Cracks in ceiling.........how to repair
 

I have a large drywall ceiling which was originally covered by the prior
owner with a thin layer of plaster or drywall paste and then swirled to make
it look more attractive.

Many years later, when I purchased the house, I had a sprayed ceiling
applied to cover the swirls, and this replacement ceiling has been installed
for over 20 years.

Now the ceiling has begun to show some serious cracks. They do not appear to
run in any specific path, or suggest settling or structural loading.
Instead, they appear to run in a somewhat random fashion in an area which is
maybe 8 foot by 10 foot in size.

I am looking for advice as to how this should be properly prepared. I could
spray another layer onto this existing damaged area, but am afraid the
damage will come though in a few short years or sooner. I could replace the
entire ceiling for the entire room (32 foot by 16 feet) but this would be
extremely expensive and messy. I could plaster the damaged area and then
spray a new layer onto the repaired as well as the undamaged areas, and
assume that the damaged area, since it has been repaired by replastering,
will not create future issues. Or perhaps there is some better way to tackle
this job?????

Your expert thoughts are much appreciated.

Smarty

Cracks in ceiling.........how to repair
 

Smarty wrote:
I have a large drywall ceiling which was originally covered by the
prior owner with a thin layer of plaster or drywall paste and then
swirled to make it look more attractive.

Many years later, when I purchased the house, I had a sprayed ceiling
applied to cover the swirls, and this replacement ceiling has been
installed for over 20 years.

Now the ceiling has begun to show some serious cracks. They do not
appear to run in any specific path, or suggest settling or structural
loading. Instead, they appear to run in a somewhat random fashion in
an area which is maybe 8 foot by 10 foot in size.

I am looking for advice as to how this should be properly prepared. I
could spray another layer onto this existing damaged area, but am
afraid the damage will come though in a few short years or sooner. I
could replace the entire ceiling for the entire room (32 foot by 16
feet) but this would be extremely expensive and messy. I could
plaster the damaged area and then spray a new layer onto the repaired
as well as the undamaged areas, and assume that the damaged area,
since it has been repaired by replastering, will not create future
issues. Or perhaps there is some better way to tackle this job?????

Your expert thoughts are much appreciated.

Smarty

It is hard to tell without on site inspection, but my guess is there is
some problems with the two layers becoming loose the from drywall. It may
be the first layer from the drywall or the second from the first or some
combination. It could be that with some expansion and contraction from
temperature and humidity changes, cracks have formed and it is still solid.

I don't think I would want to add another layer to what you already
have. How large are the cracks? Do the change in size with the seasonal
changes of temperature and humidity? Are they evenly distributed throughout
the ceiling?


--
Joseph Meehan

Dia 's Muire duit

Cracks in ceiling.........how to repair
 

Thanks for replying !! The cracks are pretty evenly distributed in the
damaged area, and flow in a seemingly random pattern. I don't think they
change in any way whatsoever with season, temperature, humidity, etc. The
cracks themselves are a small fraction of an inch wide (maybe a millimeter
or two) but are many feet in length extending over the damaged area of
approx 8 by 10 feet or so. I would also bet, based on observation, that a
separation of some type exists between the original drywall and one or both
of the two layers of material which were applied beneath it (the swirl layer
and the lower layer I added). This makes the addition of a third layer
without doing something first seem so risky to me, in terms of getting a
long-term stable result. I'm wondering what the correct solution would be,
especially if there is some separation going on in one of the two upper
layers.....

Smarty



"Joseph Meehan" wrote in message
...
Smarty wrote:
I have a large drywall ceiling which was originally covered by the
prior owner with a thin layer of plaster or drywall paste and then
swirled to make it look more attractive.

Many years later, when I purchased the house, I had a sprayed ceiling
applied to cover the swirls, and this replacement ceiling has been
installed for over 20 years.

Now the ceiling has begun to show some serious cracks. They do not
appear to run in any specific path, or suggest settling or structural
loading. Instead, they appear to run in a somewhat random fashion in
an area which is maybe 8 foot by 10 foot in size.

