Over time, every home experiences ceiling damage. These problems include cracks, sagging, water damage and mould.
Repairing these problems can prevent serious consequences for the structure of the house or business. It can also save a lot of money compared to replacing the damaged materials. However, not all ceiling repair jobs are created equal. Contact Ceiling Repairs Perth now!
Water damage is one of the most common and destructive problems that can affect homes. From leaky pipes to flooding caused by hurricanes, natural disasters, and severe storms, it can damage floors, walls, ceilings, furniture, appliances, and personal belongings. In addition, it can also cause structural damage, mold and mildew growth, and deteriorate air quality. It is important to act quickly after a flood to minimize the effects of water damage on your home and property.
The first thing to do when you notice water damage is to remove as much of the water as possible. Then you can take steps to dry and dehumidify the area. This is usually done by using fans (including air movers) and commercial-grade dehumidifiers. You should open windows and doors as well to increase air circulation.
Drying and dehumidification can take a while, especially if the water damage is extensive. It is important to have a professional inspect the area and determine how long it will take for the structure to dry completely. Once the water is removed and the walls and ceiling are dried, you can begin repairing the damage.
If you are unsure whether or not your walls and ceiling have been properly dried, look for a dark spot in the affected area. This spot will usually have zero to only a few dry water rings around it. If there are more than a few rings, the damage has likely been there for some time and may be deteriorating.
Darker spots in walls are more serious and require more work to repair. They can indicate a sewage leak, which isn’t something you want to tackle yourself. Black water contains sewage and other harmful bacteria and should only be handled by professionals who are licensed to do so.
Water damage can disrupt the daily operations of businesses and multifamily residential buildings. Workers may be unable to access their workspace, leading to productivity losses and missed deadlines. Clients and residents may be displaced from their homes, which can lead to emotional stress and frustration. In addition, the damage to personal belongings and structure can be expensive. The best way to prevent these problems is to regularly check for signs of water damage and perform prompt repairs if needed.
Cracks
There are many different kinds of cracks in the ceiling and it’s important to work out whether or not the damage is serious. The shape, length and depth of the crack will all help you determine how urgently it needs to be repaired.
The most common kind of cracking is hairline fractures, which are usually fairly straight and less than about 0.2mm wide. These may indicate the presence of water, but more often they are down to poor construction where the joints between sheets of plasterboard weren’t properly filled and taped prior to plastering. All buildings move to some degree and it’s quite normal for little cracks to appear here and there.
Long cracks that run continuously across the ceiling, especially those that match up with wall cracks, can be a sign of serious structural problems. These are usually down to a problem with the foundation of the building and may lead to doors sticking in their frames or windows cracking in their masonry surrounds.
Similarly, cracks caused by flooding may cause severe damage and need to be professionally repaired immediately. They may be accompanied by significant dampness or even a build-up of black mould. The best way to deal with this is to clean the affected area and then thoroughly dry it with a dehumidifier or heater.
If the ceiling cracks reappear in the same place after repair attempts, this is a strong indicator that there are still issues that need to be resolved. This could be structural damage or even an underlying leak that needs to be tracked down and fixed, states Entrusted.
Structural damage to the foundations of the building can lead to a variety of other symptoms including uneven floors, cracked drywall and door frames that are difficult to open. This is a situation where it’s very important to get the help of a professional as the problems will likely worsen over time.
Unsupported heavy loads balanced precariously above a ceiling are another potential cause of cracking. This is most commonly seen in the case of botched DIY removals of chimney breasts and load-bearing walls. If the cracking is paired with sagging, this is an emergency and must be investigated by a structural engineer at the earliest opportunity.
Sagging
Ceilings receive the least attention when it comes to home improvement, but a damaged or sagging one isn’t just unsightly. It can also invite unwanted weather and pests inside the home, which is why it’s important to call a professional for a quote as soon as you notice signs of damage.
When a ceiling sags, it’s typically caused by water or structural problems. A hidden water leak is often the culprit, especially if the ceiling in question is in a room that’s frequently used, such as a kitchen or bathroom. If you suspect a leak, turn off the water main and take the necessary steps to stop it.
In many cases, a ceiling will start to sag if the primary support beam is damaged or rotting. This could be due to a number of factors, including water damage from a roof leak that hasn’t been fixed or a house that’s been settling for too long.
If you suspect a damaged or rotting beam, contact an expert for a sagging ceiling repair as soon as possible to avoid further damage and potential safety hazards. Ideally, the project will be completed as soon as possible after the water source is turned off and the affected area has been cleaned thoroughly.
Once the repair is complete, if the ceiling is made of traditional lath-and-plaster, it will need to be propped up for a few days until the plaster has dried. It’s best to do this work on a clear day with lots of natural light. Before you begin, make sure to remove all electrical wires and dismantle any heating pipe brackets that may be in the way.
If the sagging is only in a small section of your home, you might be able to do it yourself using a sagging ladder and a few basic tools. It’s important to measure the area first to ensure you have the right length of sagging ladder, and don’t forget to purchase a new roll of drywall for any sections that need replacing. Start by cutting a piece of drywall 2 inches wider and longer than the hole, making allowances for future expansion and contraction. Next, apply a thin coat of wall joint compound to the surface. When this has dried, you can touch it up with a utility knife and then paint.
Mold
Mold is a type of fungus that grows both indoors and outdoors, and it thrives in damp areas. There are thousands of different types of mold worldwide, and most are harmless to people, but some are toxic. Molds grow from microscopic spores that float in the air and settle on moist surfaces. These spores can then germinate and grow into new mold colonies.
Mold growth in a home can cause serious structural damage, and it is difficult to get rid of without professional help. It also poses a health hazard to people with compromised immune systems. The spores of certain molds can cause allergic reactions, and some can produce mycotoxins, which are toxins present in or on the surface of the spore and can be harmful to people who inhale them.
Unlike mildew, which is typically scrubbed away with a cleaning brush and store-bought mold killer, mold needs specialized cleaners to remove it. Mold also tends to have a musty odor, which can be quite unpleasant. If you suspect mold in your home, a professional should be called to test for the presence of mold spores and determine whether or not it is toxic.
If you do have a problem with mold, Ragsdale recommends immediately fixing the source of the moisture. Leaving the problem unaddressed will only lead to recurrent mold growth and other problems like water damage.
Mold can grow in many places, including on furniture, carpeting, fabric and food. It can even grow on wood, drywall and other building materials. It is most often found in damp, dark and steamy areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, cluttered storage areas, recently flooded basement areas, plumbing spaces and in humid environments.
Although short-term exposure to mold spores is usually only an annoyance, long-term exposure can lead to chronic health issues like sinus and nose congestion; cough and throat irritation; skin and eye rash; asthma and allergies. These issues can be particularly severe in infants, children and elderly adults. Some of these health concerns can be life-threatening, and some may even be permanent.