I have a crack in one of my client’s bathroom ceiling’s and I am looking for other repair suggestions. This crack comes back every winter since 1998. I’ve tried DuraBond, Fiberglass tape, paper tape, plaster, Pro Flex caulk then skim, nothing is working. The joint is the source of the crack and has movement. I can’t screw or mechanically attach it because they have Radiant ceiling heat pads. Is there anything else I can try? This repair is getting tiresome.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story

Get expert guidance on finding a fixer-upper that's worth the effort.
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
- Home Group
- Antique Trader
- Arts & Crafts Homes
- Bank Note Reporter
- Cabin Life
- Cuisine at Home
- Fine Gardening
- Fine Woodworking
- Green Building Advisor
- Garden Gate
- Horticulture
- Keep Craft Alive
- Log Home Living
- Military Trader/Vehicles
- Numismatic News
- Numismaster
- Old Cars Weekly
- Old House Journal
- Period Homes
- Popular Woodworking
- Script
- ShopNotes
- Sports Collectors Digest
- Threads
- Timber Home Living
- Traditional Building
- Woodsmith
- World Coin News
- Writer's Digest
Replies
You could try "wall liner", a
You could try "wall liner", a sort of wallpaper designed to be installed and then painted over.
It doesn't sound like
appropriate backing for drywall, and I wouldn't think you're at fault. Drywall needs to be screwed (and hopefully glued) to stable framing. Anything less is likely to be problematic. I guess if you really want to hit it hard you could try laminating another layer to the existing, maybe some 3/8". Run the joints the opposite direction.
Seasonal truss flexing due to changes in temp and moisture?
If so, I don't see how you are responsible.
Note that the radiant heating setup is likely making the situation worse -- may be the main cause. It warms the framing, creating a situation resembling "truss uplift", only localized to the bathroom area.
BTW, by "joint" do you mean a
BTW, by "joint" do you mean a running joint between sheets, or a corner joint?
BTW.... you definitely get the "cryptic, arcane name of the century" award! LOL.
Alright!
Nice Rez-a-vation there.
If it's truss uplift:
If you can get into the attic, lay blocking across the top plate onto the drywall.
Use glue against the drywall and nail or screw down to the top plate.
Another possibility would be using Sashco brand Big Stretch caulk in the crack - preferably when it is opened up in the winter.
I would prefer the blocking method but I have seen that Big Stretch perform some miracles.
Terry