Small crack running around the perimeter of bathroom ceiling

[johnagall]

Hello all,

I bought me place from new four years ago and as I have been decorating the place over the years I've never failed to be surprised at how poorly fitted out the properties were with the cheapest materials and the shoddiest workmanship.

Anyway I'm onto the bathroom and about to prep the ceiling for painting first. I've noticed that there is a hairline crack (pictured below) around the perimeter of the ceiling.

Firstly has this happened because of the moisture in the bathroom? or is it merely natural movement in a new build?

In terms of preparation should I just fill the crack, sand it down and paint? Or is there more prep work to be done?

Cheers in advance.

 

[dcdec]

Its probably going to be one of those annoying cracks that will keep coming back due to movement. Presuming its plastered you can rake the crack out and fill, rub down, prime with thinned emulsion and paint or chop out the crack along its entire length, apply some scrim and fill.

 

[misterhelpful]

I agree with what dcdec says but, looking at it, I'm wondering if it is paper joint tape that has come loose. It looks like the right sort of distance from the edge and this is a common problem in new builds, especially in bathrooms. If it is loose tape, remove it and then scrim and fill as suggested.

 

[roughcaster]

It's the tape that's come loose from the ceiling. I'd cut along with a stanley knife to remove it, then retape it, as Mr Helpful said.