Whether it’s chipped paint or sagging, you know you have to repair your ceiling right away when it begins to crack.
However, the task is made even harder if you don’t know exactly what the problem is. If you hear cracking, see spots or cracks on the ceiling, consider calling a ceiling contractor in straight away.
Most ceiling fixer projects cost between $300 and $4000 for a 3×4 bedroom, so this is well worth it considering what the damage bill could ultimately be if you don’t get it repaired quickly.
Peeling paint
The reason you may see paint peeling on your ceiling could be due to its age, improper application, or poor workmanship. In these circumstances you can choose to leave the ceiling as is, repaint the entire ceiling, or just touch up the affected areas.
It will be more expensive if you repaint the entire ceiling, but the colours will match and the paint job will last more than a patch up will. Peeling paint could also be an indication of water damage. Paint will peel away from a surface that is wet. Check to see if the area is moist if you notice any peeling paint.
Water damage
One of the most common ceiling issues is water damage. Water leakage can arise from drain pipes, or even the tenants that live above. It can be a sign of a minor staining or serious and buckling of the ceiling panels.
How do you replace the ceiling? It requires new plasterboard and sometimes reframing. The best thing you can do is call in an expert as soon as possible, if you see signs of water damage on your ceiling. The damage may prove to be insignificant if you catch the leak early and get it sorted.
If you wait for the water to seep into the walls, the fix could blow out into a major repair bill.
Cracks
Over time, homes start to develop cracks in the ceiling. It’s just a natural part of the aging process. However, as there are a few cracks that may be signs of structural damage, homeowners need to be diligent. The location of the crack is a major factor.
While cracks on the ceiling close to a wall’s edge are normal, long and broad cracks in the middle of a room’s ceiling are cause for concern. Cracks with a dip in them are a sign that your ceiling beams are failing and need to be fixed immediately.
Additionally, cracks which begin on the ceiling and proceed halfway down your wall really need to be investigated for structural damage. Spider web cracks are often normal due to a home’s aging process, but when they are very large (greater than 1/16 in wide) then you
need to call in a ceiling expert.
Natural disasters
Although it’s not common, natural disasters – such as storms – can cause major structural damage even if it seems to be minor. Check to see if there are any cracks in the ceiling which need to be repaired if your house has been through a minor storm. Small ceiling cracks are often overlooked when above eye level, but they’re worth checking for.
Poor Workmanship
Cheap contractors and unqualified tradesmen will cut corners to try save time and make more money when it comes to installing your new ceiling, with improper use of glue and lack of fixings in the plasterboard will result in a very short lifespan of your ceiling.
When engaging a ceiling contractor, make sure they are qualified and insured with a active ABN/ACN and check to see if their work will adhere to all relevant AUS/NZ building codes.
Ask to see photos of previous work and its not always best to pick the cheapest quote.
