Caulk can fix ceiling cracks

Q: I had a new plaster ceiling put up with Blueboard screwed to the ceiling and a thick swirled plaster coating on top. It wasn't long before cracking at the seams occurred. The plasterer patched several cracks, and in some cases dug out the old plaster and put in new plaster with tape. The cracks are recurring. What can I do? — Lou Criess, Shirley

A: A ceiling that keeps cracking may be due to the plaster being too thick or it cured too fast, or both. But if repeated repairs did not work I suggest you go back to a time-honored technique. I did not invent it, but I have suggested it to many people, with no replies that it did not work.

Use an adhesive caulk, or a pliable caulk, to fill the cracks. Put a bead of this caulk in the joint and press it in with your fingers. It is the only thing that will fill such small cracks. Scrape off any remainder, and finish up by cleaning the crack with a damp sponge. Cracks are traditionally filled with a plaster-like material which hardens, and then when the ceiling expands or contracts, the hard material will break up, making matters worse. The caulking stays a bit pliable, and will expand and contract with any movement of the ceiling, keeping the crack filled.

Q: I had a new asphalt driveway installed last summer. The installer said he would come back in the fall to seal it. I remember someone said that sealing asphalt is 90 percent cosmetic, and not necessary. Should I not have the driveway sealed? — Concerned

A: Worry no more, and do not have the driveway sealed. Not only it is too cold now to seal, but you will save $200 to $300.

Q: I have an interesting situation with some rot around my windows. It's a remodeled older house, and the corners, and in some cases the entire exterior trim around the windows, has rotted. The windows and siding are about 7 or 8 years old. Do you think this is a case of improper window installation? — Westernmass, in Hotton's chat room