How to Repair Stress Cracks in Walls and Ceilings

Leah answers a viewer's question about stress cracks, and she shows one of the the best ways to repair them in walls and ceilings.
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of See Jane Drill, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. See Jane Drill assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. See Jane Drill recommends safe practices when working with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of See Jane Drill, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not See Jane Drill.
The opinions expressed in this video are solely those of Leah Bolden, and no other person nor entity.
• How to Repair Stress C...
#seejanedrill

[@devolution1971]

I recently started renovating a 150+ year old home with little to no prior experience. Your videos have been not only useful but indispensable. You make every subject you approach understandable, clear, and enjoyable! Thank you!!!

[@dellatompkins3789]

I really like the way she explains things ....products and processes. Also her voice is so pleasing. She embodies confidence and encouragement. Thank you, Leah.

[@emilykrous2304]

Owner of a 100 year old home, and your videos are hands down the most helpful out there. Easy to follow, and for some reason, calming. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!!!

[@pinktetris]

Woman! You are so amazing!! I work at Lowes and you have helped me answer so many customer questions, you have no idea. Thank you so much

[@seejanedrill]

you're very welcome, that is so nice to hear!

[@NorthernBoyErmintrude]

I 1st saw this video about 3 years ago to fix a stress crack in a bedroom ceiling. Cue the present day and a long delayed “project” in another room and i had to watch this video again. Beautifully presented, so easily explained and for a DIY dinosaur like myself, the video is manna from heaven. No unnecessary waffle and i cannot say enough good things about this video. Having lived with my late father all my life, this video helped me so much after he passed 3 years ago. A gold standard in presentation.

[@jameslucas5590]

It is a settling crack that is called a stress crack. Because I am the one stressing over the crack in my living room. Thank you so much Jane for this video. I am praying for you Leah get well soon.

[@CLCinflorida]

You cover what people really need to know, and can use with regular home repairs, especially for those that can't afford to hire someone...

[@seejanedrill]

thank you 🙂

[@ChunkStyle]

I love it when Leah says "You can do this," because she really makes me believe it. Thank you Leah, I have learned so much from you about home improvement and repairs, and I specifically sought out this video and I'm going to put your instruction to work this weekend in my home, fixing a few stress cracks in preparation for new paint. Thank you!!!!!

[@howientroy]

Great video. I've had a stress crack in the ceiling for years and just keep putting it off. I wasn't sure I could take care of it properly, but your videos really boost my confidence. Thanks

[@robbiemer8178]

Thank you, Leah! The timing of this video couldn't have been better; I am stripping the wall paper in my living room before painting and there is a stress crack that I will need to fix before I paint. So, knowing what I'll need to do this correctly is very helpful. Much appreciated!

[@34stzoo]

This is the first video i came across that shows, not only how to repair a stress crack, it shows how to avoid them in the future. Thanks, I'm tired of repairing my stress cracks every 3 years. This product sounds like a very nice solution.

[@anton18901]

Jane is such a doll. She makes everything approachable!!!!

[@melvinjohnson7981]

Jane, I really appreciate what you do, you have coverage of such a wide area and have opened my eyes into things I've never done, but now with your help, I have learned so much without actually doing some of these things. Now I at least have some VALUABLE knowledge to put to use. Thank you so much for sharing your experience in so many areas. Wow ,what a lady!

[@tashadixon2070]

Hi Leah, Just bought an older home. In excitement, I overlooked some of its imperfections such as cracks in the ceiling. I'm so glad I found you. And, Yes, I can do this. You are awesome and I am a fan. Thanks again.

[@todd5082]

Who’s the lucky person that’s married to her? I picture her saying, “Honey, after my morning coffee I’m going to fix the ENTIRE house”.

[@jenkurtz412]

When I removed wallpaper from our stairway, sure did see a nice stress crack like this going down the steps. Bought this tape, and can't wait to make it look great!

