US: The Gypsum Association has released GA-227-13, 'Recommendations for the Prevention of Ceiling Cracking', a publication outlining methods to mitigate cracking in large-span wallboard 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 4.5m. The centreline cracks can occur because materials such as gypsum wallboard and wood framing shrink and expand at different rates due to periodical changes in moisture content and temperature. To address the issue, the document details how resilient channels can reduce the occurrence of cracking.
"The methods for the use of resilient channels described in this document have been shown to be very effective in preventing ceiling cracks due to swings in temperature and moisture content of wood framing - particularly in long spans," said Robert Wessel senior director of technical services for the Gypsum Association. "The swings usually occur during a change in season from summer to winter or in dry areas such as desert environments."
