Plaster can crack, and it isn't necessarily a bad sign. But that depends on the size and location of the crack, plus what might be accompanying it. As plaster gets older, it can start to separate from the lath that normally holds it in place, and that in itself is enough to call out the ceiling repair company. However, other types of cracks could indicate more serious issues that need immediate attention.
You Should Repair Any Crack
Even if a crack in the ceiling is cosmetic, meaning it's just in the visible plaster surface and not actually in the structure of the ceiling itself, it should be repaired. These little cosmetic cracks still look bad and will likely make you worry every time you see them. Further, if you want to sell your home, the crack is not going to help you get the price you'd hoped for unless you had a lot of inspections done to satisfy buyers. It's much easier to get the crack repaired.
In addition, fixing that crack allows a repair person to get up close and see what's happening with the ceiling around the damaged area. The repair person could spot signs of trouble brewing that you can then repair quickly, rather than finding out about the damage the hard way, such as when a larger crack appears.
Sagging Is a Bad Sign
Any plaster ceiling crack accompanied by sagging needs to be checked out and repaired quickly. It could be as simple as plaster and lath separating, or it could be a pile of debris that has gathered and finally started breaking through the ceiling. You could have hidden water damage where you can't see the leak, but the moisture has weakened the ceiling materials. Any sags need inspection and repair.
How Many Do You Have to Repair?
Is one tiny hairline crack with no sagging and no other problems urgent? Not necessarily. Are there many tiny hairline cracks with no sagging and no other apparent problems? if so, you may want to get on the phone with a ceiling repair company. Unless you've lived in the house for decades and can vouch that every single one of those cracks appeared one at a time, you've got a problem with at least the plaster and lath, if not additional structures in the ceiling. There could also be problems in the walls and foundation if the cracks are appearing there, too.
It never hurts to have a crack in the ceiling inspected. You might end up paying for an inspection only to find out everything is fine, but you could also find out just in time that something in the ceiling needed attention. Contact a plaster ceiling repair service to learn more.
Share12 November 2021
Howdy! My name is Eric and I am here to tell you all about the joys of completing a restoration project. Until recently, I had no idea of the pleasure which could be had when working on a project to repair an item. I used to throw things away when they were worn out. However, my friend realised what I was doing and invited me to the local restoration club. At the club, we are taught how to repair furniture, jewellery and other items. I really love attending the club and I have learnt a great deal about this fascinating subject.