[@WillN2Go1]

Good video. Never used this tape with the holes but I did an inadvertent experiment with the plastic mesh tape and paper drywall tape. 1993 a month before the Northridge Earthquake in Los Angeles. I was fixing up my house after a kitchen fire (fire, quake... somehow the flood never happened). I had some of the mesh tape so I used it on some ceiling cracks, but I preferred the paper tape. After the quake all the mesh cracks came right back, none of the paper ones did. Your initial presentation of this take you did exactly the right thing, you tried to distort the tape and it didn't rack. The thing about cracks is that sometimes they really want to be there. No drywall tape of any kind is going to stop a building from settling, but in my experience in a well build and braced structure, drywall tape will either solve the problem or give you 20 years, and when the movement finally defeats the paper tape, it won't rip the tape, it'll pull one side loose. A quick-n-dirty fix could be buttering the back of the loose side and pressing it back into place. One thing that helped the ceiling of that house with the ceiling cracks is that I stiffened up the ceiling by putting in a plywood floor in the attic, but just in the center area. I've always been pretty bad with taping and plastering. 1. Always mix up your joint compound. If you buy it premade in the bucket, the pros I've worked with always add just a little bit of water and then use a large drill and mixer to really mix it up. At night they have plastic right on the surface of the 'mud' and also put the lid on. 2. For the finishing coats always use the finishing compound- it goes on smoother and it's softer so it sands easier. I've seen painters prep fresh drywall work with 120 grit paper on a pole sander - that's it. Hope this contributes.

[@JB-gq3or]

You have saved me so much money on corrections and disappointments. I had a ceiling crack that was fixed by 3 different drywall contractors. The ceiling crack kept coming back. The very last time I was prepared after watching yr video. I told the drywall contractor I wanted to use this crack tape on “The crack.” He didn’t want to use it, but, I was most insistent. I’m glad for my confidence in what you presented. Crack gone forever. 🤩 wow. It works, checklist ✔️complete!

[@davewilson7255]

Wow! I'm so glad YT recommended this. I have an annoying stress crack in my ceiling and my patch job didn't work. Will look for this tape. Thank you so much! Take care!

[@SuperFredAZ]

Leah, I really like your method of teaching. Keep up the great work!

[@ArtGardens]

Ohh my!! Brillant, such a great teacher, at least someone who explains things well and you have such a great voice too. Just the videos I have been looking for ,Thank you.

[@colinc4542]

This channel is the best. You are such a great teacher, Leah. Many thanks!

[@mc4kvb]

I too have 2 places in my house that have that kind of crack in it. I’ve had someone come and put the regular tape stuff on it but it is back now. How ironic it is that you put this video out now! Thanks so much AGAIN Leah. I really have learned so much from you and your videos. I’m thankful and I know plenty of other people are thankful too. Keep these videos coming !

[@seejanedrill]

thanks, Becky! 🙂

[@stacycatrambone8068]

Thank you for your most excellent repair videos AND "crack tape." I have a lot of stress cracks to repair. This is off topic, for this video, but your videos helped me successfully cut a crown molding corner (WOOHOO) when I refaced my bath cabinets. Came out perfectly! Now on to drywall! Your videos are soothing in the learning process. Yes we CAN DO THIS!

[@patrickscoggins1]

Jane, I’ve been a general contractor for 20 years and currently a licensed insurance adjuster. I thoroughly enjoy your videos!

[@chrisburnette1251]

How can you not love this woman

[@kansascityshuffle8526]

Because you might be Michael Myers.

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

SHE DEFINITELY KNOWS HER SHIT.

[@georgereeder1546]

By/

[@davidjacobs8558]

because she is not Jane.

[@richardkingston5238]

Aye indeed, she has such soothing, nice voice and is so cool, she does a super job also, well done my Darling!

[@josephlucero7361]

you are such a great teacher!

[@seejanedrill]

thank you very much!

[@LetsGoBrandon247]

Leah you're amazing! Your videos have helped me (a novice DIY'er) immensely! Just subbed to your fantastic channel. God bless!

[@marycahill546]

My house was built in 1930 and I have stress cracks in the dining room plaster. Thank you for this! I'll do it before next painting job.

[@lisamcdonald2877]

Also in a 1930 house and mine has a ceiling crack the length of the living room. Now I know what to do.

[@lynzysconstitutionalcrashc7836]

Thanks for this! Have a couple areas in the house that have stress cracks! Was just wondering how to fix them and your video popped up!

[@PaulPeck]

Leah, I’ve used that Strait-Flex Crack Tape on wall and ceiling cracks many times. It really does work well!👍🏻 Take care, -Paul

[@seejanedrill]

thanks, Paul!

[@thepaintingexpert3585]

Paul check out the new innovative paint brush! The Richard gooseneck flexible paint brush extension! Cheers!

[@beatrixblitzer747]

Paul Peck I’m working on our walls next weekend. Thanks for the tip.

[@jeffthewhiff]

Paul, where did you buy the Strait-Flex Crack Tape?

