issue with the foundation, and the fracture in the ceiling is really an unfortunate side effect. When you have a problem of this nature, the doors and windows in your home will likely have difficulties opening and closing, and the doors may become stuck in their doorframes.

In certain instances, the consequences can also be observed on the exterior of the building, namely in the form of gaps appearing between the brick stairs, paths, or patios and the house itself.

If the fracture in the ceiling is followed by a substantial bow in the ceiling, this is typically indicative of a major problem from above, namely with the joists or trusses in the attic.

What Causes Cracks in Your Ceiling?

There are several different problems that might cause ceilings to crack, and some of these problems are more dangerous than others. The accumulation of moisture may frequently be the cause of water damage, which in turn can result in cracks and a ceiling that has sagged.

If this is the case, mending the cracks alone will not be sufficient since this is an issue that has to be fixed before it creates damage that lasts for a longer period of time or causes the ceiling to collapse.

Mold and vermin are two unwelcome byproducts that may accompany water damage, and getting rid of them may require a multi-pronged approach.

Additional things that might create ceiling cracks include damage to the structure of the house, shoddy craftsmanship, ground movement, or the natural settling of a brand new house (usually accompanied by wall cracks).

Homes that are more than a few decades old are more likely to display signs of general wear and tear, such as visible lines and cracks.

Signs to Look Out For

The first thing that needs to be done is to figure out if the issue is only cosmetic or if it is something more significant. The following is a list of potential warning indicators that accompany cracking that you should keep an eye out for:

• Loud cracking noises
• The plasterboard is beginning to sag.
• Sheeting of plasterboard that is falling, tugging, or dropping
• The development of a number of tiny blisters
• Discolouration

If any of these things happen to you, you should get in touch with a professional as soon as possible since the sooner you treat the issue, the higher the likelihood that the problem can be fixed rather than having to be replaced.

In most cases, fine cracks that run in a straight line are not cause for concern; nonetheless, they may point to a junction that wasn't tapered properly. It is possible to conceal this by reattaching the tape to the wall using a very thin coating of drywall cement.

Why Do Ceilings and Cornices Crack?

Curious as to what causes cracks in ceilings and cornices in the first place?

There are a number of reasons, and hiring a professional to inspect your walls and determine the reason is a must.

Some of the reasons include:

• Additional loads
• Poor drainage
• Moisture
• Poor workmanship
• Expanding materials
• Foundation settling
• Airconditioning vents moved or removed complete
• Changes to lighting – when modern or cost-effective lights are installed, the existing holes may simply be too big.

Do Your Ceilings and Cornices Need Patching or Painting?

If the cracks, holes, or gouges are only minor in nature, you may find yourself questioning whether or not you really need to get them repaired at all.

In certain instances, you will be required to have the cracks repaired owing to structural damage and the possibility of them becoming more worse, while in other instances, you will not be required to do so.

Cracks in the ceiling can be stressful, but if you know which ones are severe and which ones aren't, you can alleviate some of that tension and help protect your house from structural damage. Hence, before you have your ceilings fixed, you should have them inspected by a trained professional (like us), who will then advise you on the best way to proceed.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Ceiling Repair

Drywall and plaster can develop cracks for a variety of causes, including the natural settling of the home, poor craftsmanship, the elevation of roof trusses, or the presence of water leaks.

Cracks in walls are relatively easy to fix, but ceilings, which often have some kind of texture added to them and are located overhead, make repairs a bit more difficult. These repairs may be a real pain in the neck.

Walls can be repaired in a rather uncomplicated manner. A wise homeowner may typically effectively fix cracks in ceilings without too much difficulty if they follow a few tried-and-true methods that have been around for quite some time.

The challenge is in determining what steps should be taken first, which tools should be applied, and when it is appropriate to seek assistance from trained experts.

DO Pinpoint the Cause of the Crack

Sometimes the reason for a fracture in the ceiling is obvious, such as when there are visible water stains on the ceiling. This is an indication that a leak caused the joint compound to weaken and break.

The formation of a delicate spider web of hairline fractures is frequently the consequence of putting the joint compound in an excessively thick layer.

