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Noticed a crack in your ceiling? Don’t panic. Ceiling cracks are a common issue in many homes, especially those with drywall ceilings. Whether it’s a hairline split down the middle or a crack forming where the wall meets the ceiling, it can look worrying—but in most cases, it’s completely fixable with a few tools and the right technique.
This guide will walk you through how to fix a crack in the ceiling, step-by-step. We’ll cover everything from identifying the cause to repairing drywall cracks in ceilings, including those tricky joints where the ceiling meets the wall. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or tackling this for the first time, you’ll find practical tips to help restore your ceiling and keep it looking like new.
Before you reach for the joint compound, it’s helpful to understand why ceiling cracks happen in the first place. Most of the time, cracks are harmless and result from natural changes in your home—but occasionally, they can signal a deeper issue. Here are the most common causes:
Over time, every home experiences some degree of settling. As the foundation shifts slightly, the framing may move just enough to cause small cracks in the ceiling drywall, especially near joints or corners.
Changes in humidity and temperature can cause building materials like drywall and wood framing to expand and contract. This seasonal movement can lead to stress cracks in the ceiling, particularly if your attic isn’t properly insulated or ventilated.
If the drywall wasn’t taped, mudded, or screwed in properly during construction or a previous repair, cracks are more likely to form. Using the wrong type of drywall tape or applying joint compound incorrectly can also lead to premature cracking.
Wider or uneven cracks—especially those that grow over time—may be a sign of structural movement or foundation problems. If your ceiling appears to sag, or cracks run along multiple surfaces (walls and ceiling), it’s a good idea to consult a structural professional.
Understanding the different types of ceiling cracks is key to knowing whether you can fix the problem yourself or if you need to call in a pro. Below are the most common ceiling crack types and what they usually indicate.
Fix: Requires immediate inspection and likely professional repair.
Crack Type | Typical Width | Common Cause | Severity | Recommended Action |
Hairline Crack | < 1/16 inch | Drywall stress, paint shrinkage | Низкий | DIY repair with joint compound |
Wide/Uneven Crack | > 1/8 inch | Structural movement, settling | Medium–High | Monitor; consult a pro if it worsens |
Crack at Ceiling-Wall Joint | Varies | Frame shift, humidity, poor taping | Low–Medium | Patch with tape/compound or use flexible caulk |
Sagging Area with Crack | Varies | Water damage, structural failure | Высокий | Inspect immediately; may require full replacement |
Most ceiling cracks are normal signs of material stress or aging and can be repaired easily. However, if the crack continues to widen, exceeds typical widths, is accompanied by sagging, deformation, or water stains, it may indicate underlying structural movement or moisture intrusion. Cracks appearing in multiple areas or extending onto walls also warrant concern. If you’re unsure about the cause or if previous repairs have failed, it’s important to consult a professional promptly. Early evaluation helps prevent more serious safety risks and costly repairs down the line.
Артикул | Используйте |
Joint compound | Fill and smooth cracks |
Reinforce repair | |
Sanding sponge/paper | Smooth patched area |
Putty knife | Apply compound |
Ladder | Reach ceiling safely |
Paint and primer | Finish and match ceiling |
Optional: Caulk | Seal corners |
Optional: Utility knife | Trim tape or edges |
Optional: Drop cloth | Protect floors and furniture |
Start by using a putty knife or stiff brush to remove any loose debris, peeling paint, or dust around the crack. If there are any loose drywall pieces, carefully scrape them out with a utility knife. Wipe the area with a damp cloth and let it dry completely before proceeding.
Using a 6-inch putty knife, apply a thin, even layer of joint compound over the crack. Extend the compound about 2 inches (5 cm) beyond the crack edges. Keep the thickness consistent and feather the edges to create a smooth transition for easier sanding later.
While the compound is still wet, place drywall tape (paper or fiberglass mesh) over the crack. Press it firmly with the putty knife, smoothing out any bubbles or wrinkles to ensure full adhesion. Avoid leaving the tape loose or folded, as this will cause future cracking.
Once the first layer is dry (usually 24 hours), apply a second thin coat of joint compound over the tape. Make this layer slightly wider than the first and feather the edges carefully to blend it into the surrounding ceiling. After drying, lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper (120-220 grit) to smooth the surface. If needed, apply a third thin coat, then sand again until the repair is flush with the ceiling.
Check for any imperfections or uneven areas and fill as necessary with a thin layer of joint compound. After it dries, sand lightly to achieve a perfectly smooth surface. Clean off sanding dust with a damp cloth before painting.
Apply a quality primer over the patched area to seal the joint compound. Once the primer is dry, paint the repaired spot with ceiling paint that matches the existing finish. Two coats of paint may be needed for full coverage and a seamless look.
Access the attic space above the crack and clear away insulation and debris to create a clean workspace.
Using a utility knife, cut out a neat rectangular or square section around the damaged area. Make clean, straight cuts for easier patching.
Measure the width of the opening and the distance between the ceiling joists to determine the size of your backing board.
Cut a piece of plywood or similar backing material slightly longer than the opening to provide solid support behind the patch.
Insert the backing board inside the opening and secure it by screwing it to the ceiling joists on either side. Use screws every 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) for a sturdy hold.
Cut a drywall patch to fit the opening precisely. Make sure the edges are clean and square.
Screw the drywall patch into the backing board and joists with drywall screws, spacing screws about every 6-8 inches (15-20 cm). Make sure the screw heads are slightly recessed below the drywall surface.
Tape the seams with drywall tape, then apply joint compound over the tape. Allow to dry, then sand smooth. Repeat the mudding and sanding process 2-3 times until the patch blends perfectly with the ceiling. Finally, prime and paint the area to match the surrounding ceiling.
Check for any imperfections or uneven areas and fill as necessary with a thin layer of joint compound. After it dries, sand lightly to achieve a perfectly smooth surface. Clean off sanding dust with a damp cloth before painting.
New to drywall repair? Learn exactly how to fix small holes with our beginner-friendly guide.
📘 Start here: How to Patch Small Holes in Drywall
Cracks often form where walls meet ceilings due to settling and movement. For small cracks, use paintable acrylic caulk, which flexes better than joint compound. For larger cracks, remove loose material, apply drywall tape, then cover with joint compound.
To prevent future cracks, ensure proper taping and use flexible caulk in corners. Controlling humidity and temperature helps reduce cracking over time.
Preventing ceiling cracks requires addressing both material flexibility and environmental factors. Use high-quality, flexible joint compounds or elastomeric caulks designed to accommodate structural movement without cracking. Maintain consistent indoor humidity and temperature levels to reduce drywall expansion and contraction stresses. Additionally, schedule periodic inspections to identify and promptly repair minor cracks, preventing progression into larger structural issues.
Connect with an NQ expert to discuss your product needs and get started on your project.
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