Cracks in ceilings

Question

Cracks in ceilings after workmen in attic.
Can these be repaired using filler or do the need repairing the full re-skim as I won't be pampering them there going to be painted.
Thanks in advance

Gary · Accepted Answer

Hi the cracks will have to be dug out filled touched up with at least 1 possibly 2 full coats applied over the top it depends on how surreal they are

Chris · Answer

The ceiling needs either taping and skimming or overboarding and skimming

Stevie · Answer

This is quite common after attic work.

Often caused by:
• Movement in ceiling joists
• Boards being stood on
• Minor settlement

If the cracks are hairline and not sagging, they can usually be:

• Raked out slightly
• Scrim taped
• Filled and sanded

If there are multiple long cracks or the ceiling feels loose or drummy, a full re-skim may be the better long-term fix.

If you’re painting anyway, a proper taped repair should hold fine. Just avoid simple filler without tape — it will likely crack again.

Aaron · Answer

Hi, generally they crack along where the boards join. In which case I would recommend screwing either side of the crack to secure the board and scrim them at the very least. I would recommend a re-skim but depends on the length etc of the crack

Adam · Answer

Dig out with screwdriver not to deep use a flexible filler or chauk  fill crack leave to dry fill again if needed let dry then fine sandpaper lightly then paint if cracks are bad would need reskim but thats all about your budget.etc.

Lee · Answer

All depends from previous works.
Could be badly boarded or screwed.
It may work but depends on several factors really

Anees · Answer

If the cracks are just hairline (1-3mm) and not moving, filling is sufficient.

Dragos Daniel · Answer

Cracks in ceilings after work in the attic are usually caused by movement or pressure on the ceiling joists. Using filler alone is often only a temporary solution and the cracks may return. The proper long-term repair is to rake out the cracks, apply scrim tape, and then re-skim the ceiling. This will provide a stronger and more durable finish before painting.

Liam · Answer

Yes, just tape and skim with easi filler. You can use multifinish aswell if u want a brand new look but easi fill is better

Ionut · Answer

Cracks in ceilings after work has been carried out in the attic are usually caused by slight movement or pressure on the joists.

If the cracks are fine hairline cracks, they can often be repaired by raking them out slightly, applying scrim tape, and filling with a suitable joint compound. Simply applying filler over the top without taping is usually only a short-term fix and may crack again.

If the cracks run along plasterboard joints or are more pronounced, the correct repair would be:
	•	Rake out the crack
	•	Apply scrim tape
	•	Refill and sand smooth
	•	Prime and repaint

A full re-skim is generally only necessary if:
	•	There are multiple cracks across the entire ceiling
	•	The surface finish is uneven
	•	You want a completely fresh, uniform finish before painting

In most cases, a properly taped and filled repair is sufficient without needing to skim the whole ceiling. The key is addressing any movement first so the cracks do not return.

Cracks in ceilings

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