How worried should I be about this?! Pic included

[Woeeeid]

This has appeared mid way through the kitchen ceiling. How worried should I be about this? It’s an extension but it’s been there for over 6 years I think. Single parent with very limited funds so very stressed.

I think you need to post a more zoomed out photo. It's hard to make anything out in this one...

Has anyone attached to your house been doing work?

Are there any other signs of movement?

How wide is it?

It looks like a simple crack between plasterboard panels in the ceiling

if it stays small (narrower than a pencil) it’s not a major thing

@SunnySideDeepDown no. I wouldn’t really know what to look for regarding movement but nothing obvious just this one crack!

@thrive25 do you mean narrower than a pencil as in the tip or the body of the pencil? I feel like it’s got a bit bigger but I do get anxious and think I could be overthinking this as it’s definitely been there a while. Tonight was the first time I looked at it closely

Looks like a crack between plaster boards. The very worrying ones are usually diagonal coming from the edge of windows or doors.

If you can’t get your hand in it it’s nothing to worry about,

@Graciously i am not sure. You couldn’t fit a pound coin in on its side. Not even convinced you could fit 5p. (I don’t have any change to check)

@Raisethebar1993 sorry I know I sound extremely idiotic asking this but what is the plasterboard and why would this happen?

@DustyMaiden i can get my fingernail in

Get a tape measure and draw two lines 1cm apart, either side of the gap. Then you’ll be able to tell over time if it grows by measure the gap between the lines you’ve drawn

Edit- as i re-read sorry its the ceiling.
If your renting ask the land lord to have a look.

@ShesTheAlbatross what does it mean if it gets bigger? Does it definitely mean something serious?

I had a surveyor look at a crack bigger than that and that’s what he said .

If it’s only 2-3mm it’s probably ok- looks like the taping has failed between the plasterboard.
I would fill it in with decorating caulk which is flexible, then paint over.
If it continues to get wider the I’d get someone in to look at it.

Looks like where two pieces of plasterboard meet. Either they haven't been taped, or the tape has split over time. It doesn't look as though it's anything major to worry about.

Do you rent or own your house? I’d be letting relevant insurers know to ensure appropriate steps are taken whether that be monitoring or actions taken. If it’s been 6 years since the extension it’s unlikely to be recent settlement of a new addition, where are you based is it clay/porous soil/ground do you know?

Its pretty straight, just a crack where two plasterboards butt up and are skimmed over. Its been a very hot summer and then a very wet autumn so its shrinkage and expansion. Nothing to worry about.

Go to Toolstation and buy some flexible filler like Toupret or some easyfill.

Get a flathead screwdriver or narrow blade and make the crack wider and deeper, push filler into the crack with a filling knife, smooth with a scraper.

This will help
Take a look at this video, 'how to apply filler to ceiling crack'
https://share.google/npdNCflWtfpf6mNVe