How to fix hairline cracks in ceiling?

Question

The cracks appear in dining room and guest room. I went through lots of articles in different webs which briefly show how to fix the problem. From my understanding, the basic steps are as following:

1. use fiberglass mesh tape to cover crack; use jointing compound for 1st, 2nd or 3rd coat; 3. paint it.

My question here is should I remove all old materials next to the crack, such as old mud and old paper tape? I am thinking one of causes of cracks could be that paper tape used in construction has been broken. Therefore it's better to remove old paper tape, old jointing compound, and put new tape and jointing compound. Does anyone know what exactly should be done? Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

You may need to look at the underlying reason for the cracks to form or they'll just keep popping up or getting bigger.

Various reasons were stated, but other common, and more serious ones are that your stumps have shifted or the timber in the roof has begun to dry out and shrink thereby causing a bucketload of problems - hairline cracks being the least of your concerns...

For the easy fix, what you've researched is correct - though the only material you need to remove are any edges that may cause the tape to sit unevenly - you won't get a nice flush finish so don't expect one, there will be a rise of sorts where your tape is

Not that you'd want to hear it, but the best solution not as cheap solution is to re-sheet - as cracks never quite go away...

Answer 2

Use a good latex caulk for hairline cracks. After the caulk drys, repaint and the crack will usually disappear to the eye. If they are larger, you have the right idea with removal and reinstall of the taping and compound. The cracks can be caused by a multitude of reasons. Dry weather, wet weather, humidity levels in house, structure of the home.

Answer 3

Ron G. (answer above) has it right – the only additional advice I would offer is to consider using a “texturized” caulk that may help to hide the repairs.