7 Types of Ceiling Cracks: How to Identify and Repair Them

Last Updated on December 9, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford

Do you have a crack in your ceiling? If so, you’re not alone. Many homeowners experience this issue at some point. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of ceiling cracks and how to repair them. We’ll also provide tips for preventing cracks from forming in the first place. So if you’re dealing with a pesky crack in your ceiling, read on for some helpful information!

1. Bowed ceiling and large ceiling cracks

Bowed ceilings are a type of ceiling crack that is characterized by a bowed or sagging appearance. Large ceiling cracks, on the other hand, are cracks that are wider than ¼ inch. These types of cracks can be caused by a number of factors, including:

-Structural problems with the house or building

-Settlement of the foundation

-Water damage

-Poorly constructed ceilings

If you notice any bowed ceiling or large ceiling cracks in your home, it is important to have them repaired as soon as possible. These types of cracks can cause serious structural problems if left unaddressed.

There are a few different ways that bowed ceilings and large ceiling cracks can be repaired. One common method is to use a technique called “sagging ceiling repair”.

This involves attaching metal braces to the ceiling joists in order to provide support and prevent further sagging.

Another option is to install a new layer of drywall over the existing one. This can help to cover up any unsightly cracks and give the ceiling a smooth, finished look.

2. Cracks between the ceiling and wall

cracks between ceiling wall

Cracks between the ceiling and wall are caused by settling of the house or building. As the structure settles, the drywall begins to crack. The settlement process can be caused by many things such as:

-The original construction of the house or building

-Changes in temperature and humidity

-Soil conditions

-The weight of the house or building materials

If you have cracks between your ceiling and wall, don’t panic. In most cases, these cracks are not serious and can be easily repaired.

How to repair it?

To repair cracks between your ceiling and wall, you will need the following materials:

-Drywall tape

-Joint compound

-Sandpaper

-Putty knife

-Paint or primer (optional)

First, use the putty knife to remove any loose paint or debris from the crack. Next, apply a strip of drywall tape along the length of the crack.

Then, using your joint compound and putty knife, fill in the area around the tape. Be sure to smooth out the compound so it is level with the rest of the wall. Allow the compound to dry completely before sanding down any rough edges.

Once you have repaired the crack, you may want to paint or prime the area to match the rest of the wall.

3. Hairline ceiling cracks

Hairline cracks are the most common type of ceiling crack. They usually occur due to settling of the house or normal wear and tear. These cracks are not a structural concern but can be unsightly.

How to Repair Hairline Ceiling Cracks

The best way to repair hairline cracks is with caulk or plaster. For cracks that are less than ¼ inch wide, you can use caulk.

Start by cleaning the crack with a vacuum cleaner or brush to remove any dirt or debris. Then, apply caulk to the crack using a caulking gun. Smooth it out with your finger and allow it to dry for 24 hours before painting over it.

4. Large, deep cracks in a bowed ceiling

They are cracks that run perpendicular to the joists and are usually caused by poorly supported drywall or plaster. The weight of the material above can cause the ceiling to bow, which in turn causes these types of cracks.

How do you identify Large, deep cracks in a bowed ceiling?

These types of cracks are usually easy to identify because they run perpendicular to the joists. If you see a crack running along your ceiling, it’s likely that this is the type of crack you have.

How do you repair Large, deep cracks in a bowed ceiling?

The best way to repair these types of cracks is by using a piece of wood to brace the area. You’ll want to screw the piece of wood into the joists on either side of the crack.

This will help support the weight of the material above and prevent further damage. Once you have the piece of wood in place, you can use drywall tape or joint compound to repair the crack.

5. Spiderweb ceiling cracks

spiderweb ceiling cracks

Spiderweb ceiling cracks are thin, hairline cracks that radiate out from a central point. They get their name from their resemblance to a spider’s web. Spiderweb ceiling cracks are usually the result of settling or shrinking of the house.

How to identify Spiderweb ceiling cracks?

The best way to identify a Spiderweb ceiling crack is to look for the central point from which the cracks radiate. Another way to identify these cracks is by their hairline width.

How to repair Spiderweb ceiling cracks?

Spiderweb ceiling cracks can be repaired with a little bit of spackle and some elbow grease. First, you will need to clean the cracks with a vacuum. Next, apply the spackle to the cracks with a putty knife. Finally, smooth out the spackle with a wet rag.

6. Straight ceiling cracks

straight ceiling cracks 1

They are usually caused by structural movement and they tend to run in a horizontal or vertical direction. They can be caused by expansion or contraction of the building materials, settling of the house, or even Thermal expansion due to changes in temperature.

How can you tell if a ceiling crack is serious?

If the crack is longer than a few inches, or if it is wider than a quarter of an inch, then it is likely to be serious and you should have it checked out by a professional.

What can you do to repair a ceiling crack?

