Gypsum Association Release Document on Ceiling Cracking
The Gypsum Association has released GA-227-13, “Recommendations for the Prevention of Ceiling Cracking.” The publication outlines methodologies for mitigating cracking in large span gypsum board ceilings due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
GA-227-13 explains that ceiling cracks can appear at gypsum board joints when the span between framing members approaches or exceeds 15 feet. The centerline cracks can occur because materials such as gypsum board and wood framing shrink and expand at different rates due to periodical changes in moisture content (i.e. hygrometric coefficient of expansion) and temperature (i.e. thermal coefficient of expansion). To address the issue, the document details how resilient channels can reduce the occurrence of cracking.