4 Reasons You Shouldn't Ignore Cracks in Your Plaster Ceiling

Plaster is a fantastic ceiling material thanks to its ability to resist damage, mould and fire—this strong and durable material is also prized for its ability to dampen noise. That said, problems can develop with any building material, and you might notice cracks developing in your plaster ceiling over time. While small cracks are generally nothing to worry about, it's always smart to have any cracks checked to ensure your property doesn't require plaster ceiling repair work or even more serious repairs.

Here are just four reasons you shouldn't ignore cracked ceiling plaster.

1. It Could Indicate Moisture Damage

Moisture can cause serious damage to your home and even put your health at risk thanks to the associated risk of mould. As such, it's important to identify moisture issues sooner rather than later, and cracked ceiling plaster is a common early warning sign. That's because it's going to be one of the first things affected if moisture is coming through from the floor above or from the roof. You should be especially worried if you notice plaster coming away from the ceiling in clumps or if you notice any darker patches on your ceiling.

2. You Could Have Foundation Issues

Houses settle naturally for the first decade or so after they've been built, but if you start to see new cracks in the plaster ceiling of an older home, you might be looking at foundation problems since the plaster will have been put under added strain. Again, this is a situation that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

3. Cracks Can Spread Over Time

Even though most plaster cracks are nothing to worry about, it's worth remembering that they can grow worse over time. Cracks are most likely to develop at natural weak points in a wall or ceiling, but they often spread diagonally from that point. A professional will be able to check on the cause of that cracking and potentially arrest any further cracking.

4. It Could Indicate Poor Construction Practices

Unfortunately, it could be that the people who originally constructed your property didn't do a proper job, and cracked ceiling plaster can be an indication of that. Whether intentional or unintentional, problems such as poorly mixed plaster or improperly installed drywall can cause the plaster to crack. A professional will be able to identify seriously underlying construction problems and advise you on how to deal with them. 

For more information about plaster ceiling repairs, contact a local company.