I am looking for advice as to how this should be properly prepared. I
could spray another layer onto this existing damaged area, but am
afraid the damage will come though in a few short years or sooner. I
could replace the entire ceiling for the entire room (32 foot by 16
feet) but this would be extremely expensive and messy. I could
plaster the damaged area and then spray a new layer onto the repaired
as well as the undamaged areas, and assume that the damaged area,
since it has been repaired by replastering, will not create future
issues. Or perhaps there is some better way to tackle this job?????

Your expert thoughts are much appreciated.

Smarty

It is hard to tell without on site inspection, but my guess is there is
some problems with the two layers becoming loose the from drywall. It may
be the first layer from the drywall or the second from the first or some
combination. It could be that with some expansion and contraction from
temperature and humidity changes, cracks have formed and it is still
solid.

I don't think I would want to add another layer to what you already
have. How large are the cracks? Do the change in size with the seasonal
changes of temperature and humidity? Are they evenly distributed
throughout the ceiling?


--
Joseph Meehan

Dia 's Muire duit

Cracks in ceiling.........how to repair
 

"Smarty" wrote in message
...
I have a large drywall ceiling which was originally covered by the prior
owner with a thin layer of plaster or drywall paste and then swirled to
make it look more attractive.

Many years later, when I purchased the house, I had a sprayed ceiling
applied to cover the swirls, and this replacement ceiling has been
installed for over 20 years.

Now the ceiling has begun to show some serious cracks. They do not appear
to run in any specific path, or suggest settling or structural loading.
Instead, they appear to run in a somewhat random fashion in an area which
is maybe 8 foot by 10 foot in size.

I am looking for advice as to how this should be properly prepared. I
could spray another layer onto this existing damaged area, but am afraid
the damage will come though in a few short years or sooner. I could
replace the entire ceiling for the entire room (32 foot by 16 feet) but
this would be extremely expensive and messy. I could plaster the damaged
area and then spray a new layer onto the repaired as well as the undamaged
areas, and assume that the damaged area, since it has been repaired by
replastering, will not create future issues. Or perhaps there is some
better way to tackle this job?????

Your expert thoughts are much appreciated.

Smarty



When I first met the realtor I used when I bought my current house, I knew
we were going to get along great when we walked into the first house, saw a
sprayed on ceiling, and both said "What were these people thinking?" I told
him I'd expect to have ten thousand dollars (per room) deducted from the
price of any house that had other than sheetrock or plain plaster.
Unrealistic, but that's my reaction.

If I were you, I'd get a price for covering the whole thing with sheetrock.
My previous house had a plaster ceiling with more cracks than I wanted to
deal with. I found a sheetrock installer who did such a great job, it looked
like the room had been turned upside down and the ceiling poured on. We also
installed some can lights, which required cutting through the plaster.
That's the only reason the job was an "8" on a 1-to-10 scale of messy.
Otherwise, it would've been maybe a 3.

Do it right, and be happy forever. Stop with the sprayed on stuff.

Cracks in ceiling.........how to repair
 

I'm suspicious.
Run a string across the room 1/8th inch from the ceiling and look for
sags. Reinforce the joists.



On Tue, 12 Dec 2006 23:35:06 -0500, "Smarty"
wrote:

I have a large drywall ceiling which was originally covered by the prior
owner with a thin layer of plaster or drywall paste and then swirled to make
it look more attractive.

Many years later, when I purchased the house, I had a sprayed ceiling
applied to cover the swirls, and this replacement ceiling has been installed
for over 20 years.

Now the ceiling has begun to show some serious cracks. They do not appear to
run in any specific path, or suggest settling or structural loading.
Instead, they appear to run in a somewhat random fashion in an area which is
maybe 8 foot by 10 foot in size.

I am looking for advice as to how this should be properly prepared. I could
spray another layer onto this existing damaged area, but am afraid the
damage will come though in a few short years or sooner. I could replace the
entire ceiling for the entire room (32 foot by 16 feet) but this would be
extremely expensive and messy. I could plaster the damaged area and then
spray a new layer onto the repaired as well as the undamaged areas, and
assume that the damaged area, since it has been repaired by replastering,
will not create future issues. Or perhaps there is some better way to tackle
this job?????

