Popcorn ceiling is one of the most popular home coverings in America. It is installed on ceilings to provide an attractive, durable, and textured surface, which also provides a degree of soundproofing. However, the problem with the popcorn ceiling arises when it starts cracking.
One of the most common causes of cracks in popcorn ceilings is water damage. If there is a leak in the roof, it will drip onto the ceiling causing it to swell and crack afterward. Another common cause is improper installation. If it isn’t installed correctly, it may begin to droop and then shatter.
What are Common Popcorn Ceiling Cracks?
Hairline Cracks
Hairline cracks are tiny cracks in the popcorn ceiling. They might be caused by water damage if there’s a leak, or caused by incorrect installation. If you see this kind of crack, it’s important to find and fix the problem asap so it doesn’t get worse.
How To Fix Hairline Cracks
The best way to fix hairline crack is to seal it. The easiest method is to use Popcorn sealing patch. You can easily repaire scuffs, scrapes, cracks and other damages without causing to much mess.
Once the sealant has dried, it will duplicate original texture so crack will be permanently hidden and fixed.
Vertical Cracks
Vertical cracks are cracks that run along the length of the ceiling. They may be a sign that there is serious damage to the structure of your home or that it is slowly settling.
They often start from the floor and move up to the ceiling through walls. These cracks are can prove to be very dangerous and need an immediate fix. They can cause serious damage to the walls, ceilings, and the structure of your home.
How To Fix Vertical Cracks
If you have vertical cracks in your popcorn ceiling, that means there is a serious underlying problem. Hence, we recommend you contact a professional who will be able to assess the damage and determine the best way to repair it.
Spider Web Cracks
Spider web cracks are a type of cracks that looks like a spider web. They occur usually from a central point of the popcorn ceiling and extend outwards.
Spider web cracks can be caused by thick paint or compound used on the ceiling. Generally, these cracks are a sign of old age home and indicate natural settling. However, spider web cracks might also indicate the collapse of your popcorn ceiling.
How To Fix Spider Web Cracks
If you have spider web cracks in your popcorn ceiling, you should try to remove the paint or compound that is causing the issue through a putty knife or sandpaper. This should help to fix the problem.
If the cracks are caused by natural settling, you’ll need to wait for the ceiling to settle completely before attempting to fix it. You can above mentioned popcorn sealing patch to help prevent the cracks from occurring again.
Straight Cracks at Taping Joints
Straight cracks at taping joints are cracks that go straight across the ceiling. They are usually caused by the movement of the wall or ceilings.
How To Fix Straight Cracks at Taping Joints
If you have straight cracks at taping joints in your popcorn ceiling, the best option to fix it is by using a popcorn sealing patch.
Why Does Popcorn Ceiling crack?
Before you start fixing the cracks in your popcorn ceiling, it is vital to find out the main cause of the crack. It will help you in fixing the crack efficiently as well avoid the same problem in the future.
Poorly Taped Joints
One of the most common causes of cracks in a popcorn ceiling is poor installation. If the joints are not taped correctly, the ceiling can start to crack.
The tape with improper instalation is not able to hold the plaster and joint compound together properly and as a result cracks start to appear near the edges of the tape.
NOTE: You can fix this by re-taping the joints. Additionally, you can also use a popcorn sealing patch to fill in the cracks. This will help to hold the plaster and joint compound together and will prevent the cracks from happening again.
Structural Damage
Another common cause of cracks in a popcorn ceiling is movement. If the walls or ceilings move, it can cause the plaster and joint compound to crack. This is especially common in older homes where the structure has started to settle.
If you think that the cracks are caused by structural damage, you should consult a professional. They will be able to assess the situation and determine if the structure of your home needs to be reinforced.
Moisture Problem
When the moisture levels are high plaster and joint compound will soften. As a result, the ceiling can start to crack. Moisture is usually caused by water leaks on the roof or plumbing issues.
TIP: Try using a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity levels in your home.
Compound and Paint Failures
A compound failure in the installation of a poor popcorn ceiling is when the joint compound and plaster fall apart, usually as a result of moisture. This will cause the ceiling to crack and crumble.
