Have you noticed any cracks in your plaster ceiling? Whether it’s a small line or a large fracture, it’s natural to be concerned at the sight of cracks in your ceilings or walls. So, what do you do once you notice them?
Cracks can be superficial and nonindicative of any serious problems. Or, they could be warning signs that something is wrong, and that there’s an issue you must address immediately.
What Should You Do About Ceiling Cracks? A Step-By-Step Guide
If you see cracks in your plaster ceiling, you should follow these steps:
Step 1: Examine Your Ceiling Cracks And Determine Why They’re There. You must determine the reason for the cracks in your ceiling before you fix them. This is because if you don’t fix the base problem first, the crack may reappear. While some cracks can be superficial and no big deal, others can be a serious indicator of a dangerous underlying problem.
First, look at the crack itself. Is it a hairline crack? These thin cracks are usually surface-level and could be caused by natural building shifting, rather than serious issues. On the other hand, wide, jagged or discoloured cracks could be signs of major structure shifting, water damage or ceiling sagging.
A few common reasons for cracks in plaster are:
- Temperature And Moisture Changes. Changes in the local climate can cause materials to contract or expand. These fluctuations could cause subtle shifts in the structure around your plasterboard and could degrade the plaster itself. These changes in pressure and structure could result in cracks and other damage.
- Foundation And Structure Settling. It’s normal for buildings to settle and shift slightly over the years. Because of this, the plaster could crack and sag.
- Heavy Weight Loads. Heavy loads can cause plasterboard to pull away from the wall, causing cracks, seams and sagging.
Step 2: Know When To Call A Professional. Regardless of why cracks have appeared, you must call a professional when appropriate.
In general, you should get in touch with an expert if:
- The cracks are more than 0.6 cm or 1/4th of an inch wide. Hairline cracks are generally superficial, but wider cracks often indicate more serious issues.
- The cracks appear to be growing. Monitor your crack over time, even if it’s small. Is it getting longer or wider? You can do this by taking pictures, measuring the crack or, if the crack is within reach or on your walls, marking the current end of the crack with a pencil.
- The cracks have sagging ceiling sections around them. Is there any sagging around the cracks in your plaster?
- The cracks have discolouration around them. Discolouration could indicate moisture damage.
Step 3: Find A Reliable Local Plasterer. Look for local plasterers that you can trust with your problem. Search for local tradies, and consider qualities like:
- Expertise. Of course, you need a professional who is qualified for the job. They should be experienced, trained and have a great track record of success. Make sure they’ve handled plaster cracks before.
- Reviews. Ask people you know if they’ve worked with the company before, or head online to read through their testimonials.
- Communication And Clarity. They should have excellent communication skills, and they should be fully transparent about their services, capabilities and costs.
Step 4: Ask About What’s Involved In A Professional Repair. Discuss your current situation with your chosen plasterer and ask about the steps involved in the repair process. A thorough job is important to fix the problem and ensure it won’t return.
They may follow these steps:
- Inspect The Scene And Identify The Problem. After inspecting your ceiling cracks, your plasterer should be able to identify the underlying cause. Once they do, they can recommend how to fix the root cause before handling the cracks themselves.
- Fix The Cracks. Once the problem is resolved, the cracks can be filled. Your plasterer will use proper materials for a seamless blend so your cracks are fixed and your ceilings look good as new.
- Match The Texture. They’ll match the texture, colour or pattern of your ceiling.
This work could take anywhere from a few hours to a day or two, depending on the severity of your issue. You may also want to remove furniture before they arrive to streamline the process.
Step 5: Take Measures to Avoid Future Cracks. The crack-causing problem should be resolved at this point, but that doesn’t mean cracks can’t appear again in the future. Ask your plasterers for advice to prevent cracks.
- Watch For Leaks. Moisture damage from leaks can cause a plethora of problems, including cracks.
- Use Flexible Paint. Subtle shifts are to be expected. If you paint your ceiling, use paint that can handle small shifts.
- Inspect Regularly. You should thoroughly inspect your ceiling and walls at least once a year. Or, you could occasionally look them over when doing housework.
Fixing Serious And Superficial Plaster Cracks In Auckland
Are you searching for reliable plastering professionals? Check out our services at Above Board Interiors. From plastering to painting, we’re glad to help our NZ clients improve their homes.
Contact us today on 021446716 or online.
Above Board Interiors: Keep your home safe, beautiful and free from plaster cracks.