Ceiling Cracks When To Worry? Causes and Solutions

If you do care about your house but the overtime cracks appear on the walls, and after a look, you think that ceiling cracks when to worry. So, first of all, you must understand the types of cracks. Some cracks are not dangerous but some cracks need to be repaired as soon as possible which are signs of some serious issues. 

There are a lot of reasons behind the crack. Maybe your house is older and potential damage will depend on the crack’s location, type, and size. In this article, we describe the causes and types of cracks that will easily identify which one is a major issue, and to resolve it you take the help of a professional.

What are the causes behind the ceiling cracks?

Ceiling cracks appear due to many reasons and to prevent and repair them you must understand the reason behind them. Let’s discuss all the reasons in detail one by one.

Older House:

With time, the structure of the building will be damaged. Small cracks appear on the ceiling, walls, around the door, and windows that are normally not dangerous but need to be repaired.

Water Damage:

Water leakage can also be the cause of the cracks because of the roof leaks, problems with plumbing, and high humidity levels. So, the water can weaken the material. If you do not pay any attention to it, the growth of mold and mildew can also become more dangerous for the building. So, water cracks need to be repaired quickly.

Earthquakes:

Earthquakes are the major reason behind the cracks and the ground movement causes the cracks. However, these cracks may be small or large in size so you repair them.

Structure Problems:

The conditions of the changed weather and environmental factors can also cause cracks that the building to inflate and contract which the movement can pressure the material.

Construction Material:

Material used in the building like low-quality material, inadequate installation, and insufficient support of the structure can also be the cause of cracks.

Foundation:

The setting of the building foundation is the major cause of cracks and the passage of time increases the pressure on the structure leading to cracks.

Drywall:

The low-quality material used for coating becomes the cause as the wall dries mostly in dry or low-humidity environments causing cracks.

What are the types of cracks on the building?

Many types of ceiling cracks can cause Ceiling Cracks When to Worry. So, understand the types of cracks and repair them.

Picture	Types of Cracks	Explanation	Ceiling cracks when to worry
	Structural Cracks	These cracks appear due to incorrect design, wrong construction, or overloading.	It’s dangerous for the safety of the building and needs to be repaired.
	Non-Structural Cracks	The cause of non-structural cracks is internally induced stresses in building materials like moisture, temperature, elastic deformations, creep, chemical reaction, and the movement of the foundation.	These cracks are not more dangerous but need to be repaired so that they may not create damage to the internal finishes.
	Discolored Cracks	These cracks represent the yellow and brown color that is a sign of water damage and problems with plumbing.	Water damage is the biggest problem and dangerous for the foundation of buildings so they need to be repaired quickly.
	Spiderweb cracks	Cracks like spiderweb appear in the center and then spread around the point in all directions. These cracks occur by foundation settlement which might be linked to compromised structural integrity.	Usually not serious but the large cracks need to be repaired.
	Cracks between the ceiling and wall	Cracks that appear between the ceiling and walls might cause truss uplift. These can cause the structure to a damaged and cracks run along the ceiling and continue down to the wall.	These cracks are dangerous and quickly repair them.
	Large and Deep Cracks	Large and deep cracks are serious structural damage issues to deal which can create many problems like water leaks and other issues.	Need to be repaired quickly.
	Hairline Cracks	These cracks are typically thin cosmetic cracks that appear in paint or plaster caused by the changed temperature.	Hairline cracks present an ugly look that is not dangerous but while you apply the new coat remove the old plaster.
	Straight Cracks	These cracks may present vertically and horizontally. These cracks appear when an insufficient amount of plaster is used making drywall tape.	Not dangerous but needs to be repaired.

What is the main reason behind the cracks? 

The main reason for the ceiling cracks is that the masonry joints are sulfate attacks which are present in the soil, groundwater, or bricks. The cement and hydraulic lime are present in the moisture from products that react with sulfate and produce a volume higher than the original constituents. Finally, their weight increases and causes cracks.

When should you worry about ceiling cracks?

After understanding the type of ceiling cracks and their causes you will think about why they are dangerous and why Ceiling cracks when to worry. It’s important to repair the cracks to ensure your safety. Identifying the location and size of the cracks is important to repair for further damage and when needed you consult with a professional.  

• Ceiling cracks along with sagging are the signs of the big damage that needs quick attention.
• The crack between the ceiling and wall is a big issue that is certainly a structural issue so, consult with a professional.
• Discoloured Cracks occur with water damage which creates a foundational problem with the building so pay attention to it.
• If you fail to identify what to do about these cracks, you must contact a professional.
• Cracks around the door and window that need to be repaired.

How to repair the Ceiling Cracks?

In the list below, here are some minor solutions that can help you repair the ceiling cracks and structural integrity of your home. The repair method depends on the type of the type of crack but if the cracks are dangerous you must contact a professional who can fill the cracks.

Clean the Ceiling crack:

By using the knife and five-in-one tool clean the paint and drywall around the crack and clean the lengthwise not sideways.

Apply the tape:

After cleaning apply the tape on the crack gently and apply the tape that covers the crack. 

Joint Compound Spread:

With the help of the tool spread the joint compound on the ceiling crack. Spread the layer of the compound thin on the crack.

Neat the Joint Compound by Sand:

When the compound is dried, give it a light sand with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface. Now, merge the edge line of the mud line and the edge of the ceiling.

Again Spread Joint Compound:

After sand again spread the second thin layer of the joint compound.

Paint:

After drying the joint compound prime the area and gently apply the same color of paint with a paintbrush.

Consult with Professional 

To address the ceiling cracks, you must identify the condition and type of the crack. The crack is caused by water plumbing, earthquakes, structure issues, and other issues. So, ensure the proper maintenance of the building. 

After identifying the reasons that must be repaired as quickly as the cracks issue is a big deal and the best option is to consult a professional. The professional engineer can easily understand the condition of damage and suggest an actual solution.

Wind Up

Ceiling cracks are not a big or small issue, it depends on the condition. The cracks not only look ugly but also can become a big problem in the future so before dealing with any big issue you can repair these cracks quickly.

Remember that ceiling large cracks can be a challenge and damage your home interior if you do not pay any attention to them. If you repair the cracks by yourself and feel comfortable then it’s great but if you feel uncomfortable you must consult a professional to repair the cracks professionally.

for more information visit voxblend.com