It is not uncommon for a gap to form between the wall and the ceiling. This is an unsightly issue that typically occurs in newer homes but can occur in any home. How do you fix it?
A small gap forming between the wall and the ceiling can be fixed with some spackling or drywall mud. Fill the gap and allow it to dry before wet sanding with a sponge. If the gap is larger, drywall tape and drywall mud should be used.
When a gap forms between the wall and the ceiling, the first thing that we typically do is try to find someone to blame. This often falls on the drywall crew, but are they really to blame, or are they just a scapegoat?
You will find that in most cases, the drywall crew did their job just fine. The reason that a gap between the wall and the ceiling is occurring is due to something known as truss uplift. We will discuss this in detail in this article.
Can You Fix The Gap Between Wall And Ceiling? (How To)
In most cases, a gap between the ceiling and the wall is not something to worry about. We simply fill the gap and go about our day. The problem is, it typically occurs on an ongoing basis so the repair may be necessary again.
Then again, there are some times when we may need to be more concerned about the crack forming between the wall and the ceiling. If you see these issues happening, you may need to contact the contractor to have the underlying issue fixed.
Multiple Cracks – If you see cracks occurring in multiple places in the walls and ceiling, even if they are small, it can be a problem that needs to be addressed. These are often multiple cracks that occur in various areas.
Continuous Cracks – Another potentially serious problem is when a continuous crack occurs from the ceiling and continues down the wall. When this takes place, it is something that should be addressed by a contractor.
Doors and Windows – If the separation between the wall and ceiling is accompanied by doors and windows sagging or sticking, it is something that should also be addressed by a contractor.
Bowing – If the walls are no longer straight but are bowed and it is accompanied by the wall and ceiling separating, this is also a potentially serious issue.
The bottom line is, to pay attention to what your home is telling you. In most cases, an issue with the ceiling separating from the wall is not going to be of any alarm but in other cases, it could be a sign of an underlying and serious problem.
Why You Should Fix The Gap Between Wall And Ceiling
It’s important to understand the reasons why we do things around the home. There are reasons why you should be fixing the gap between the wall and the ceiling and addressing the problem as soon as possible.
Aesthetics – The most common reason why the gap between the wall and the ceiling needs to be addressed quickly is that it looks bad. We want our homes to be a showpiece, not an eyesore. In most cases, the issue can be fixed quickly and it will be out of sight, out of mind.
Expanding – If a gap forms between the wall and the ceiling, it is likely a problem that is going to continue to expand over time. By fixing it right away, you are keeping that from happening as quickly.
Health – We want our family to be as healthy as possible. The drywall in the home can sometimes protect us from things that are behind it, such as insulation, dust, or even mold. Although those issues may need to be addressed individually, a gap between the wall and the ceiling opens the family up to exposure.
What Is Causing The Gap Between Wall And Ceiling?
Most people tend to blame the drywall crew when a gap forms between the wall and the ceiling. As you will see, they are not always the problem.
A common reason why gaps form between the wall and the ceiling in new homes is due to truss uplift. This can occur on an ongoing basis, which is why the gap may continue to show up every year, even though it has been fixed.
There are times when the lower cord of the truss is exposed to the exterior air but the interior part of the truss is stable. As the truss experiences exposure to extreme temperatures and moisture changes, it can have an effect.
This is especially seen in the wintertime when the warm air from inside the home warms the bottom of the truss in the attic or crawlspace. The dampness and cold truss that is exposed to the outside elements expands.
Eventually, the truss arches up in the middle and this can cause the ceiling to pull away from the wall. If you fix it, it will just likely happen in the following year when the same scenario happens again.
There are also other reasons why a gap may appear between the wall and the ceiling, including the following:
Settling – Every foundation experiences some settling but at times, it can affect the home by cracks forming. In the case of the crack between the wall and the ceiling, it may be an indication that some settling is occurring.
Heat/Dry – In the winter or in the summer, if we don’t use air conditioning, the heat tends to rise to the ceiling. This warmer, drier air may cause the drywall mud to dry out, and eventually, cracks could form.
In reality, a gap may form between the wall and the ceiling for any number of different reasons. If you notice it along with other issues in the home, contact a contractor to look into the problem.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on October 17, 2022.
How To Prevent Gaps From Forming Between Wall And Ceiling
There are some ways to prevent gaps from forming between the walls and the ceiling. Not all of them are easily done, especially once construction is finished.
The most effective way to prevent gaps from forming between the wall and the ceiling is to install a truss backing angle. This is typically installed after the framing is complete but before the drywall is hung.
A backing angle forms a bridge between the wall and the ceiling and keeps the crack from forming. It makes a strong structural area so the trusses can move but the wall does not move along with them. Rather than moving quickly and cracking the drywall, the rafter moves up slowly and the drywall stays intact.
A backing angle is typically installed before the construction is complete. If cracks continually form, you can remove the drywall and install one but it is a lot of work to do it.
3 Ideas To Fix The Gap Between Wall And Ceiling
1. How To Fix The Gap Between Wall And Ceiling (Drywall Mud)
At times, we can just fix the gap by making it look good as new.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on October 17, 2022.
The easiest way to fix a gap between the wall and the ceiling is to apply drywall mud or spackle. This can be done on its own in smaller gaps but in larger gaps, we should use drywall tape and a corner tool to apply the drywall mud.
After applying the drywall mud, allow it to dry, and then use sandpaper or a wet sponge to sand it until it is smooth. You can then repaint the area after priming it.
2. How To Fix The Gap Between Wall And Ceiling (Crown Molding)
Is it always necessary to fix the gap between the wall and the ceiling? No, sometimes, we can just hide it.
Installing crown molding will effectively hide the gap between the wall and the ceiling. Even if the gap continues to grow slightly over time, the crown molding will cover it and you will never know what is happening.
Undoubtedly, crown molding is an option to consider. Not only does it hide a crack between the wall and the ceiling, but it also adds beauty to the room.
Choosing a larger crown mold will often make the room look larger. Even smaller crown mold will help to dress things up, however, and make it look nice.
The only problem with using crown molding is the fact that you don’t see the gap any longer. You can’t keep your eye on it to know if there are other problems occurring.
3. How To Fix The Gap Between Wall And Ceiling (Remove Screws)
If truss uplift is a problem, how can it be repaired?
When truss uplift causes cracks to form between the wall and the ceiling, you can often repair the problem without removing the drywall. Remove the ceiling screws within 2 feet of the corner where the gap is occurring. You can also cut the nails that attach the truss to the interior wall from the crawlspace or attic.
This may seem like an extreme way to fix the problem, but it is one that can permanently fix it and keep the crack from coming back. Otherwise, you are likely to see the gap forming every year.
The easiest way to fix a gap between the wall and the ceiling is to fill it with drywall mud or spackle. Larger gaps can be filled using drywall tape as well. After applying the mud, allow it to dry and then sand the with a wet sponge before priming and painting.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on October 17, 2022.