[@chrissy212e]

@@seejanedrill Hi Amazon doesn't seem to sell this anymore I tried your link. I live in the UK I cant seem to find it over here. UK Amazon has it for £108 that's just ridiculous for tape ☺

[@robertromo4816]

Great tip Leah, I'll have to give that a try. I run into that problem all the time at my brothers house.

[@reinaldodejesus4153]

I got a few of these and was wondering how to go about fixing them , now I know thank you for the video.

[@dawnfoster6530]

No words - really. You do a phenomenal job - explaining, inspiring. Just wow.

[@andygomez0206]

Thanks Leah, I always enjoy your easy explain videos.

[@jim5549]

Perfect timing again, Leah! I have an arched doorway into my en-suite bath. They butted 2 pieces of drywall at the top of the arch and there's a hairline crack which I've been working up to fixing. Thanks again for another timely tip!

[@censoreditali-american6487]

Make sure you gouge the crack with a 5 in 1 or a screw driver will do the trick if you do not have a 5 in 1. The lady mentioned you only do that with plaster, she is wrong. She's also using the wrong product to embed her mud, I just don't have it in me to call her out in public. You NEVER use all purpose joint compound to embed any kind of seam tape. ALWAYS ALWAYS DURA BOND for embedding seam tape, mesh tape, or stress tape. Mesh honestly does the same exact thing, it's the same stuff the doctor uses to wrap around your arm when making a cast. We use it to repair drywall and it has a bunch of square holes rather than round holes. They both will work, however the tape shes using in much thicker and harder to hide. Mesh tape is the way to go if you want a pro opinion. Stress cracks are very common wherever there is a header/archway. Every door way, walk thru, and windows have a header above them. Every one of them crack going on an angle up the wall when your home shifts. Mostly happens in winter time when the material contracts from the cold weather if you live in the northern states. Elasticated caulk is a good way to fix smaller cracks. The caulk will stretch where the patch will not. If you properly run the 5 in 1 or screw driver down the crack to make a clean cut, then cut a very small tip off your tube of caulk on a 45 degree angle, get yourself a small pail of nice warm water with a drip of dish soap in it and a sponge. Gouge the crack a good 1/8th of an inch wide and slowly run a bead of caulk over the crack ( Sherwin Williams Sher-Max caulk or Sherwin Williams Max Flex caulk.) then take a plastic or metal putty knife, stick it in yer bucket of soapy water and hold the putty knife on a 45 degree angle and pull down and fill the crack in. Then take the sponge and clean up the excess caulk, let it dry and repeat step again if need be. Then paint it. I will do they technique if its a small persistent crack. If it's a long crack over 4 inches, we're digging it out and using mesh and Dura Bond, NOT ALL PURPOSE JOINT COMPOUND, that is used for nail holes and smaller dents or skim coats. Repairs and tape jobs are always done with Dura Bond. You will see a number after Dura Bond 5, 20, 45, and 90. The number represents the pot life/working time before the mud starts to harden on you. I will use 5 for small fast repairs. Or I will use 20 for longer bigger repairs. If I'm feeling sluggish and out of gas, lol, I will use 45 or 90. Best of luck to you.

[@MovieMakingMan]

@@censoreditali-american6487 Thanks for your great response! What would you consider best, this tape, regular mesh tape or Fiba Tape? Thanks!

[@BSmithPPG]

Thanks! Have some I need to repair in my house and this was very helpful.

[@charlesmcgrath750]

Leah, you make it look so easy! I know I wouldn't even come close to getting the results you get! Thanks for sharing....

[@seejanedrill]

you're very welcome, Charles!

[@sandiagatha1288]

I've ceiling cracks appearing in certain areas of my flat and I am confused. After watching your video, I feel inspired in repairing my ceiling. Thanks again for uploading and sharing your wisdom.

[@kaymuldoon3575]

Never heard of crack tape before. What a remarkable product! Will definitely have to get some. I have stress cracks in practically every room in my house (where I live the soil is clay and all of the homes in our area have foundation problems). I’m going to try this for as many cracks as possible. I love the idea that they will never come back! Yay!

[@bh189]

Me too!

[@marybywater9212]

Very well explained, easy to follow for the inexperienced person. Thank you.

[@dgale1023]

that's why you have 370K subs Leah and growing. Always very informative and helpful Thank You

[@seejanedrill]

Thanks Dave

[@allenwaters96]

Awesome video! Just what I needed. Please keep the videos coming.

[@darkvader47]

You’re the best Leah! As a novice guy I can say I’ve learned my confidence in areas like this from a woman! Keep up the good videos!

