Avoid a ceiling collapse - Spot the signs of a sagging ceiling

You might have a sagging ceiling and not even realise until you come home one day and find your ceiling has collapsed onto your floor.

Warning signs of a ceiling under stress may include

   
• A loud cracking sound in the ceiling
   
• A sagging or dropping of the plasterboard sheeting or the cornice
   
• Visual cracking and/or small circles or blisters (nail pops) on the ceiling, which are a sign plasterboard sheeting may be pulling away from the nails or screws

If you have concerns about the stability of your ceiling, there are checks you can do

 
• Measure the height of your ceiling where it meets the wall and then measure the ceiling height in the middle of the room.
 
• A variation in heights of 12 mm or more could indicate the plasterboard sheeting has detached from the ceiling joists.
 
• Place a straight-edge or spirit level over an area of ceiling sheeting and see if there unevenness anywhere in your ceiling.

The best thing to do is keep your eye out for signs of a sagging ceiling and have them checked out by an experienced professional before any major damage occurs.

Source: commerce.wa.gov.au