Repairing Stress Cracks In Attic Joist

Cut two 4 foot long 2x4 s to sister on each side of the joist.

Repairing stress cracks in attic joist.

Usually most contractors and homeowners will view cracks a maintenance or cosmetic issue. This is usually enough time for a structure to finish settling. Occasionally ceiling cracks can be a yellow or red flag that there is serious or structural issue. Place one piece of patching material on each side of the joist.

Measure mark and cut the piece of framing lumber to length using a circular saw. Drill a 3 16 inch diameter hole down into the 1x3 strapping and through the drywall ceiling. To repair a stress crack first cut out any loose drywall tape or joint compound with a utility knife or the corner of a taping knife. Use a c clamp on each end to hold the patching in position.

Attach the piece to the. Place a level on the bottom edge of the joist to determine the amount of sagging that has occurred. For those pesky recurring cracks we prescribe good bye cracks. Position the piece flat alongside the cracked rafter with the lower end at the wall.

Some cracks keep coming back no matter how well you repair them. How to repair drywall cracks in ceiling climb into the attic and remove the insulation from between the ceiling joists directly above the damaged drywall. Are 2x4 s the appropriate material to sister on there. If you have wider cracks or sections of loose plaster the lath system beneath the plaster is likely failing in which case the plaster should be removed and replaced with drywall.

The joist is by my measurements 1 5 x 3 5. It works best on hairline cracks but it s worth a try on wider cracks too. Therefore it is good to be able to recognize warning signs that a problem may exist. It forms an elastic film that stretches and contracts along with the crack.

Identify the cracked or sagging joist before it causes additional problems. Place it next to the damaged joist with the crown side up. 6 drill pilot holes for the bolts on each side of the crack. Wait at least six months to a year before repairing stress cracks in new construction.