How To Repair a Cracked Drywall Ceiling

Repairing a cracked drywall ceiling can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it’s a manageable DIY project. Whether caused by settling, temperature changes, or accidental damage, ceiling cracks can be effectively fixed without replacing entire sections of drywall. This guide will walk you through the process of repairing a cracked drywall ceiling, ensuring a smooth and seamless finish. In the video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how to tackle this common home repair issue.

*Unless otherwise noted, prices in this article reflect an average of prices that our team found from hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot, and on Amazon.com.

Understanding Ceiling Cracks

Before diving into the repair process, it’s important to understand what causes ceiling cracks and how to assess their severity.

Common Causes of Ceiling Cracks

Understanding the root cause of your ceiling cracks can help you prevent future issues by addressing underlying problems like foundation settling or improper drywall installation. Ceiling cracks can occur for various reasons:

• Accidental impact
• Improper drywall installation
• Settling of the house foundation
• Structural issues
• Temperature and humidity fluctuations

Assessing the Damage

Not all ceiling cracks are created equal. Wide cracks or sagging can point to severe concerns, often requiring a professional to inspect the structural integrity of your home. Here’s how to determine the severity:

• Cracks accompanied by sagging: Could signal structural problems
• Hairline cracks: Usually cosmetic and easy to repair
• Wide cracks: May indicate more significant issues

Preparing for the Ceiling Repair

Proper preparation is key to a successful drywall ceiling repair. Before starting the project, gather the necessary tools and materials.

Tools and Materials Needed

• 3/16-inch drill bit
• 1-inch spade bit
• 5/8-inch plywood
• Construction adhesive
• Drill/driver with drywall screw setter tip
• Drywall hawk
• Drywall screws (1 1/4-inch)
• Fiberglass mesh tape
• Flat trowel
• Hammer
• Joint compound
• Painter’s tape
• Utility knife

Safety Precautions

When working on ceiling repairs, safety should be your top priority. Take these precautions to stay safe while working:

• Cover the floor and furniture with drop cloths.
• Turn off power to any electrical fixtures in the area.
• Use a sturdy ladder or scaffolding.
• Wear safety goggles and a dust mask.

Step-By-Step Ceiling Repair Process

Follow these steps to repair your cracked drywall ceiling effectively.

Locate the Ceiling Joists

1. Climb into the attic and remove the insulation from between the ceiling joists directly above the damaged drywall.
2. Drill a 3/16-inch hole through the 1 x 3 strapping and drywall, centered between two joists.
3. Locate the hole from the room below to identify the strapping’s position.

Knowing exactly where your ceiling joists are helps in securing the damaged area properly and efficiently.

Create a Screwing Template

Tom demonstrates in the video how to create a screwing template:

1. Make a screwing template by first cutting and screwing together two pieces of 5/8-inch plywood. Make them slightly larger than the damaged area on the ceiling.
2. Bore a series of 1-inch-diameter holes through the template, spacing the holes about 3 inches apart. Space the rows of holes 16 inches on center.
3. Hold the screwing template against the ceiling directly over the damaged area. Use the 3/16-inch diameter hole to align the rows of holes with the 1 x 3 strapping above.

The template ensures that screws are accurately placed, providing a sturdy and long-lasting repair.

Secure the Damaged Drywall

1. Set a small square of plywood on the floor, then wedge a 2 x 4 brace into place between the plywood square and screwing template.
2. Use a drill/driver fitted with a drywall tip to drive 1 1/4-inch drywall screws through the holes in the template, through the drywall ceiling, and into the strapping above.
3. Cut 5/8-inch plywood backer boards to fit between the ceiling joists and the 1 x 3 strapping.

Securing the damaged drywall lays the foundation for a stable repair, preventing future cracks in the same area.

Add Support

To provide additional support to the damaged area:

1. Climb back into the attic and apply construction adhesive to the top surface of the drywall ceiling.
2. Press the plywood backer boards down into the adhesive.
3. Slide shims beneath the ceiling joists to force down the backer boards.
4. Go back down into the room and run drywall screws up through the remaining holes in the template and into the plywood backer boards.
5. If the ceiling crack extends beyond the template, drive in a few screws on each side of the crack.

These steps ensure that the repaired section of your ceiling is well-supported and sturdy.

Finish the Repair

1. Tap out the temporary 2 x 4 brace and remove the screwing template.
2. Use a hammer to lightly tap along the ceiling crack to break free any loose debris.
3. Apply a strip of painter’s tape to the very top of the wall to protect it from joint compound.
4. Cover the ceiling crack with adhesive-backed fiberglass mesh tape.
5. Use a flat trowel to spread a thin layer of joint compound over the entire repaired area, including the mesh tape and all the screw heads.
6. To create a skip-textured finish, apply more joint compound with very light pressure, allowing the trowel to skip over the surface.
7. Let the compound dry overnight, then apply a coat of primer, followed by two paint topcoats.

The finishing steps smooth out the repaired area, making it ready for texturing and painting.

Ceiling Texturing and Painting

The final steps involve matching the ceiling texture and painting to blend the repair seamlessly with the surrounding area.

Matching the Ceiling Texture

Matching the ceiling texture ensures that the repaired patch is indistinguishable from the rest of the ceiling. In the video, Tom demonstrates a skip trowel technique:

1. Allow the trowel to skip over the surface, creating a textured pattern.
2. Apply joint compound with a flat trowel using light pressure.
3. Practice on a scrap piece of drywall to perfect the technique before applying it to the ceiling.

Painting the Repaired Area

Proper painting techniques complete the repair, making the ceiling look as good as new. Once the joint compound is dry:

1. Apply a coat of primer to the repaired section.
2. Paint the entire ceiling for a uniform appearance.
3. Sand the area lightly if needed.

Preventing Future Drywall Cracks

While some cracks are inevitable due to settling, you can take steps to minimize future damage:

• Address any foundation issues promptly.
• Ensure proper attic ventilation.
• Maintain consistent indoor humidity levels.
• Use flexible caulk around ceiling fixtures to allow for movement.

Taking these preventative measures helps maintain the integrity of your ceiling, avoiding future repair work.

Detailed Inspections

Performing regular inspections of your ceiling may reveal early signs of damage that can be quickly addressed. Minor hairline cracks often result from common issues like temperature fluctuations and can be resolved without professional help. More serious cracks, indicated by sagging, require immediate attention and possibly professional intervention.

The Role of Materials

The choice of materials plays an important role in the longevity of your repair. High-quality joint compound and fiberglass mesh tape, for example, provide strength and durability, ensuring that your hard work lasts. Opt for reliable brands and products recommended by experts to give your repair the best chance of success.

Tools