You just noticed that your ceilings are lately creaking and cracking.
Creaking can be a strange thing, especially on the ceilings.
Often, creaks are preceded by cracks. And both can be something to worry about.
So, Is It Normal For Ceilings To Creak And Crack?
Yes. Ceilings can creak and crack due to several reasons. Some are normal and should not worry you much. Others are serious and should be looked at and corrected immediately.
In this article, we will get into deep details on what causes these creaks and cracks on the ceiling.
We will also give you an easy-to-follow guide on how to assess ceiling cracks and creaks and the solutions to these problems. And there is more!
Can Ceiling Cracks And Creaks Be Serious?
Ceiling creaks and cracks can be serious. There are two typical causes of ceiling cracks.
It can be due to structural damage or settling.
After construction, all structures settle with time. Such settling can cause some cracking and creaking sounds. Ceilings are not exceptional.
If it is caused by the settling of the structure, then there is no need to worry.
However, if the cracking is caused by structural damage, then you need to take swift action and restore things to normal before they get any worse.
What Causes Creaking and Cracking of the Ceilings?
It is crucial to understand in detail, what can lead to cracks and creaks on ceilings.
We already mentioned two possible causes of cracking.
In this section, we will shed light on other major and common causes of creaks and cracks on ceilings.
1. An Aging Home
As your home ages, wear and tear occur in almost every part of the home structure. This includes your ceilings. A home will naturally have creaks and cracks on most parts as it grows old. Thorough renovation can be an absolute remedy to the cracking and creaking of ceilings in an aging home.
2. Moisture Damage
Moisture and water can be very disastrous to building structures. There are two chief ways in which your ceilings can get exposed to moisture. Moisture can be from above the ceiling or underneath it. Leaking rooftops can expose your ceilings to serious moisture effects. Condensation of moisture on the roof can also be a major cause.
Also, moisture beneath the ceiling especially from the floor can expose the ceilings to serious damage. Eventually, your ceilings will start creaking and cracking. Extreme weather elements like storms can aggravate this effect.
3. Heavy Objects Above The Ceiling
If there is something heavy on the ceiling attic, it can cause creaking and cracking.
Bathrooms ceilings, for instance, are vulnerable to this effect owing to heavy bathtubs in them.
4. Irregularities In The Drywall
Poor installation of the drywall can cause the ceilings to creak and crack.
If your drywall joints are not properly taped, it often leads to problems on the ceilings.
Your installer should carry out a thorough and proper installation of the drywall to avoid such problems.
Enough drywall mud should be used on the drywalls to enhance a formidable fastening.
Insufficient taping causes the drywall to come loose and it will crack with time. Consequently, the ceilings are affected and they crack as well.
5. Foundation Problems
Any building with foundation problems will not only risk getting serious damages on other structures.
It also risks the lives of the occupants of the rooms. Ceiling cracks and creaks can be an indicator of a serious foundation problem in your building.
Keen assessment of a possible cause of the cracking should be carried out immediately.
Should you find out that it is your building’s foundation, action should be taken to reverse the situation as soon as possible.
What Are The Major Types Of Ceiling Cracks?
It is critical to understand the type of ceiling cracks. Such knowledge can help you figure out the magnitude of the problem and whether you should be worried about it or not. After all, all buildings do move.
Whether they are made of wood, concrete, steel, or anything else, all building structures move and adjust.
This movement can be caused by two major factors.
- Natural settling
- seasonal temperatures changes cause an imperceptible movement of buildings.
Temperature changes cause the soil to expand and contract seasonally.
As a result, the soil underneath the building is forced to contract and expand. This causes a slight movement.
Cracking and creaking of the structures including the ceilings can occur due to such movements.
Such cracks can be nothing to worry about in some instances. Some cracks and creaks, however, can indicate a potentially dangerous structural problem.
It is, therefore, a prudent idea to be knowledgeable n how you can master such serious cracks and creaks.
How Can You Tell The Seriousness Of A Ceiling Crack?
1. Thin Cracks On The Ceiling Paint And Plaster Should Not Worry You
Small cracks on the ceilings are common.
They occur due to a slight natural movement of the building as we stated in the previous section of this article.
In some cases, such minute cracks are caused by cracks on the paints that happen over a long period.
You must have noticed that your walls and floors can also develop such small cracks. They are nothing to worry about.
2. A Continuous Crack from the Ceilings Down To the Walls
If you notice a crack that runs from the ceiling down to the floor through the walls, there is every need to worry.
It is an indication of extensive structural damage. You need to call your building professor immediately.
3. Cracks On The Ceilings Accompanied By Sagging
Sagging is equally an indicator of high-profile structural damage. Such ceiling cracks should be given adequate attention as well. It is not a good sign.
4. A Crack between the Ceiling and the Walls
This is a serious problem that must be looked at by a building professional. In most cases, it occurs as a result of natural settling but to a higher degree.
What Is A Remedy To Ceiling Cracks And Creaks?
There are many ways of solving ceiling cracks and creak problems. Here are some of the most efficient ways:
1. Any Serious Ceiling Creaks And Cracks Must Be Reported To A Building Professional
Staying in a building with serious and worrying ceiling cracks and creaks is a gamble with life and property.
You should report such cases to a relevant professional for advice or renovation. Do so with immediate effect. You can never tell an impending disaster.
2. Painting
Cracks are boring. They ruin the appearance of your ceilings.
You can seal them off by repainting your ceilings and walls.
Old paints tend to crack due to wear and tear and sometimes natural settling as we already mentioned.
Running a new coat of paint can help you seal them off and restore an original and nice look to the ceilings
3. Repair Water Leaks On The Roof
If you notice your ceilings are creaking and cracking because of moisture from the rooftop, you should act on it.
Seal any water leaks as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Moisture can cause massive destruction if the situation is not contained.
4. A Complete Renovation Of The Ceilings
You can also choose to replace the ceilings altogether.
This is especially the case if your building has stood for years. Get a professional ceiling installer to do it for you.
Final Words
Creaks on the ceilings can be a nuisance. Cracks run the structure and appeal of the building.
You should carry out a thorough check-up of the building and assess the ceilings for cracks.
Figure out whether they are serious or not. Serious creaks and cracks should be reported and attended to as soon as they are noticed.