And then, are ceiling cracks serious? Let'due south answer that by starting off with some expert news…

Ceiling cracks aren't necessarily a sign of structural harm. Aye, they can exist a sign of serious structural harm but they often aren't. It all depends on the size, type, and location of the crack.

This short article will give you lot bones information on the types of ceiling cracks, what causes them, and when you should contact a foundation professional person.

Are ceiling cracks serious?

Every bit we only pointed out, they could be. Usually, ceiling cracks are caused by one of 2 things: structural damage or settling (all structures settle to some extent subsequently they're built). If the ceiling cracks are due to normal settling, in that location'southward unremarkably nothing to worry about. However, if they're caused by structural damage, y'all'll demand to accept action and you tin can't practice that unless you know what to look for.

Ceiling crack caused by foundation settlement

What causes cracks in ceilings?

In that location are two main causes of ceiling cracks: Structural damage and the natural settling that happens as a edifice ages. Ceiling cracks tin as well be caused past poor workmanship.

  • Your home is getting older. Do you look and feel similar you did when you lot were ten? Well, your home doesn't either. Normal wear and tear – which includes foundation settling – happens naturally equally a edifice ages and tin cause cracks not only in the ceiling, simply wall cracks and floor cracks too.
  • You accept moisture damage. Ceiling cracks can also happen because of moisture impairment. The moisture might exist coming from the roof or from the floor immediately above the ceiling. Did a recent powerful storm sweep through your area bringing considerable rainfall? Is at that place a possible plumbing leak to a higher place the croaky ceiling?
  • The floor in a higher place the ceiling is too heavy. Is in that location something heavy in the cranium or on the floor above the croaky ceiling? Bathrooms specially demand ceiling back up because they contain heavy items like bathtubs.
  • Something is wrong with your drywall. Drywall that hasn't been properly installed will ofttimes scissure, and cracks in ceiling drywall commonly aren't serious. For instance, this can happen when drywall joints aren't properly taped. In this example, the installer doesn't utilize enough drywall mud while taping the joints and as a event the tape doesn't stick. Equally the tape comes loose, it causes the drywall to crack.
  • You take foundation problems. Unfortunately, ceiling cracks tin likewise exist a sign of serious structural damage. For instance, foundation settlement can crusade ceiling cracks. This happens because foundation settlement puts stress on the edifice'due south frame. If ceiling cracks are caused by structural harm, you demand to catch them early.

Learn more virtually Wall Crack Acquired Past A Foundation Problem.

Types of ceiling cracks

All buildings – wood, concrete, steel, or something else – move. Even though they look stationary, they aren't. This imperceptible move is caused by diverse things including seasonal temperature changes which cause the soil underneath the building to shrink and expand, likewise as the kind of natural settling that happens over time to all structures. Because of this movement, a sure number of cracks in ceilings and walls are to be expected, and usually zip to worry about. However, some cracks indicate a serious structural trouble. And so, y'all need to know how to spot those.

  • Thin, spiderweb cracks in the ceiling plaster or paint are probably nothing to worry nigh. Small cracks in ceiling plaster are normal and as nosotros've just pointed out, can happen when there's even a slight amount of natural building movement. Sometimes they're caused by cracks in ceiling paint afterwards years of build upward. You lot'll also find them on walls and floors. They ordinarily aren't a trouble.
  • Cracks that run across the ceiling and down the wall. Any crack that runs all the manner across a ceiling and then downwards a wall is almost certainly the result of structural impairment. Contact a foundation professional correct away.
  • Ceiling cracks accompanied by sagging. Non a skillful sign. Cracks accompanied past sagging need to be looked at immediately.
  • Crack between wall and ceiling. If you notice a gap between your wall and ceiling, this is most e'er a result of foundation settlement and should be looked at by a professional person.

Ceiling cracks: When to worry

So, is it simply a cosmetic problem associated with the structure's historic period or something more serious? As we've been pointing out, information technology really depends on the size of the crack, its location, and what acquired information technology. Here's when you should contact a professional…

  • Ceiling cracks forth with sagging indicate a possible structural problem that needs immediate attention.
  • One, big, continuous ceiling crack that goes across the ceiling and downward a wall is nearly certainly a structural issue. Contact a foundation professional right away for an inspection.
  • A large number of small ceiling cracks could as well indicate a serious structural problem. Contact a professional.
  • If your common sense tells you in that location might be a serious event. This article is meant to provide pointers, simply by no ways is meant to replace the value of a professional person foundation inspection.

If you see any of these cracks, start looking for other signs of structural damage. This will help you decide if the cracks are serious. Signs of structural damage include…

  • Uneven floors that slope or sag.
  • Doors and windows that stick.
  • Cracks in flooring that aren't express to one tile. Look for cracks that get all the way across the floor in a directly line.
  • Cracked or bowed walls.
  • Wall rotation. This is caused past excess moisture nether the foundation. As the outside border of the foundation sinks into the soggy soil, the inside edge lifts up and causes the wall to rotate.
  • Moldings that are cracked or out of place. This happens because things aren't moving in sync.
  • Stair footstep cracks in bricks or masonry.
  • Walls that are no longer in contact with the ceiling or the floor.
  • Porches or chimneys that take separated from the edifice.
  • Water in your basement. This can be caused past cracks in the foundation wall.

Also call back most whether there take been whatever recent earthquakes, landslides, problems with sinkholes, or annihilation else that could have acquired structural impairment.

Conclusion

All homes – even brand new homes – settle into the soil. When this happens you lot will see a few small cracks announced hither and there, including on the ceiling. Most of the time, these small-scale cracks do not indicate a major structural upshot. However, it's good to know what to be on the lookout for. That way, if any serious cracks practice appear, you'll be able to spot them and take immediate action.

If you see any cracks you're non sure nearly, contact a foundation professional. They'll come out, perform an inspection, and if y'all do have structural damage they'll determine what needs to be done.

If you lot're in San Jose, Sacramento to Fairfield, CA, you can contact us for an inspection!