Plaster ceiling damage is often hard to detect. This is because the plaster itself is a very forgiving material. It can hide a lot of flaws and blemishes without too much trouble.
However, the plaster will eventually show signs of wear and tear as time passes. And if you ignore these warning signs, you risk bigger and costlier problems down the line.
Discover some of the most common signs of plaster ceiling damage and why they occur in the first place.
Cracks in the Plaster
Plaster ceiling cracks can be caused by many different things, with the most serious ones being settling foundations or shifting framing. Cracks in your plaster ceiling can also be a sign that your home is not as structurally sound as it should be.
Plaster ceilings mostly develop cracks due to prolonged water damage. In fact, water damage is often the culprit behind cracks that start in the corners of the room and then spread outwards. Once the plaster material gets into contact with water, it starts to soften and becomes more susceptible to cracks as it dries.
No matter the cause, you have to address the ceiling cracks as soon as possible. Ignoring them could be a recipe for disaster in the future.
There are a few ways to tell if the plaster in your ceiling is starting to crack. Simply look for cracks in the plaster itself. You can also look for water stains on the ceiling surface. If you see any signs of water damage, there might be small cracks in the plaster that you can't see.
The paint job on your plaster ceiling can also tell if there are cracks on your ceiling. If you see paint chips or peeling paint in certain areas, the plaster is probably starting to give way.
Simple plaster repairs might be all your ceiling needs, especially if the cracks haven't been there long. However, a complete ceiling replacement might be your only solution if the cracks are too advanced. Ceiling replacement is a much more complicated and costly process, so it's important to catch the problem early on.
A Sagging Ceiling
A sagging ceiling often results from water damage due to a leaky roof or faulty plumbing. Unfortunately, sagging ceilings are not only an aesthetic issue, but they can also be quite dangerous. If your plaster ceiling sags too much, it will eventually collapse. Anyone underneath the plaster at the time of collapse could be seriously injured.
To confirm when your ceiling begins to sag, look for physical evidence, like visible dents or depressions in the plaster. You can also carefully inspect the crown molding. If the molding is no longer flush with the plaster, you might already have a saggy ceiling.
If you notice any of these signs, don't take too long before you call for plaster ceiling repairs. Timely repairs could make a huge difference in the overall cost and complexity of the repair process.
For more information on ceiling repair, contact a specialist.
