Repairing Stress Cracks In Attic Joist

Position the piece flat alongside the cracked rafter with the lower end at the wall.

Repairing stress cracks in attic joist. 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. Drill a 3 16 inch diameter hole down into the 1x3 strapping and through the drywall ceiling. 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. Occasionally ceiling cracks can be a yellow or red flag that there is serious or structural issue.

Are 2x4 s the appropriate material to sister on there. Measure mark and cut the piece of framing lumber to length using a circular saw. 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.

Identify the cracked or sagging joist before it causes additional problems. This is usually enough time for a structure to finish settling. Place one piece of patching material on each side of the joist. Attach the piece to the.

Cut two 4 foot long 2x4 s to sister on each side of the joist. Remove any blocking or bridging above the sill or beam where the sister joist will go. Place it next to the damaged joist with the crown side up. It works best on hairline cracks but it s worth a try on wider cracks too.

Use a c clamp on each end to hold the patching in position. 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. The joist is by my measurements 1 5 x 3 5.

Some cracks keep coming back no matter how well you repair them. Use construction adhesive and c clamps to sister 2x4 s in place. It forms an elastic film that stretches and contracts along with the crack. 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.