Your expert thoughts are much appreciated.

Smarty

Cracks in ceiling.........how to repair
 

I have a large drywall ceiling which was originally covered by the prior
owner with a thin layer of plaster or drywall paste and then swirled to make
it look more attractive.

Many years later, when I purchased the house, I had a sprayed ceiling
applied to cover the swirls, and this replacement ceiling has been installed
for over 20 years.

Now the ceiling has begun to show some serious cracks. They do not appear to
run in any specific path, or suggest settling or structural loading.
Instead, they appear to run in a somewhat random fashion in an area which is
maybe 8 foot by 10 foot in size.

I am looking for advice as to how this should be properly prepared. I could
spray another layer onto this existing damaged area, but am afraid the
damage will come though in a few short years or sooner. I could replace the
entire ceiling for the entire room (32 foot by 16 feet) but this would be
extremely expensive and messy. I could plaster the damaged area and then
spray a new layer onto the repaired as well as the undamaged areas, and
assume that the damaged area, since it has been repaired by replastering,
will not create future issues. Or perhaps there is some better way to tackle
this job?????

Your expert thoughts are much appreciated.

Smarty




It's hard to tell much about this without being able to see it or some
photos. It would seem to me that if the layers of material are
seperating, you would have more serious cracking and it would be less
likely to be small random cracks. It also lasted 20 years. So, it's
quite possible that applying another layer over it will work. I would
get an estimate to redo it and ask the companies that give quotes what
they think. They should have experience and be able to give an
opinion based on inspection. I would also check what kind of guarantee
they offer.

Also, since you are going to do something anyway, you could try
scraping/removing some of the material in the cracked area. If it is
really seperating enough to cause cracking, it should be evident in the
way it comes off.

Then you can evaluate cost/mess of redoing vs new drywall and decide.

Cracks in ceiling.........how to repair
 

Smarty wrote:
Thanks for replying !! The cracks are pretty evenly distributed in
the damaged area, and flow in a seemingly random pattern. I don't
think they change in any way whatsoever with season, temperature,
humidity, etc. The cracks themselves are a small fraction of an inch
wide (maybe a millimeter or two) but are many feet in length
extending over the damaged area of approx 8 by 10 feet or so. I would
also bet, based on observation, that a separation of some type exists
between the original drywall and one or both of the two layers of
material which were applied beneath it (the swirl layer and the lower
layer I added). This makes the addition of a third layer without
doing something first seem so risky to me, in terms of getting a
long-term stable result. I'm wondering what the correct solution
would be, especially if there is some separation going on in one of
the two upper layers.....
Smarty


It sounds like it is separating and I don't think there is any way of
correcting it other than to take it all down. I would take the drywall down
and start over on the ceiling. Consider it an opportunity to make changes,
like maybe ceiling lighting.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia 's Muire duit

Cracks in ceiling.........how to repair
 

Your suggestion is excellent, as are the several others I received. I am so
impressed with how well informed and helpful folks are on this newsgroup. I
have learned a lot by reading here, and am just amazed at how much knowledge
and great advice there is.

Thanks sincerely to all for your help!!!

Smarty



wrote in message
ups.com...

I have a large drywall ceiling which was originally covered by the prior
owner with a thin layer of plaster or drywall paste and then swirled to
make
it look more attractive.

Many years later, when I purchased the house, I had a sprayed ceiling
applied to cover the swirls, and this replacement ceiling has been
installed
for over 20 years.

Now the ceiling has begun to show some serious cracks. They do not
appear to
run in any specific path, or suggest settling or structural loading.
Instead, they appear to run in a somewhat random fashion in an area
which is
maybe 8 foot by 10 foot in size.