[@seejanedrill]

hey, thanks!

[@dariosame2655]

Awesome Lea that’s what I’m doing right now before I go to paint the walls of my recently acquired house. Txs for all

[@garyb5889]

Just what I needed. Thanks Leah. You're fantastic!

[@Mark-sn6kh]

Thanks for the video. I always get nervous working with drywall just to try and blend it in, and match the texturing I have.

[@CrankyPantss]

That tape looks perfect. We have those cracks at our house, too. Thanks for sharing that with us.

[@seejanedrill]

you're very welcome, Linda!!

[@rodsnerd5176]

Very good demonstration and very well said. Never saw the tape before but betcha I'll be using it from now on.

[@12ita]

Thanks Leah! All of your videos are so helpful to me as a new home owner of an old home. Can you do a video on the best way to remove paint from painted over door hinges?

[@JanetJenkins]

Amazing! I have one of these stress cracks over a door in my family room. I feel like i can fix it myself now!

[@henerymag]

This is exactly what I needed to know. Thank you and subscribing now.

[@Mrkouman]

Every other ytuber was just about filling a crack, I needed to know how to fix a stress crack untill your video, again you videos are great. I've sub'd since the second vid I watched of yours.

[@hernanmarin3904]

Thank you very much!!!! I have two stress cracks that I need to fix, now I know how!

[@jeffthewhiff]

Leah, you always do a great job with your videos and I was especially interested in this particular one because of your use of the Strait Flex Crack Tape. I watched another video prior to this one and the contractor had very good luck with this product.

[@nikkic2581]

My fav channel! You are amazing and clear on instructions. My bf works alllllll the time so he never has time for anything. Thanks to you I’ve patched a wall, and painted the ceiling and walls in all my bedrooms. Lol

[@seejanedrill]

way to go, girl, you did it!

[@J_Chap]

Thanks for the video. We own a mobile home and when we have stress cracks in the drywall from moving it. This will be helpful in doing repairs. Nothing was damaged. I understood it was from the seams in the drywall. But, this home was remodeled before we bought it and they remodeled it like a house, so, it is not done like a mobile home. They used regular drywall and finished it like you would in a house. We were told by the movers this would happen, so, it wasn't a big deal. That was three years ago. So, now that I know how to fix it easily I will buy some of this tape and working on getting it done. It's pretty much just cosmetic. People coming into the home probably don't even notice it, but, I do and have been wanting to fix. Again, than you for the video.

[@jblair8746]

This is just the video I needed to watch!! Thank you so much for what you do Ms. Leah! Question: if you are not working with a plaster ceiling, do I still need to make a V channel? Thank you ☺️

[@dprcontracting6299]

What a cool lady! Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@beachwalker2245]

Thanks for another educational video Leah -I definitely need this to work on my home! I can do this and I will save money😃

[@billybartley5486]

I have a crack like this above my garage entry door that I have repaired with mesh tape 3 times and even dug the crack out and filled with siliconized caulk and it has cracked again. I'll be trying your approach on it now! Thanks!

[@schadowolf]

Great video, have a stress crack in ceiling in kitchen. Happened first year of house being built. Painter came back in, they used mesh tape, and sure enough it cracked again. Now I know how to fix this correctly!

[@VCGConstruction]

Crack tape! That stuff is really tough! Thanks for the tip Leah!

[@seejanedrill]

Yes, it really is! Thanks, Vincent

[@jacklabloom635]

This is the how-to-video I needed. Thank you so much. We have a stress crack on our kitchen ceiling. I can do this after watching the video. I have repaired small holes in Sheetrock walls successfully, but did not know about the stress tape for ceiling cracks. Hopefully, that will keep the crack from coming back.

[@seejanedrill]

Good luck with your repair!

[@Glitterandcoffeexoxo]

Thx 4 this. I think this will help me with 1 wall stress crack and one in my ceiling where a very heavy light fixture hung for a few years. Safe to say I think I can do this. I at least hope the small line fracture from where my light hung can be fixed this way.

[@glencothran]

Thank you for the lesson. I have dry wall stress cracks on a wall. This will help me

[@RonConsumer]

Thanks, Leah, I was just trying to figure out how to repair some stress cracks in my parent's house which is all plaster walls and ceiling. I was thinking about just putting up some paintable polyurethane caulking but I think your way is much better with the caulking tape do it once... do it right... thanks for the great video.👍

[@georgevalenzuela2489]

Great tutorial! Thanks for sharing!

[@sdm1214]

Amazing Jane to the rescue again, thanks!!

