What causes cracks in ceilings?

There are two main causes of ceiling cracks: Structural damage and the natural settling that happens as a building ages. Ceiling cracks can also be caused by poor workmanship.

• Your home is getting older. Do you look and feel like you did when you were ten? Well, your home doesn’t either. Normal wear and tear – which includes foundation settling – happens naturally as building ages and can cause cracks not only in the ceiling, but wall cracks and floor cracks as well.
• You have moisture damage. Ceiling cracks can also happen because of moisture damage. The moisture might be coming from the roof or from the floor immediately above the ceiling. Did a recent powerful storm sweep through your area bringing considerable rainfall? Is there a possible plumbing leak above the cracked ceiling?
• The floor above the ceiling is too heavy. Is there something heavy in the attic or on the floor above the cracked ceiling? Bathrooms especially need ceiling support because they contain heavy items like bathtubs.
• Something is wrong with your drywall. Drywall that hasn’t been properly installed will often crack, and cracks in ceiling drywall usually aren’t serious. For example, this can happen when drywall joints aren’t properly taped. In this case, the installer doesn’t use enough drywall mud while taping the joints and as a result the tape doesn’t stick. As the tape comes loose, it causes the drywall to crack.
• You have foundation problems. Unfortunately, ceiling cracks can also be a sign of serious structural damage. For example, foundation settlement can cause ceiling cracks. This happens because foundation settlement puts stress on the building’s frame. If ceiling cracks are caused by structural damage, you need to catch them early.

Types of ceiling cracks

Any building, whether it is made of wood, concrete, steel, or something else, moves. It may appear stationary, but it is not. Several factors can cause this imperceptible movement, including seasonal temperature changes which cause the soil underneath the building to shrink and expand, as well as natural settling that happens to all structures with time. Due to this movement, a certain number of cracks in ceilings and walls is normal and usually not a cause for concern. Cracks on the other hand may indicate serious structural issues. It is important to know how to recognize them.

• Thin, spiderweb cracks in the ceiling plaster or paint are probably nothing to worry about. Small cracks in ceiling plaster are normal and as we’ve just pointed out, can happen when there’s even a slight amount of natural building movement. Sometimes they’re caused by cracks in ceiling paint after years of build up. You’ll also find them on walls and floors. They usually aren’t a problem.
• Cracks that run across the ceiling and down the wall. Any crack that runs all the way across a ceiling and then down a wall is almost certainly the result of structural damage. Contact a foundation professional right away.
• Ceiling cracks accompanied by sagging. Not a good sign. Cracks accompanied by sagging need to be looked at immediately.
• Crack between wall and ceiling. If you notice a gap between your wall and ceiling, this is almost always a result of foundation settlement and should be looked at by a professional.

Ceiling cracks: When to worry

So, is it just a cosmetic problem associated with the structure’s age or something more serious? As we’ve been pointing out, it really depends on the size of the crack, its location, and what caused it. Here’s when you should contact a professional…

• Ceiling cracks along with sagging indicate a possible structural problem that needs immediate attention.
• One, big, continuous ceiling crack that goes across the ceiling and down a wall is almost certainly a structural issue. Contact a foundation professional right away for an inspection.
• A large number of small ceiling cracks could also indicate a serious structural problem. Contact a professional.
• If your common sense tells you there might be a serious issue. This article is meant to provide pointers, but by no means is meant to replace the value of a professional foundation inspection.

If you see any of these cracks, start looking for other signs of structural damage. This will help you determine if the cracks are serious. Signs of structural damage include…

• Uneven floors that slope or sag.
• Doors and windows that stick.
• Cracks in flooring that aren’t limited to one tile. Look for cracks that go all the way across the floor in a straight line.
• Cracked or bowed walls.
• Wall rotation. This is caused by excess moisture under the foundation. As the outside edge of the foundation sinks into the soggy soil, the inside edge lifts up and causes the wall to rotate.
• Moldings that are cracked or out of place. This happens because things aren’t moving in sync.
• Stair step cracks in bricks or masonry.
• Walls that are no longer in contact with the ceiling or the floor.
• Porches or chimneys that have separated from the building.
• Water in your basement. This can be caused by cracks in the foundation wall.

Also think about whether there have been any recent earthquakes, landslides, problems with sinkholes, or anything else that could have caused structural damage.

Conclusion

Even brand new homes settle into the soil over time. A few cracks will appear here and there, including on the ceiling, when this occurs. It is rare for these small cracks to indicate a major structural problem. However, knowing what to watch out for is a good idea. As a result, if cracks do appear, you’ll be able to spot them and take immediate action.

If you see any cracks you’re not sure about, contact a foundation specialist. They will perform an inspection, and if structural damage exists, they will determine what needs to be done.

If you’re in Singapore, you can contact us for an inspection!