Stagger plasterboards on a ceiling and make good

Question

I have a reoccurring crack on my ceiling from a repair done 2 years ago where plasterboard was replaced halfway across my lounge to a joist in a straight line. I have been advised that the plasterboard should have been staggered to different joists. 
Any advice on how much to take down the existing ceiling, stagger plasterboards and replaster? The room is 2.4m wide at this point and has coving. Any advice is welcomed.

Ben · Accepted Answer

I actually don't agree with any of the answers. Back in the day the old lads never staggered their boards. It's done on new builds staggered so it provides a break if it does crack to prevent it going full length of the room. I expect either not enough screws were used...some of the boards didn't hit the timbers when screwed up so In effect they're screwed to a soft ceiling which is causing movement and then probably one coat of plaster over the top so it's not thick enough.

Leon · Answer

Yes the plasterboard should have been staggered and something like this will cost you about £150 in materials and about £450 Labour

Dafydd · Answer

As it's a repair it can crack as it's not staggered. If the whole ceiling was re-skimed it should have had skrim tape over the new to old. Or if it was patched back in doubt it's been taped so that's why it will crack on that joint.

Lee · Answer

Yes, agree as below on price as well.
Overboard if needed if possible or take down and check timbers at extra cist

Craig · Answer

Yes, all joints should be staggered to reduce the risk of cracking, cost would depend on length as 2.4m would be a full board.

Lee · Answer

If the use of scrim tape and surfactant plaster applied there should be no shrinkage crack many thanks lee

Mark · Answer

If you have the height, overboard the ceiling with staggered boards . No need to take the existing ceiling down.

David · Answer

If you don't want to take it all down get it re-plastered but put an external fibreglass mesh in-between coats that should stop the cracking.

Otherwise overboard but with it staggered and reskim.

Keith · Answer

The cracking will keep appearing so suggest take old offending boards down stagger the boards and reskim

Gregory · Answer

You could just bond the ceiling and  reinforce the crack with scrim tape.

Stagger plasterboards on a ceiling and make good

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