[@cmberg3]

This is fantastic. Can't wait to watch this.

[@desertpoj]

Top work Leah!

[@thepaintingexpert3585]

Cool Your right once again! The gooseneck guy! Don. Leah a friendly tip I usually open the crack then I apply a latex caulking to fill approximately 90%. Then tape and plaster as required! Probably requires 3 skim coat! Cheers!

[@yogibeer9319]

Leah you got mad skills!

[@flagmichael]

I've been yelling at a stress crack in our spare bedroom ceiling. There is mesh tape from my last attempt in it, but now I'm going to bring Leah's expertise to it.

[@raydomenech7646]

Another very informative video. Thanks!

[@hmm3636]

Thank you. Before this vid, I fought the stress cracks and as you said, they kept coming back with regular tape. Again, thank you.

[@chichi6796]

I have a ceiling with same issue. Thanks for great information

[@cheryllawson1168]

Thankyou Leah I have some stress cracks in my house in Queensland Australia and I wasn't sure what I could do. Thankyou I will see if I can find the tape in Australia thanks again😮

[@davekintz]

Love your videos... I would recommend adding StraitFlex Super Bond to you bed coat mud. I use it in all my bed joints anymore, and it's never let me down.

[@angeleyes3505]

Thanks 4 the tip

[@terrisuzuki6367]

Thank you so much! I will use this technique .

[@webeducation]

Think most people would agree they would gladly watch a minute worth of ads to get the information you deliver.

[@siulseyer8053]

Beautiful job. Thanks a lot.

[@nicolewhite9324]

Leah, you are an excellent teacher! Wondering if you have recommendations on how to repair damaged plaster after the baseboards have been removed from the wall?

[@carolmenton8670]

Where have you been all mylife. Thank you your great

[@williamgeorgelopezjunior8533]

Just another good video that’s showcases your awesome tips and suggestions

[@MariSooOGlam1016]

Thank you so much for this tutorial I’m glad that this video is able to help others dealing with this issue as well! This video gives thorough explanation on what to do. I am confident that I can do this! You are the best! *hugs* 🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@cocoablossom5201]

Thank you! I justtook down some wallpaper in my grandmothers bedroom andfound something similar.

[@ChristopherSLucas-hv7nz]

Very nicely taught. Thank you.

[@michaeltangen]

LOVE it! I learned another great home fix-it thing from you! Thank you!

[@new2dayuser151]

Your the best! Great teacher! I love you!

[@declanmoran1894]

Awesome once again , keep it up &thank you !

[@beforhorn]

Good job, Leah. Thanks.

[@karenrose8025]

Perfect explanation!

[@Saucyakld]

Great job, thank you for showing me as I put on two coats and thought heck, not covering, am I supposed to put a skimming coat over or plaster again. You answered all of it, many thanks!

[@seejanedrill]

you're welcome, and good luck with your project!

[@elained2448]

Great information Ms. Leah! I actually have a couple ceilings I need to try this on. Also I wanted to share that sometimes we have to hire folks to do work. Without your willingness to share your experience, I would not be able to speak with some knowledge to those folks in the trades. I can do many things, but not fast enough anymore. At least armed with what you share, I can converse with folks who do things for a living and ask why they are choosing one method over another. And I’ve had two job offers! One to keep a young crew working, and one offer to check materials delivered at different sites If I could still drive in traffic, I’d take either one :). So thank you so much for your excellent teaching methods!

[@seejanedrill]

Hi Elaine, you bring up an excellent point! When hiring a contractor or another trades professional, it is much better to be able to speak from a position of knowledge and be well-informed about the work that will be done on your house. You are much less likely to be taken advantage of that way.

[@elained2448]

seejanedrill thank you so much 🤗

[@RobertLofrano]

Thanks, I have a crack in my kitchen wall that I have done with regular dry wall tape 3 times and keeps coming back. I am going to give this a try thanks.

[@SlapToneBass]

It's not just the tape. If your wall moves, no amount of tape will hold. First, stabilize the wall by adding more screws to the drywall on each side of the crack. That should help your patch stay put. If your foundation moves a lot, even that might not do the trick.

[@joetrentjr3634]

Love your videos. Another good topic..😎

[@seejanedrill]

🙂

[@peepsqueek923]

Thanks so much this is super helpful!

[@jamesmchugo9422]

Never heard of crack tape before, but I have a couple places it’s going to get used. Thanks for the video. 👍

[@gypsyman535]

Great Job 👍 I appreciate your tips on this!!!