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Repair in Practice: How to Fix Cracks on the Ceiling

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Together with a professional, we explore what can cause cracks and how to get rid of them

Did you recently do a repair, and cracks have already appeared on the ceiling? We found out from an expert of the construction company «Good» about the causes of crack formation and how to eliminate them.

Vladislav Kosichkin — expert, development director of the construction company «Good»

Where and why do cracks appear? Cracks on ceilings and at the junctions with walls are typical for panel houses. This happens because the house settles, and vibrations occur between floors. In monolithic buildings, this does not happen if they were built in accordance with all standards and regulations. Over time, small cracks may appear on floors, but this is related to the drying of concrete during pouring.

Such cracks won't bring much trouble and will never reappear after being fixed, unlike cracks in panel houses. Movement of panels can continue for a long time after construction, usually within 5–10 years.

Types of Cracks

  • Micro-cracks. These can be sealed with acrylic sealant or finishing plaster.
  • Deep cracks. These are eliminated with plaster, usually gypsum-based.
Photo: Living room in Scandi style – photo on our websiteHow to Remove a Crack? Cut the Crack Regardless of Its Size

Cracks can be widened manually: using a specialized cutting tool or triangular scraper. Alternatively, use a grinder with an diamond disc. The depth of the cut should be no less than 5 mm.

Clean the crack and apply primer

This is necessary to reinforce the crack and ensure maximum adhesion with the material.

Fill the crack with plaster

Plaster should be applied in one go and no more than 15 mm thick to level the surface with the ceiling.

Photo: in style , – photo on our website

Seal the surface with linen or fiberglass cloth for reinforcement

The second option is more favorable because fiberglass cloth is denser than linen. Just don't forget to check which side you're gluing: the front side of fiberglass cloth feels smoother.

Apply finishing plaster

It is usually applied in a thin, even layer using a wide trowel.

Remove irregularities

Use sandpaper, but only after the plaster has dried.

Paint the ceiling

Paint can only be applied if the surface is perfectly flat.