Plasterboard ceiling sagging
Listed under: Interior, finishes, insulation, plaster and fibrous plaster, plasterboard, paint, health and safety, ceilings, linings, walls, moisture, fixings and hardware, fixings, leaks, mould, mould health and safety
Cause
Insufficient number of plasterboard sheet fixings; fixings inadequate to hold plasterboard sheets; ceiling lining has had weight applied such as a person standing on the lining instead of joists in the roof space
Repair
- prop ceiling; insert additional screw fixings; stop holes; seal new plaster; repaint ceiling
Cause
Ceiling joist spans are too great for the timber size; joists have been overloaded
Repair
- See 'Ceiling joists sagging'
Cause
Joists have rotted due to leaks or high roof space moisture levels
Repair
- install a strongback across the joists, replace damaged joists with new timber or insert extra dwangs in the roof space to the fix the ceiling to; insert additional screw fixings; stop holes; seal new plaster; repaint ceiling
- if water entry from a leak is suspected, find and fix the leak if possible; have the roof space checked for moisture levels, the extent of moisture damage including mould growth on roof framing and in walls, and condition of insulation
- where it is suspected that the building may be leaking and there is a risk of damage, engage an experienced building surveyor to report on the building
- also see 'Roof space dampness'
Cause
Water from roof leak wetting insulation and being absorbed by ceiling lining
Repair
- if water entry from a leak is suspected, find and fix the leak if possible; have the roof space checked for moisture levels, the extent of moisture damage including mould growth on roof framing and in walls, and condition of insulation
- where it is suspected that the building may be leaking and there is a risk of damage, engage an experienced building surveyor to report on the building