Posted by Dave on March 11, 2001 at 13:02:51:
In Reply to: Ceiling Cracks posted by Ron Chapman on March 09, 2001 at 01:15:21:
Is this a plaster ceiling or drywall?
If the ceiling is plaster, simply widen the crack using the corner of a paint scraper and fill in with a non shrinking spackling compound. I have also seen recommendations for using paintable caulk, but I think you will have great difficulties matching the existing ceiling pattern. I have not had good success with caulk as it sticks to your tools. For drywall ceiling, then "mud" drywall compound is best. Note that while drywall sands easily, plaster does not. Be careful to "fake" the pattern as close as possible.
Do you know why these cracks appeared?
If you suspect the cracks maybe caused by a leaky roof, fix this first. If, on the other hand, you have an old house and there is some give to the floor as you walk across it, there is little you can do to make the repair short of removing the ceiling and adding sister joist to reduce the floor deflection.