This led to the compound shrinking and developing cracks as it dried. Fixing any leaks or other problems that may have caused the cracks in the ceiling should come first before attempting to make repairs to the ceiling itself.

DON’T Proceed Without a Plan

Repairing cracks in ceilings may involve removing some of the ceiling's texture in order to make the repair and then patching the ceiling with a product that matches the rest of the ceiling's surface.

This will depend on the type of ceiling texture that is present as well as the severity of the crack. Rather than smearing some spackle into the crack with a finger (which sometimes works!), consider whether retexturing or painting will be necessary to give the ceiling a finished look after the crack repairs are complete.

Consider all parts of the project as well as the result you want to achieve for the greatest possible results.

DO Consider Popcorn Ceiling Removal

Popcorn ceilings were all the rage in the 1960s and 1970s, but those that still exist now tend to gather dust and filth, and any form of crack repair is likely to stand out like a sore thumb. Popcorn ceilings were popular throughout those decades.

Due to the fact that a ceiling with this type might actually cause a decrease in a home's market value, it would be a good time to get rid of the texture or cover it up with drywall panels or firm foam panels.

Before making any repairs to your ceiling, it is essential to determine what sort of popcorn texture is currently there, as there is a possibility that popcorn ceilings placed prior to 1978 contain asbestos. In most cases, it is advisable to have a popcorn ceiling that includes asbestos removed by a professional who is trained in asbestos cleanup.

DON’T Cheap Out—Buy the Right Tools for Ceiling Repair

If the crack is a very thin hairline—and it’s been there for a while—odds are you can simply put a little spackling on a finger and smear it carefully into the crack, taking care to wipe away residue from the surface.

On the other hand, the crack is likely to be bigger or the ceiling may have several cracks. When this occurs, making use of the appropriate instruments and components will produce the highest quality outcomes. When removing loose ceiling texture and peeling paper, a tape knife with a blade length of 6 inches works very well.

It is required to have a small tub of pre-mixed drywall mud in order to fill the cracks, and it is beneficial to use either paper drywall tape or mesh drywall tape in order to strengthen the compound. When the slurry has had time to dry, the surface may be made more even with the use of a drywall sanding sponge.

DO Protect the Walls and Floor

While working from a height, wet drywall compound has a tendency to drip everywhere; thus, it is important to take precautions to protect the walls, the floor, and any other things that may be in the area. Place a canvas sheet on the floor (plastic drop cloths can become wet and potentially slippery), and cover any furniture you want to protect with lightweight plastic drop cloths.

Doing so will prevent the furniture from being damaged. If the ceiling crack is close to a wall, you might want to cover the wall with a drop cloth made of plastic to prevent paint splatters from falling onto the wall.

DON’T Shorten Time for Drying

Before applying a second layer, ceiling crack repairs that were completed with wet drywall compound should allow the compound to completely dry. In this instance, the rule of thumb is to spread the mixture on in as thin of a layer as is practically feasible, being careful to scrape off any excess with a tape knife.

The substance will become a brilliant white hue once it has been dried to completion. After that, it may be refinished by sanding it down and applying a new coat.

DO Try a Flexible Patching Compound

Consider sealing the ceiling repair using a flexible solution such as Elastopatch Smooth Flexible Patching Compound if you have previously fixed a break in ceiling drywall, only to have the crack return a few weeks or months later (available from Amazon).

Instead of putting regular paper or mesh drywall tape to the crack, use a tiny brush to apply a thin coat of Elastopatch directly over a crack that has been filled with compound or spackling and then sanded flat.

This will provide a more permanent solution to the problem. It just takes one or two coatings of Elastopatch to create a flexible seal over the healed fracture. The product comes in a tube.

DON’T Forget to Stay Safe

While sanding drywall compound, which can produce clouds of dust, a do-it-yourselfer should always wear eye protection in addition to a dust mask before beginning the operation. In addition, when working overhead, you should never utilise seats or stools that are prone to tipping rather than a stable step ladder in order to reach the ceiling.

DO Add a Finishing Touch

Cracks that have been repaired may seem almost as ugly as the cracks that were there in the first place if the restorations do not match the rest of the ceiling.