One of the most common reasons for cracks is the paint thickness. If the paint is applied too thickly, there is not enough moisture to allow it to expanding and contracting. It will start to buckle and crack.
On the other hand, if the paint is applied too thinly there is not enough paint to cover the surface properly. As a result, the plaster and joint compound can start to show through.
TIP: You can avoid this by applying the paint in two coats. The first coat should be applied evenly and should be thin enough so that you can still see the texture of the popcorn ceiling. The second coat should be applied thicker and should be enough to cover the surface completely.
Truss Uplift
Truss uplift is a problem that is commonly caused by high winds. If the wind is strong enough, it can cause the trusses in your home to lift up.
If you think that the cracks in your popcorn ceiling are caused by truss uplift, you can fix it by installing hurricane straps or anchors to secure the trusses in your home. You can also use a brace to keep the trusses in place or simply consult a professional if you are not sure how to do this.
How to Repair Popcorn Ceiling Cracks?
Now that you know the most common causes of cracks in a popcorn ceiling, it is time to learn how to fix them. The following are the most common methods for repairing cracks in a popcorn ceiling:
Re-Taping Joints
If the cause of the crack is poor installation, you can fix it by re-taping the joints. This will help to hold the plaster and joint compound together and will prevent the cracks from happening again.
To re-tape the joints, you will need:
- Tape
- Joint compound
- Paintbrush
- Paint roller
- Primer
- Paint
Follow these few simple steps:
- Make sure that the surface is clean and free of debris.
- Apply a coat of primer to the surface. This will help to seal the cracks and will provide a good base for the joint compound.
- Apply a thin coat of joint compound to the surface using a paintbrush. Be sure to extend the compound past the edges of the crack.
- Tape the joints using duct tape or packing tape.
- Apply a second coat of joint compound, this time using a roller. Be sure to cover the entire surface and extend the compound past the edges of the crack.
- Let the compound dry completely before painting it with a latex paint.
Sealing Patch
If you don’t want to re-tape the joints, you can use a popcorn sealing patch to fill in the cracks instead. This will help to hold the plaster and joint compound together and will prevent the cracks from happening again.
To apply a popcorn sealing patch, you will need:
- Popcorn sealing Patch
- Paintbrush
Follow these three simple steps:
- Make sure that the surface is clean and free of debris.
- Apply popcorn sealing patch to the surface using a brush.
- Let the patch dry completely before painting.
NOTE: Don't panic. When you apply Popcorn sealing patch, it will look grey but dries white afterwards.
Related Questions
Can we use an aerosol spray to fix cracks in the popcorn ceiling?
An aerosol spray can be used to fix small cracks in a popcorn ceiling. However, it is not recommended to use an aerosol spray on a large crack. It is best to use a patching compound or a sealant to fix a large crack.
How to prevent popcorn ceiling cracks from reappearing?
There are several things that you can do to prevent popcorn ceiling cracks from reappearing. You can install hurricane straps or anchors to secure the trusses in your home.
Similarly, you can also fix any moisture or humidity problems that may be causing the cracks. Finally, make sure that you regularly paint the ceiling to protect it from damage.
What are the best gap fillers to repair cracks in the popcorn ceiling?
There are several types of gap fillers that can be used to repair cracks in a popcorn ceiling. However, the best type of gap filler to use depends on the cause of the crack. If the crack is caused by moisture or humidity, you should use a sealant. If the crack is caused by structural damage, you should use a patching compound.
Does popcorn ceiling lower home value?
Popcorn ceilings are often associated with older homes, but they can be found in newer homes as well. Some people believe that popcorn ceilings lower the home value, while others believe that they don’t have a significant impact. It is ultimately up to the home buyer’s preference.
Is cracked popcorn ceiling dangerous?
Popcorn ceiling cracks are not dangerous per see. However, sometimes these cracks can be a sign of more serious damage taking place in the ceiling. If you notice that your ceiling is cracking, it is crucial to investigate and find the source of the problem.
If the cracks are the result of water damage, you’ll need to repair the leak and then fix any structural harm caused by it. If the cracks are due to incorrect installation, you’ll need to have the ceiling fixed or replaced.
