Ceiling Cracks

Hobsons_Choice

I have ceiling cracks in both bedrooms. They go the width of the ceiling, through the ceiling light and it looks as though it's a problem with the plasterboard not being taped.
Would this be something I could tackle myself with scrim or caulk, or should I get an expert in? I'd rather not go to the expense of having both (quite large) ceilings completely plastered or skimmed - and it would be a problem finding somewhere to put the king-size beds! We're both pensioners and novice DIYs (even after all these years!!)
Any advice would be appreciated.

McKneff

Me, only a novice and a mere woman, would good quality lining paper do it.

iamcornholio

These seem to be common board cracks due to age (the ceiling not yours) or seasonal shrinkage.

You could try just brushing a load of emulsion in, widening the crack slightly and filling with flexible caulk, or just a normal filler. But once cracked, its very likely that a slight hairline crack will remain, or reappear as the ceiling moves naturally over the seasons

Hobsons_Choice

I might try the emulsion and caulk, lining paper would involve moving the beds (to where?) so I discounted that idea earlier.
The earth doesn't move in our bedrooms any more - but the ceiling might I s'pose!:eek:
Still, caulking does seem the easier solution!
They're only hairline cracks, but run across the ceiling from wall to wall, would I have to widen/scrape out first?

ormus

an old trick used to be mixing the emulsion with the filler powder. to make a paste.
use that and itll last for another 12 months or so.