Products for repairing holes in ceilings can be purchased as sprays or as semi-liquids that are applied with a sponge; however, you should make sure to get one that is a textural match for the ceiling.

Painting the ceiling is another alternative; if you decide to go this route, search for a ceiling paint in a neutral hue that has a good hiding power.

DON’T Skip Other Ceiling Updates

When the ceiling repair has been completed and the texture of the ceiling has been restored, an outdated light fixture or a rusty return-air vent might detract from the appearance of the newly repaired ceiling.

To give the entire area an updated and modern appearance, you might want to think about replacing an old light fixture with a new one and also replacing an old vent, or at the very least, cleaning it and giving it a new coat of paint.

Conclusion

In conclusion, repairing walls and ceilings may seem like a daunting task, but it is something that can be done by anyone with the right tools and a little bit of patience. Remember to assess the damage, prepare the surface, and use the appropriate materials when making repairs.

If the damage is extensive, or you don't feel comfortable doing the repairs yourself, it's always best to seek the help of a professional. A professional can provide you with the expertise and tools needed to get the job done right.

We hope that this guide has been helpful in providing you with the information needed to successfully repair walls and ceilings in your home. Remember, a little bit of effort can go a long way in maintaining the appearance and value of your home.

Content Summary

• Are you tired of staring at unsightly holes and cracks in your walls and ceilings?
• Whether it's a crack, a hole, or water damage, it can be frustrating to deal with.
• In this guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of how to repair walls and ceilings, so you can do it yourself and save money on hiring a professional.
• But with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a flawless finish that will make your home look brand new.
• That is an issue with the foundation, and the fracture in the ceiling is really an unfortunate side effect.
• The following is a list of potential warning indicators that accompany cracking that you should keep an eye out for: Loud cracking noises The plasterboard is beginning to sag.
• Building movement, impact damage and general age deterioration can all contribute to cracks and damage to your ceilings and cornices.
• Curious as to what causes cracks in ceilings and cornices in the first place?
• There are a number of reasons, and hiring a professional to inspect your walls and determine the reason is a must.
• Fixing any leaks or other problems that may have caused the cracks in the ceiling should come first before attempting to make repairs to the ceiling itself.
• This will depend on the type of ceiling texture that is present as well as the severity of the crack.
• consider whether retexturing or painting will be necessary to give the ceiling a finished look after the crack repairs are complete.
• Before making any repairs to your ceiling, it is essential to determine what sort of popcorn texture is currently there, as there is a possibility that popcorn ceilings placed prior to 1978 contain asbestos.
• It is required to have a small tub of pre-mixed drywall mud in order to fill the cracks, and it is beneficial to use either paper drywall tape or mesh drywall tape in order to strengthen the compound.
• Before applying a second layer, ceiling crack repairs that were completed with wet drywall compound should allow the compound to completely dry.
• Instead of putting regular paper or mesh drywall tape to the crack, use a tiny brush to apply a thin coat of Elastopatch directly over a crack that has been filled with compound or spackling and then sanded flat.
• It just takes one or two coatings of Elastopatch to create a flexible seal over the healed fracture.
• While sanding drywall compound, which can produce clouds of dust, a do-it-yourselfer should always wear eye protection in addition to a dust mask before beginning the operation.
• In addition, when working overhead, you should never utilise seats or stools that are prone to tipping rather than a stable step ladder in order to reach the ceiling.
• Products for repairing holes in ceilings can be purchased as sprays or as semi-liquids that are applied with a sponge; however, you should make sure to get one that is a textural match for the ceiling.
• When the ceiling repair has been completed and the texture of the ceiling has been restored, an outdated light fixture or a rusty return-air vent might detract from the appearance of the newly repaired ceiling.
• In conclusion, repairing walls and ceilings may seem like a daunting task, but it is something that can be done by anyone with the right tools and a little bit of patience.
• If the damage is extensive, or you don't feel comfortable doing the repairs yourself, it's always best to seek the help of a professional.
• We hope that this guide has been helpful in providing you with the information needed to successfully repair walls and ceilings in your home.
• Remember, a little bit of effort can go a long way in maintaining the appearance and value of your home.