Garage Ceiling Drywall Cracks

[cb1972]

Cracks are back again. I dont want to repair the drywall again . Thinking about going with a PVC product either beadboard or tongue and groove . Looks like the developer is using such a product on new home Lanai's ( not sure about Garage Ceilings) . Any one have any suggestions ?

[JohnN]

I'm too cheap. I just put some spackle in there and let it be. Painted over it.
Still looks fine some years later.

[retiredguy123]

You need to have someone cut out the crack and apply a flexible caulk. Most drywall people will just repair the crack with standard drywall mud, which, in most cases, will result in the crack coming back later.

[villagetinker]

The is a product specific for filling cracks, it advertises 25% expansion capability (sorry I forgot the name but will try to find it). In any case I was able to clean out a 12 foot ceiling crack in a garage, fill with this material and let dry. Since this shrinks into the crack a second coat maybe required, but it remains flexible (spackle does not) and it appears to stop the crack. This would be my first choice of repair. This main thing is to make sure the crack is cleaned out of any dust or loose debris.
Hope this helps.

[photo1902]

Cracks are back again. I dont want to repair the drywall again . Thinking about going with a PVC product either beadboard or tongue and groove . Looks like the developer is using such a product on new home Lanai's ( not sure about Garage Ceilings) . Any one have any suggestions ?

They’re using non-vented soffit on the exterior ceilings. Just had our lanai ceiling done and it looks fantastic, and no more cracks. We used Brian Terry vinyl and couldn’t be happier

[Bilyclub]

Elastomeric caulk has worked for me in the past.

[cb1972]

thanks for all your input ,will consider the vinyl soffit option

[tophcfa]

Unconditioned Spaces (no HVAC) like garages experience expansion and contraction as both temperatures and humidity levels fluctuate. As already stated, the cracks will continue to reappear unless fixed with a flexible joint compound. We have cracks in our garage as well and have chosen to ignore them, they are purely cosmetic. I would rather spend my free time golfing, swimming, bike riding, fishing, etc.... if we ever decide to sell the house, I will fix them.

[dewilson58]

Enjoy how nice your garage floor looks, don't look up..........it can cause neck issues.

[La lamy]

In case you're still considering options... ALEX FLEX Flexible Spackling - DAP Productswww.dap.com › patch-repair ›

[photo1902]

In case you're still considering options... ALEX FLEX Flexible Spackling - DAP Productswww.dap.com › patch-repair ›

What have your results been using this product?

[HiHoSteveO]

For me it is two cracks about 8 feet apart. Divides the lanai ceiling into approximate thirds. Repaired once under warranty. They were back in a few months. I've been through the whole POA process trying to get developer to fix an obvious building flaw. No help there.
I'm thinking like you, maybe a beadboard solution to cover the whole ceiling or far cheaper, I might just get a couple of thin 12 foot lengths of AZEK trim maybe an inch or two wide and bevel the edges and secure them up there. They are white and never rot or need painting.
Here's an example of beadboard solution as you likely know.
Building Product: Beadboard [1025852] | ARCAT (https://www.arcat.com/product/Beadboard--153682)


Cracks are back again. I dont want to repair the drywall again . Thinking about going with a PVC product either beadboard or tongue and groove . Looks like the developer is using such a product on new home Lanai's ( not sure about Garage Ceilings) . Any one have any suggestions ?

[mulligan]

Don't forget you need to maintain the fire rating of the ceiling.

[Investment Painting Contractors]

Don't forget you need to maintain the fire rating of the ceiling.

I'm sure if you go over the existing drywall you are not changing the fire rating.

[NoMo50]

Unconditioned Spaces (no HVAC) like garages experience expansion and contraction as both temperatures and humidity levels fluctuate.

Question: Will adding insulation above the garage and lanai help, or lessen, this situation? We recently bought a new home in TV, and we're considering adding insulation to these areas. Frankly, I was surprised that there was no/little insulation in these areas.

[HiHoSteveO]

Adding insulation will definitely help IF the ceiling was not secured to anything at the ends and/or sides as they should have been. Otherwise likely a waste of money.
You can easily see in the attic if they were not every 4 (or 8) feet at the seams.
I imagine after a thousand complaints they changed the construction methods on new homes.

It makes sense that normally the lanai and garage were not insulated above since it is non-conditioned space. If only they secured properly. It was said that building code was followed. I find that questionable. If I find the POA (Property Owners Association) final report on this I'll pass it along. It was a couple of years ago.

Question: Will adding insulation above the garage and lanai help, or lessen, this situation? We recently bought a new home in TV, and we're considering adding insulation to these areas. Frankly, I was surprised that there was no/little insulation in these areas.

[retiredguy123]

Question: Will adding insulation above the garage and lanai help, or lessen, this situation? We recently bought a new home in TV, and we're considering adding insulation to these areas. Frankly, I was surprised that there was no/little insulation in these areas.
Insulation is only installed to create a heat transfer barrier between a conditioned and an unconditioned space. The garage and the attic above it are both unconditioned spaces, therefore, there is no need to install insulation. Same for the lanai. Adding insulation above the lanai and garage would be a waste of money. Also, I don't think it will do anything to prevent ceiling cracks.