More often than not, cracks in the ceiling indicate a far more serious problem than just aesthetic damage. If you are aware of any water leakage into the attic, water damage, or other roof problems, call a professional repair company to address these issues.
While serious problems should be addressed by a professional, minor ones can be dealt with on your own. This is especially true if you can patch up the cracks in the ceiling using the small equipment that comes together with most drywall repair kits.
Though you may find yourself dealing with other problems in the future, you will at least be able to squeeze a few more years out of your ceiling until you can afford a complete replacement. If you want to learn more about the most common reasons your ceiling is cracking, read this article.
Truss Uplift
This is probably the most common cause of cracking in a ceiling. When your ceiling starts cracking, it is most likely because the ceiling partially supports the weight of the building, and the rest of it is supported by the walls. When the walls support more weight than the ceiling, the ceiling will start to crack.
The good news is that it is a relatively simple problem to fix. You must put supports under the ceiling to redistribute the load. If you have an old house with an old roof, this is probably a problem you have had to deal with at least once.
While fixing the ceiling on your own is a reasonably simple procedure, you should ensure that you take the appropriate safety precautions. If your house is old, there is a chance that some hazardous materials are in the attic, including asbestos, lead paint, and other dangerous materials. If you are worried that you may be exposing yourself or your family to these dangers, it is better to hire a professional.
Failed Joints
Ceiling joints are a common source of problems in a ceiling. The joints are usually created when the drywall is installed and is sealed using mesh tape. If the mesh tape is not adhered correctly, it will not provide support to the joints, and the ceiling will start to crack. In addition to the cracking, there is a risk of the material behind the crack being damaged or falling off.
While fixing the problem is fairly simple, the process may be more complex than it appears at first. If you don’t know how to do it properly, you may end up causing more damage to the ceiling. If you notice cracks in your ceiling, you should contact a professional for repair.
Mould
It is a common misconception that mould is only a problem in the damp basement. While mould does tend to flourish in cool, moist environments, it can cause severe damage to your ceiling. When you have mould growing in the cracks in your ceiling, you are not just dealing with aesthetic problems; there is a risk of serious health issues.
If you notice mould in your ceiling, you should address the problem as quickly as possible. If you are not sure where the mould is coming from, hire a professional to check up on your roof and make sure that there are no water leaks.
Warped Joists
Sometimes the warped joists are the cause of the cracking in your ceiling. This is more common in older houses with wooden roofs. If you have recently had some rain in your area, you should inspect your ceiling for cracks. This is especially true if you have noticed some water leakage from the roof.
If your roof is old, you may have to replace it entirely, in addition to repairing the ceiling. The first step is to hire a professional to inspect your roof and determine the cause of the damage. In some cases, this may be just a minor problem that can be quickly dealt with.
Conclusion
Having a ceiling crack is a problem that most homeowners have to deal with at some point. While there are many reasons why the cracks appear, removing them is simple. The best thing to do is to hire a professional who will be able to inspect your ceiling and determine the source of the cracks. While patching the cracks is a relatively simple procedure, it is not something many homeowners can do properly.
You should also make sure to call a professional if you notice water leakage or some other problem with the roof. If your ceiling is cracking, there is a chance of other issues with the roof, which will cause more problems in the future.