It’s best to take ceiling cracks seriously, no matter how small they appear. Cracks in the ceiling are usually signs of worse problems within your roof. Knowing how to spot ceiling cracks can help you describe them to the inspector as you schedule inspections.
If you must, you can try to fix the ceiling cracks yourself, but it’s best to ask for help from a professional service, like the experienced team at Roof Master. Various factors can cause cracks in the ceiling. You might discover the root cause of ceiling cracks in your home by learning how to spot them.
How to Detect Ceiling Cracks
Usually, the size of a crack in the ceiling can tell you how serious it is. Are you wondering how easy it is to spot cracks in the ceiling? Below, you will find a detailed description of the most effective ways to identify ceiling cracks.
1. When You Start To Notice “Fine Spider Webs” Running Through Your Ceiling
It’s easy to mistake cracks for spider webs in this instance. The kind of ceiling cracks occurring in this manifestation result from overlapping paint coats on every application. It indicates that the layers of the latest coat have weakened over time.
Time, in addition to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, causes the older coat to crack. Once it starts, it creates a butterfly effect so that fine line cracks develop on the top layer.
Another thing that could cause these kinds of cracks has a drywall ceiling. It comes after applications of overly thick coats in drywall mud.
As the drywall mud dries out, it shrinks and results in cracks. You can eliminate the possibility of it occurring by using high-quality ceiling installation services.
2. Truss Uplift
Truss uplift occurs when the trusses in your roof shift or move a bit. Knowing what it refers to will ensure that you can spot abnormalities with the trusses. The movements in the truss happen due to temperature and humidity changes.
Usually, your roofing contractor should install your trusses to ensure they can withstand the movement. However, in the truss your house gives in, you will notice cracks running on the walls perpendicular to the ceiling.
Keep in mind that you will likely have a crack in the ceiling where there is a truss uplift.
3. By Examining Your Plaster Ceiling System
You can easily spot small cracks in your plaster ceiling since it’s a common occurrence. Plaster requires frequent reapplication by a professional if you want to escape the problem of cracks. The cracks you spot in your plaster ceiling result from moisture or regular impact on the roof.
4. Look For a Sagging Ceiling
It’s unlikely that you will miss cracks accompanying a bowed ceiling. Again damage to the trusses could result in a sagging ceiling. Mistakes during installations, overhead load, and improper structural wall removal can also cause the ceiling to sag.
It is hard to tell the weight of a sagging ceiling. Move fast to look for cracks if you must and then address them as soon as possible. Waiting could end up causing a collapsed ceiling which is hazardous.
After spotting ceiling cracks, knowing how to identify them by name is also essential. That is an easy task when you know their location.
Types of Ceiling Cracks You Might Spot
Knowing how to describe the various cracks you see allows you to categorize their severity. As you try to identify the cracks on the ceilings in your home, keep in mind that multiple issues, like installation errors, could be the cause. So it would be best to find an expert to address the issue.
Straight Cracks
A straight crack looks like a straight line. Inadequate taping and drywall mud issues are the leading causes of straight cracks. Applying the recommended amount of mud could prevent it from straight cracks. Straight cracks are superficial and relatively easy to repair.
Hairline Cracks
Applying plaster over drywall can cause hairline cracks. Frequent atmospheric changes, particularly humidity and temperature, also cause hairline cracks. Minor cosmetic touch-ups are usually enough to take care of hairline cracks.
The size of a hairline crack is usually 1/16th of an inch which makes it easy to repair. You need not raise the alarm over the existence of a hairline crack, but it’s good to monitor it for changes.
Cracks Between the Ceiling and the Wall
Truss uplifts usually result in cracks between the ceiling and the adjacent wall. Changes in temperature and humidity typically cause a shift in the trusses and lift the ceiling away from the walls.
Also, an intense windstorm may resist gas between the ceiling and the wall. An improper drywall installation also does not help the situation.
Spiderweb Cracks
Spiderweb cracks have the pattern formed by spiderwebs. They typically appear where paint is cracking and usually have a central point. Take their occurrence seriously since they may signal serious structural problems. Repairing them is easy as an expert would tell you.
Large and Deep Cracks
Large and deep cracks usually indicate serious structural problems. Typically large and deep cracks accompany sagging. Extensive water damage and foundational movements are some of the things that can cause such cracks.
Tending to a sagging ceiling, especially if it has large deep cracks, is paramount as it’s a safety measure. Repair any floors above the ceiling and remove load-bearing walls carefully to prevent potential roof collapse due to ceiling cracks.
Brown or Yellow Cracks
Discolored cracks on the ceiling indicate that you have a water leak. Water leaks result in moisture damage and discoloration in the ceiling. It’s best to address the source of potential water leaks before tackling the issue of brown and yellow cracks.
It’s hard to tell the extent of water damage at times, so assigning repairs to a professional is best. Ignoring them will only lead to severe structural damage.
Final Words
After spotting cracks in your ceiling, the most crucial thing to do is to remain calm. Ensure that you take your time to monitor the cracks in the ceiling for changes in size. Don’t rush to try and fix them if you notice changes.
Instead, look for a qualified ceiling repair expert to consult to know the next course of action.