How to repair cracks on ceiling and walls?

[Markursion]

Hey everyone, 

The family has been planning to start doing some touch ups and painting around the house when we noticed a lot of cracks, popping and indented nails. We've tired touching up some of the cracks in the past but they've reopened over time and seem a lot larger. There is also a door with a couple of cracks around it which now won't close properly. 

Its an old house (about 20 years), but I'm getting more concerned it might be more than just age and some subtle movements. 

Here are some photos:

Any recommendations or advice would be much appreciated. 

Thanks guys

[favorite0295]

I know absolutely nothing about this so best to wait for smarter people than me to reply but these don't appear simple cracks to me. I have a few of those in my house but they're really hairline cracks. These look more significant to me. If this would be my house I would be looking for someone to inspect it and tell me what might be happening.

[JDE]

Is your house on a slab or footings? The fact that they keep happening suggests there is still movement in the foundation. You need to deal with that first. If on a slab I would be looking at your drainage around the house and stabilising the moisture content around the house. (Things like ponding water, disconnected storm water pipes, aircon overflows etc) Changing moisture levels can cause clay to swell and shrink. I once had a driveway lift 2cm just from a tap dribbling down a pipe under it over an extended time. If on peers you need to have a look under the house and make sure they are all solid, carrying weight and it is dry. You need to deal with the movement first otherwise it will keep cracking. A builder once advised my grandmother on building her new house either put gardens around it and keep watered or put a path around it and keep it dry. Key being keep it the same. JDE

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Markursion. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about home repairs.

As @JDE has mentioned, returning cracks likely indicate a reasonable amount of movement in the property. I'd recommend you have your foundation surveyed by an underpinning/slab/foundation specialist to determine if any significant issues need to be rectified. If that isn't the case, then a flexible sealant such as Selleys 480g White 3-in-1 Silicone Sealant can fill gaps. Unlike a cement-based filler, its flexible nature helps prevent future cracking. Have a read of this helpful step-by-step guide: How to repair a water-damaged ceiling.

For the ceiling, you likely need to push it back up hard against the roof timbers and then install screws to hold it in position. If you don't secure the sheeting adequately, any repair you do to the cracks will likely fail.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[MitchellMc]

Great advice, @favorite0295, and a big welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. 

Many thanks for jumping straight into a discussion and offering assistance. We can't wait to hear about your projects around the house and garden. Please feel free to reach out anytime you need assistance or have something to share with the community.

Mitchell