If the crack is small, then you can try to repair it yourself with some plaster or putty. However, if the crack is longer than a few inches, or if it is wider than a quarter of an inch, then you will need to hire a professional to repair it.

7. Yellow or brown ceiling cracks

These are cracks that run perpendicular to the joists. They’re caused by Settlement, poor construction, or severe weather conditions.

Settlement cracks are the most common type of ceiling crack. They occur when your house settles into the ground and causes the framing to shift. Poor construction is another common cause of yellow or brown ceiling cracks.

If the framing wasn’t properly put together, it can cause the ceiling to crack. Severe weather conditions can also lead to these types of cracks. If there’s been a lot of rain or snow, the weight of the water can cause the ceiling to crack.

How do you fix Yellow or brown ceiling cracks?

You’ll need to use a putty knife to fill the cracks with joint compound. You can also use a caulk gun to apply silicone caulk or latex caulk to the cracks. Once the joint compound or caulk is in place, you’ll need to smooth it out with a wet rag. Allow the joint compound or caulk to dry completely before painting over it.

How do you know if a ceiling crack is serious?

There are a few things you can look for to determine whether a ceiling crack is serious. First, check to see if the crack is longer than 12 inches.

If it is, then it’s likely that the crack is serious and needs to be repaired by a professional. Second, take a close look at the width of the crack.

If it’s wider than a quarter inch, then it’s also likely to be serious and in need of repair. Finally, check to see if the crack is deep. If it is, then it will need to be fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

How can you tell if a crack is structural?

There are a few things you can look for to help determine if a crack is structural or not. First, check to see if the crack runs vertically through the center of the wall or if it follows the seams between panels of drywall.

If the crack follows the seams between panels, it’s likely not structural. Next, take a close look at the crack itself. Is it straight or jagged?

If it’s straight, it’s less likely to be structural. Finally, tap on the wall around the crack. If the sound is hollow, it’s probably not structural. If the sound is solid, however, there may be a chance that the crack is structural.

What does a straight crack in the ceiling mean?

A straight crack in the ceiling is usually caused by structural damage to the house. It can be caused by a number of things, such as a heavy object falling on the roof or a tree branch falling on the house.

If you see a straight crack in your ceiling, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional to determine the cause and to make sure that the damage is repaired properly.

Can heat cause ceiling cracks?

There are a few things that can cause ceiling cracks, and one of them is heat. When it gets hot outside, the air inside your home expands. This can put stress on your ceiling, and eventually lead to cracks forming.

If you live in an area that gets very hot during the summer, be sure to keep an eye out for any cracks that might form in your ceiling.

If you do find a crack, don’t panic! Ceiling cracks are usually not a structural issue and can be easily repaired. However, if the crack is large or seems to be getting bigger, you should have it checked out by a professional to be on the safe side.

Do cracks get worse over time?

This is a common question we get asked, and unfortunately, it’s not a simple yes or no answer. Cracks can worsen over time if they are not repaired, but sometimes they will stay the same or even improve on their own.

It really depends on the type of crack, how big it is, and what caused it in the first place. For example, a small hairline crack might not change much over time, but a large crack that’s growing could cause serious structural problems down the road.

If you’re concerned about a crack in your home, the best thing to do is to have it inspected by a professional. They will be able to assess the damage and recommend the best course of action. In some cases, repairs can be made to prevent the crack from getting worse.

Why does my ceiling crack in the winter?

It’s a question I get a lot, and it’s one that I’m still trying to figure out.

There are a few theories out there, but the most common one is that the cold weather causes the cracking. As the temperature outside drops, the air inside your home becomes drier. This can cause the wood in your ceiling to contract and expand, which can lead to cracking.

Another theory is that the humidity in your home during the winter months can cause the ceiling to crack. When the air is filled with moisture, it can cause the wood in your ceiling to swell. This can lead to cracking as well.

There are a few things you can do to try to prevent your ceiling from cracking. One is to invest in a humidifier. This will help to keep the air in your home moist, which can prevent the wood in your ceiling from drying out and cracking.

Another thing you can do is to make sure that you’re not overloading your ceiling with too much weight. If you have heavy furniture or objects on your ceiling, it can put too much stress on the wood and cause it to crack.

If you have a cracked ceiling, there are a few things you can do to repair it. One is to use caulk to fill in the cracks. This will help to seal them and prevent further damage.

Another option is to use a patch kit. This can be found at most hardware stores. With a patch kit, you can apply a new piece of drywall over the cracked area.

If your ceiling is severely damaged, you may need to replace the entire panel. This is a more involved repair and should be done by a professional.

Conclusion

There are many different types of ceiling cracks, but the most common are hairline cracks, spider web cracks, and drywall cracks. These three types of cracks can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, weathering, and structural problems. If you notice any type of ceiling crack in your home, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional to determine the cause and to find the best repair solution.