If you have a sagging ceiling, you have a major problem in your home. Whether this happened overnight or if you’ve noticed gradual changes, you should not take a cracked or sagging ceiling lightly.
Wondering what the problem is? Here are some of the most common causes of a sagging ceiling so you can figure out what to do.
Water Damage
You may have a water leak. An undetected water leak can cause numerous household problems and a sagging ceiling is one. The water can accumulate inside the ceiling. This weakens the plaster or drywall.
If enough water builds up, the ceiling could eventually collapse. The water can also damage the support beams that causes the ceiling to sag or crack.
Your leak could be from a pipe or could be a sign of roofing problems, so you should call a plumber or roofing contractor immediately.
Termites
Termites love wood, If you have an infestation of termites, they’ve probably already caused significant damage to your support beams if your ceiling is sagging.
Drywall Problems
If you don’t see any stains that suggest water damages, there may be an issue with the drywall. This means it may not have been installed properly.
Drywall ceilings need 4″ screws spaced 12″ apart. If the builder cut corners and the screws are too far apart, the ceiling could sag.
Another issue with drywall is the size. Even though 1/2″ thick drywall is the most common, it is pretty light. This means it’s not as sturdy.
You should have a contractor come in and examine your drywall if you don’t have any water or termite damage. The contractor may be able to reinforce your drywall or may need to replace the drywall altogether.
The Foundation
If your land wasn’t graded properly, your foundation may have issues. The long-term effects can be devastating.
Over time, your house naturally settles into the earth. Without proper grading, your foundation may sink or shift. If this happens, you will see cracks in your walls or ceilings.
Check your basement for dampness, cracks, or bugs to see if there are foundation issues.
Sagging Ceiling Dangers
If you don’t fix this problem, a sagging ceiling can be a major health and safety hazard. If the damage was from water, the ceiling could give out at any time and crash on top of you.
Even if it stays intact, you could have a mold problem which leads to respiratory issues and other health problems. You should always contact a professional to fix a sagging ceiling, so you can determine the problem and what you can do to prevent further damage.
Fixing Your Ceiling
Now that you know some of the causes, you can contact professionals for sagging ceiling repair. You need to figure out the root cause before you can properly fix the problem.
Some insurance policies may cover the damage from a sagging ceiling, depending on the cause and the policy.
Are you looking for other home advice? You’ve come to the right place. Keep perusing our site for other useful home maintenance tips.
