Warning signs of a ceiling under stress may include:
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A loud cracking sound in the ceiling.
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A sagging or drooping of the plasterboard sheeting or the cornice.
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Small circles or blisters (nail pops) on the ceiling, which are a sign plasterboard sheeting may be pulling away from the nails or screws.
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Stains and water marks are a sign of water damage. These stains will often look like puddles with brown edges.
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Hairline cracks may just be a sign of an old house where some minor cracking is perfectly natural, but if they are getting worse, It's best to get them checked out.
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If the plasterboard joints aren't properly taped, they could come loose and cause straight cracks in your ceiling.
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Larger cracks could be a sign that the plaster is pulling away from the structural supports.
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If paint is flaking or peeling, this can be an early sign that your ceiling has a moisture problem. This could be the result of a leak or a humidity problem, which is often caused by inadequate ventilation. Mould is also strong indicator there are moisture problems.
All homes, including those that are newly built, can develop ceiling cracks. The best thing to do is to get a professional to inspect your ceiling so that minor problems can be fixed before they turn into big ones (such as coming home to find your ceiling on the floor!).
