Ceiling cracks updated post

Question

Thank you to everyone for your responses it's very much appreciated just for context the ceilings up stairs after solar went in the loft.... have said they will fill them with filler but won't guarantee that it won't shrink or crack again which Is no good I my opinion as I could be in the same position again in 6/12 months. 
Can these be repaired using filler or do they need repairing with full re-skim as I won't be papering them there going to be painted. 
I'm seeking advice as I have spoken to a couple of local plasterers who have said filler is a quick short term fix (bodge job that looks ok) but within a short period of time it will perish and crack again. They also said a proper fix would be rake out fill sand and tape then a full re-skim. Just looking for professional opinion 
Thanks in advance

Hussain · Accepted Answer

Filler will tidy it up short term, but it’s not a proper fix for ceiling cracks caused by loft or solar works. There’s usually movement, which is why they won’t guarantee it filler can shrink and crack again once it’s painted.
The correct way is to rake out the cracks, secure any loose plaster, scrim tape, then re-skim the ceiling. That gives you a solid, paint-ready finish and greatly reduces the chance of it coming back.
Frankly filler alone is very likely to show again over time

Adam · Answer

Yea your plasterers were tight but the only 100% guarantee is to overboard and skim

Craig · Answer

Over board or use some external render mesh over the whole area to avoid and future cracks.

Mahmoud · Answer

Filler on its own is only a temporary fix. After works like solar panel installation, some movement is common, so the filler can shrink or crack again within 6–12 months.
The correct long-term solution is to remove the filler, properly fill any gaps, sand the surface, apply scrim tape, and then fully skim (re-plaster) the ceiling.
Since the ceiling will be painted (not wallpapered), a full skim is the best and most durable option to achieve a smooth finish and prevent future cracking.

Dragos Daniel · Answer

Filler can be used as a temporary repair, but it is not a guaranteed long-term solution as it does not reinforce the area. If there has been any structural movement, the cracks will likely return. The professional method is to rake out the cracks, apply scrim tape, and carry out a full re-skim. This will strengthen the surface and provide a lasting finish suitable for painting

Stevie · Answer

If the cracks appeared after work in the loft, it’s likely caused by movement or slight flex in the ceilings. Simply filling over the cracks can look fine short term, but if there’s ongoing movement, they can reopen. A more reliable repair is to rake out the cracks, tape them properly, and then either patch and feather in or fully re skim the ceiling for a uniform finish. If you’re painting rather than papering, a full re-skim gives the best long-term result and reduces the chance of cracks reappearing.

Liam · Answer

You can tape and skim with easi filler. Or another alternative is to skim with multifinish

Gary · Answer

Filling ceiling cracks, but you can’t guarantee rake it out fill it with caulk then put some scrim over it then flll it 2 times rub down and paint

Ionut · Answer

If the cracks have appeared after solar installation work in the loft, it is very likely they are due to movement or slight deflection in the ceiling joists rather than simple cosmetic shrinkage.

Simply filling the cracks with standard filler is, as you’ve been advised, usually a short-term fix. Filler alone does not address movement at plasterboard joints and in many cases the cracks will reappear within months.

A more permanent repair would involve:
	•	Raking out the cracks properly
	•	Applying scrim tape over the joints
	•	Re-filling with joint compound
	•	Sanding smooth
	•	Then either blending in or carrying out a full re-skim if required

If the cracking is isolated to board joints and not widespread across the entire ceiling, a taped repair is often sufficient without needing a full re-skim.

A full re-skim is typically recommended where:
	•	There are multiple cracks across the ceiling
	•	The surface finish is poor
	•	You want a completely uniform painted finish

The most important point is ensuring there is no ongoing movement in the loft (loose boarding, unsupported areas, added load from solar equipment). If movement continues, even a re-skim may crack again.

In short: filler alone is unlikely to be a long-term solution. A properly taped repair — and potentially a skim depending on the extent — would be the more professional approach.

Dee · Answer

If you want the job done right, it's best to just suck it up and go for the full reskim, any other solution would be a temporary fix with no guarantee that it wouldn't shrink etc

Ceiling cracks updated post

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