Usually, hairline cracks in ceiling are no cause for alarm since they are to be expected in most homes of any age as they settle. As a homeowner, I have had this crack in some rooms and have particularly noticed several hairline cracks around the bedroom and landing. So, while you are not alone, you will learn about the possible hairline cracks in ceiling causes in this post.
Some time ago, I had someone take a look at the cracks, and they assured me that it was an issue with the plaster and not a structural problem. They explained that the space above the ceiling was just an empty loft with beams and nothing that could cause the cracks. But why do we sometimes find hairline cracks in ceilings of our homes, especially when we’re looking for the perfect house in the perfect location? Some cracks might indicate structural problems, while others might just be superficial.
Even the fresh paint you saw during an inspection might be hiding a more substantial crack. So, is it a simple fix with some filler and paint, or does your home require more extensive and costly structural repairs? Well, you do not want to ignore holes in your ceilings since they could ultimately lead to much bigger problems.
What is a Hairline Crack in Ceiling?
When you see hairline cracks on your ceiling, they are most likely caused by the plaster cracking over time. This can happen when the building naturally moves and settles over the years or when the plaster itself shrinks as it ages. Another possible reason for these cracks is if you have heavy items stored in your loft, which can cause the boards to separate slightly and create small cracks where they join. In general, vertical or horizontal hairline cracks are not a cause for concern.
If you don’t like the appearance of these hairline cracks in ceiling, you can usually fix them yourself. First, remove any loose debris or plaster by scraping or vacuuming it out. Then, fill the crack with plaster, sand it smooth, and paint over it to make it blend in with the rest of the ceiling. Unless you can stick your finger through the crack, do not worry about it.
In the first picture, you can see the hairline crack that I have plastered. From the picture, the crack is very small, so filling it wasn’t hard at all.
In the second picture below, the crack is wide, and you can easily insert a finger in it. If yours is this wide, it could be a structural problem.
Hairline Cracks in Ceiling Causes
In different seasons, hairline cracks in ceilings can just be for looks, caused by the house’s wood frame shrinking and expanding. But if you see bigger cracks inside, it might mean bigger issues like the house sinking, poor initial construction, or problems with its structure and foundation. This will usually also affect the wall.
If you find hairline cracks in ceiling during a building inspection, fixing them can be costly, and insurance might not cover it. Some small cracks might just happen because of plaster drying, but others, especially horizontal ones, can be a bigger concern. Hairline cracks in ceiling causes could be due to uneven pressure on the concrete block base walls, which needs attention during the inspection.
Some horizontal cracks can happen if there’s pressure on a weakened wall or if there are problems with the support structure of the building. Hairline cracks, on the other hand, are caused by drying or shrinking due to heat. These cracks are harder to fix because they are usually near the surface, and adding support won’t prevent them. The best way to avoid this is to use a sturdy mixture template that does not shrink much.
How to Treat Hairline Cracks in Ceiling
There are different ways to fix cracks in the ceiling. If you have hairline cracks, it’s quite easy to hide them. You can simply use paint and filler to cover up minor cosmetic cracks. However, if there is a deeper structural issue causing the cracks, the repairs can be costly, time-consuming, and inconvenient. The longer you wait, the more expensive the problem becomes.
The first step to fixing hairline cracks in ceilings is to have an expert determine what is causing the crack. For hairline cracks or similar issues, a repair involves filling the crack with a material that sticks to the wall, makes it look better, and stops liquids from staining the wall.
Moreover, the repair material needs to be sturdy and tougher to prevent future cracks. Fixing ceiling hairline cracks can be tough. It requires skill, patience, practice, and a keen eye to match the color. A hairline crack is a crack that has not widened.
This makes sure there’s no room for putting anything thick in it. Since small cracks usually don’t harm the counter’s strength, the main goal of fixing it is to close and hide the crack. For the best solution, contact your local inspection rendering experts to figure out the hairline cracks in ceiling causes and treat them permanently.
Read also: Yellow Stain Coming Through White Paint
