Over boarded ceiling crack

[craig1]

Hello, I had the ceiling over boarded with fire rated board to comply with building regs. The ceiling now has a crack running along the entire length.
Access to the ceiling is a problem as the bathroom is above. Is it worth filling or caulking or even trying to screw the board and then filling?

 

[HERTS P&D]

Was it cross boarded?

Andy

 

[roy c]

Was it cross boarded?

Andy

And did they use scrim tape before skimming..(If it was skimmed?)

we need more info and some pics.

 

[craig1]

Not sure if the over boards were staggered but I think the tape was used prior to skimming. I was thinking of scrapping the plaster out along the crack and filling with no nails to prevent the movement and then fill over with flexible filler and rub down?

 

[NickB_99]

I was thinking of scrapping the plaster out along the crack and filling with no nails to prevent the movement and then fill over with flexible filler and rub down?

As you describe, it won't have the strength to prevent the cracks coming back.

If you are to remedy yourself, I'd suggest your best bet for where you are now is to use drywall screws to firmly fix the boards along the joists and minimise movement. I'd focus probably 1m either side of the crack.
If it was me, I'd dig out the crack a bit, cover with scrim tape and use easi fill to cover a width of about 4-6" and blend to the surrounding area.
It will probably still show a bit where it's raised, but it's easier than a ceiling re skim.

 

[craig1]

Ye thanks for the replies. I thought about using the no nails as the ceiling is double boarded and locating the joists to screw into maybe awkward and the bathroom is above.

 

[NickB_99]

Ye thanks for the replies. I thought about using the no nails as the ceiling is double boarded and locating the joists to screw into maybe awkward and the bathroom is above.

You can always drill some small exploratory holes into the ceiling. As you're getting the filler out anyway
Even thought it's double boarded, knocking with a knuckle should give you some idea to start.

Once you find a joist you can work from there, they are usually standard spacings.

 

[craig1]

Thanks again I'll try and locate studs as you advised.
Craig.