I am looking for advice as to how this should be properly prepared. I
could
spray another layer onto this existing damaged area, but am afraid the
damage will come though in a few short years or sooner. I could replace
the
entire ceiling for the entire room (32 foot by 16 feet) but this would
be
extremely expensive and messy. I could plaster the damaged area and then
spray a new layer onto the repaired as well as the undamaged areas, and
assume that the damaged area, since it has been repaired by
replastering,
will not create future issues. Or perhaps there is some better way to
tackle
this job?????

Your expert thoughts are much appreciated.

Smarty




It's hard to tell much about this without being able to see it or some
photos. It would seem to me that if the layers of material are
seperating, you would have more serious cracking and it would be less
likely to be small random cracks. It also lasted 20 years. So, it's
quite possible that applying another layer over it will work. I would
get an estimate to redo it and ask the companies that give quotes what
they think. They should have experience and be able to give an
opinion based on inspection. I would also check what kind of guarantee
they offer.

Also, since you are going to do something anyway, you could try
scraping/removing some of the material in the cracked area. If it is
really seperating enough to cause cracking, it should be evident in the
way it comes off.

Then you can evaluate cost/mess of redoing vs new drywall and decide.

Cracks in ceiling.........how to repair
 

I would suspect that either the surface coatings have separated from the
drywall base, or that the drywall base is sagging, possibly the screws
holding it up were not driven into the joists but merely into the plaster
lath. It is possible that the weight of the drywall and coatings have caused
the wood lath to split and the screws have lost their hold, especially with
the additional weight of the old plaster that probably has lost its bond to
the damaged wood lath. There also may have been at some point in time a slow
water leak in that area that added to the failure of the substrate
materials. Adding another layer would create more damage. It is time to pull
it all down and start fresh.

"Smarty" wrote in message
...
Your suggestion is excellent, as are the several others I received. I am
so impressed with how well informed and helpful folks are on this
newsgroup. I have learned a lot by reading here, and am just amazed at how
much knowledge and great advice there is.

Thanks sincerely to all for your help!!!

Smarty



wrote in message
ups.com...

I have a large drywall ceiling which was originally covered by the
prior
owner with a thin layer of plaster or drywall paste and then swirled to
make
it look more attractive.

Many years later, when I purchased the house, I had a sprayed ceiling
applied to cover the swirls, and this replacement ceiling has been
installed
for over 20 years.

Now the ceiling has begun to show some serious cracks. They do not
appear to
run in any specific path, or suggest settling or structural loading.
Instead, they appear to run in a somewhat random fashion in an area
which is
maybe 8 foot by 10 foot in size.

I am looking for advice as to how this should be properly prepared. I
could
spray another layer onto this existing damaged area, but am afraid the
damage will come though in a few short years or sooner. I could replace
the
entire ceiling for the entire room (32 foot by 16 feet) but this would
be
extremely expensive and messy. I could plaster the damaged area and
then
spray a new layer onto the repaired as well as the undamaged areas, and
assume that the damaged area, since it has been repaired by
replastering,
will not create future issues. Or perhaps there is some better way to
tackle
this job?????

Your expert thoughts are much appreciated.

Smarty




It's hard to tell much about this without being able to see it or some
photos. It would seem to me that if the layers of material are
seperating, you would have more serious cracking and it would be less
likely to be small random cracks. It also lasted 20 years. So, it's
quite possible that applying another layer over it will work. I would
get an estimate to redo it and ask the companies that give quotes what
they think. They should have experience and be able to give an
opinion based on inspection. I would also check what kind of guarantee
they offer.

Also, since you are going to do something anyway, you could try
scraping/removing some of the material in the cracked area. If it is
really seperating enough to cause cracking, it should be evident in the
way it comes off.

Then you can evaluate cost/mess of redoing vs new drywall and decide.

Cracks in ceiling.........how to repair
 

This message could be taken several different ways.

1. If you have the drug, crack inside your ceiling, I'd call the
police.

2. If your wife's crack is hanging out of the ceiling, she must have
fallen thru the upstairs floor. Call the fire department.

3. If you have a separation in the plaster, causing a long indent
across your ceiling, you need some spackle.

Do whichever is appropriate.