A Step-by-Step Guide for Repairing Your Old House Ceiling

Everything requires a little repair after some time and that incorporates ceilings that are continually affected by gravity's destructive force. Here is a step-by-step guide for you to manage all the problems of your old house ceilings. It will let you know how to repair a hairline crack on a suspended ceiling tile to sagging plaster ceilings. So, follow the tips to repair your ceiling and make it look fit as a fiddle.

Repairing Cracks in a Plaster Ceiling:

Gypsum plaster and old lime become extremely hard with the passage of time and this stiffness leads to numerous cracks. These cracks can be small or large in size. So, you will repair these cracks accordingly.

• Small Cracks

These are not a big issue and can be left as such. However, the simplest method to repair small cracks is to utilize a 5-in-1 tool. Then dig the affected area out of the cracks and fill them with a spackling glue or joint compound. 

• Large Cracks

In case the cracks are larger or joining cracks are present in your old house ceiling, these are an indication of a potential problem. You must repair them immediately.

Repairing a Hanging Plaster Ceiling:

Repairing your old house ceiling becomes more difficult when the plaster is hanging. This implies the plaster keys have been detached from the wire lath or wood that upholds it which is a major issue for ceilings. Now follow these steps to repair your old house ceiling:

Step#1: Drill the Holes:

Start by drilling holes almost one to two inches from the actual crack and stop drilling when you reach the lath. Drill a few more holes around 3 – 4 inches apart at the part of the ceiling that is loose or swollen. Now mark the holes that skipped the lath to note them after some time. In case you skip the lath, just move over around half inches and drill another hole. After completing, vacuum out the residue from all the holes. 

Step#2: Use a Conditioner in a Spray Bottle and Condition the Lath:

After drilling the holes, now spray conditioner into the holes for three to five times using a spray bottle to condition the lath. The conditioner will possibly leak out from the holes. So, keep a cloth nearby, clean out the extra conditioner, and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. Wash the spray nozzle by passing it through running water. Then spray the water until no conditioner remains inside it.  

Step#3: Insert Adhesive Material:

Cut the nozzle of the adhesive tube according to the size of the drilled holes. Now apply a complete pull of adhesive into each hole with the help of a caulk gun. Don’t forget to clean out the excess with a wet cloth before it gets dried.

Step#4: Install the Clamps:

Now install the clamps every 8 – 12 inches by fixing them into the lath via a few of the drill holes. Take the plaster in contact with the lath and do not overdrive the clamps. Otherwise, they can squeeze the plaster leaving a weaker bond. Clean out any extra adhesive that crushes out with a wet cloth and allow the clamps set for 1 – 2 days. Now take them away by detaching and prying off the clamps with a clay blade. 

Step#5: Fill the Holes and Cracks:

After removing the clamps, fill the cracks and holes using spackle or joint compound, sanding, and afterward priming and painting. The plaster is a long-lasting repair and doesn’t have to be revamped again. The adhesive will remake the bond everlastingly between plaster and the lath.