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Suspended ceilings are becoming increasingly popular due to being easy, affordable, and quick to install. They look really good - at least until the plasterboard panels start to crack. Cracks in the ceiling made of gypsum cardboard can happen to anyone. How to repair them?
Proceed to the next paragraphs:
Has your ceiling stopped looking impeccable? The first cracks have appeared on the panels? Don't worry. It happens more often than you think. Sometimes it is even impossible to determine the cause of such a situation. You won't make the cracks disappear with a wave of a magic wand. However, you can successfully camouflage them.
But before that happens, you need to prepare. Thorough cleaning of the ceiling will be necessary. The source of the problem often remains unknown. However, if the house is new - less than two/four years old - it's best to wait. During this period, cracks in the ceiling made of gypsum cardboard may appear spontaneously. Also, check if there were any negligence or carelessness during the initial installation.
Regardless of whether you manage to identify and eliminate the source of the problem, the next step will be to conceal the existing cracks. You will need the appropriate tools for this.
Depending on the method you choose, you will need:
ceiling moldings,
fiberglass wallpaper,
paint in the color of your choice,
painting accessories,
spackling compound,
acrylic compound,
putty knife.
Once you're prepared, you can proceed with the further work.
How to Repair Cracks in a Suspended Ceiling? Proven Methods
Cracking of a suspended ceiling is an aesthetic problem. Although it can be very annoying and unsightly, you can deal with it in several ways. Choose the one that suits you best and get to work.
1. Re-joining the panels
How to eliminate cracks in a suspended ceiling? You can re-join the panels. You can do it successfully on your own. It's not that difficult, but it requires precision and basic knowledge about renovations. Start by removing the old mortar along with the tape it contains. Then, fill in the gaps between the panels. Remember to achieve perfection in execution. The last step will be to putty the entire area and smooth it with sandpaper. There are two ways to join - with or without tape. In the first case, choose from tapes:
non-woven - they are very durable but the most difficult to apply;
paper - they absorb moisture, although they are durable and long-lasting. They are relatively difficult to apply;
fiberglass - they are very easy to apply and resistant to moisture, but not very elastic.
In the second case, you will need to use a special spackling compound reinforced with special fibers.
2. Wallpapering the cracks
If you don't want to re-join, you can always hide the cracks with wallpaper. Fiberglass wallpaper will create a very smooth surface. Then paint it in any color that matches the interior design. This is an excellent method if cracks occur in many places on the ceiling.
The easiest cracks to deal with are those near the walls. Are you also struggling with this problem? Use ceiling moldings that will allow you to mask the problem.
As you can see, there is no single method to eliminate cracks in a suspended ceiling. Choose the one that seems best to you. If in doubt, consult an expert.
How to Care for a Renovated Ceiling?
Your ceiling is once again smooth, seamless, and free from any cracks. You are proud of it again. That's great! Now you're worried that the flaws will become visible again? You won't always be able to avoid it. However, careful execution at all stages of the work will pay off now. A well-made suspended ceiling will delight you with its evenness and smoothness. You won't have to wonder how to repair cracks in a suspended ceiling anymore.
Once you decide how to repair cracks in the ceiling, make sure the entire structure is not too heavy. Also, avoid exposing your ceiling to moisture. It can damage even the most perfect work. Clean it regularly. Mold is not the only unwanted tenant that can settle on the panels and their joints. Bacteria and mites are also waiting for that. A clean ceiling is free from such unpleasant surprises. Thanks to regular cleaning, the question of how to eliminate cracks in a suspended ceiling won't bother you for a long time.