Cracks in ceilings

Question

Cracks in ceilings after workmen in attix
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.
Thanks in advance

Shay · Accepted Answer

Yes cut them out.
Brush some pva into the
Crack but after you cut it open.
Leave pva to dry.
Put filler in them and sand down.

Craig · Answer

Hello Wayne

So many variables to this question, me personally, sounds like the workmen have disturbed the ceiling due to moving around above it.

You need to find out firstly if it’s a lime mortar or plasterboard ceiling Wayne, you can usually tell by , if the cracks are in strait lines it’ll be board or more sporadic almost shaped like coastal lines, it be lime mortar.

Plasterboard I would rake out the crack and fill with easifil, rub down and paint.

Lime mortar ceilings are a bit more volatile they can come down after being disturbed, so for me I would overboard, skim and paint Wayne.

Hope these help you out mate.

Craig

Robert · Answer

Best thing to do if you don't want to pay out for a plasterer is rake crack out put mastic in the joint then fill over it. 
If you just use filler chances are the crack will return

Paul · Answer

I would overboard ceilings and skim them or if money tight screw exsisting boards where cracks are and  scrim the cracks and re skim the ceilings and

Stevie · Answer

Cracks after work in the attic are usually caused by slight movement or flex in the ceiling. Filling over them can tidy things up short term, but if there’s been movement, they may reappear. A more reliable repair is to rake out the cracks, apply scrim tape, and then skim or at least patch properly. If you’re painting the ceilings, a full re skim gives the best long-term finish and reduces the chance of the cracks coming back.

Paul · Answer

Just filler is best flexible filler or decorators caulk however  if using caulk it must be smoothed out while still wet as this can't be sanded unlike easy filler ect

Artjoms · Answer

Small cracks in ceilings after work in the attic are pretty common and don’t usually mean anything serious. If they’re hairline cracks, they can normally be repaired with a flexible filler, sanded back, and painted over - no need for a full re-skim.

If the cracks are wider, keep coming back, or there are lots of them, it’s best to rake them out slightly, use scrim tape, then fill and smooth before painting. A full re-skim is usually only needed if the ceiling is badly cracked, uneven, or you want a perfect finish throughout.

Dragos Daniel · Answer

In most cases, using filler alone is only a temporary fix and the cracks are likely to return, especially if there has been movement after work in the loft. The correct long-term repair is to rake out the cracks, apply scrim tape, and then fully re-skim the ceiling. This will provide a stronger and more durable finish, especially if the ceiling is going to be painted.

Ionut · Answer

Cracks in ceilings after work has been carried out in the loft are quite common, especially if there has been movement or weight placed on the joists.

Whether filler is sufficient or a full re-skim is required depends on the type and severity of the cracks:
	•	Hairline cracks – These can usually be repaired by raking them out slightly, applying scrim tape over the crack, and filling with a suitable joint compound. Once dry, sand smooth and repaint. Using tape helps prevent the crack from reappearing.
	•	Longer or recurring cracks (especially along board joints) – These are often caused by movement in the plasterboard. In this case, it’s best to tape and joint properly rather than just filling. Simply applying filler without tape may result in the crack coming back.
	•	Extensive cracking across multiple areas – If there are widespread cracks or signs of sagging, a full re-skim may give a better, longer-lasting finish, particularly since the ceiling will be painted and not papered.

Before repairing, it’s important to ensure there is no ongoing movement in the loft area (loose boards, unsupported joists, etc.), otherwise cracks may reappear.

In most cases, a proper tape-and-fill repair is sufficient and a full re-skim is not necessary unless the damage is widespread.

Charlie · Answer

You should always try the cheaper/easier option first and then if the cracks are still visible or reappear, then think about re-skimming.

Cracks in ceilings

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