Cracking walls and ceilings


Are Ceiling Cracks Serious? When To Worry?

Table of Contents

So, are ceiling cracks serious? Let’s answer that by starting off with some good news…

Ceiling cracks aren’t necessarily a sign of structural damage. Yes, they can be a sign of serious structural damage but they often aren’t. It all depends on the size, type, and location of the crack.

This short article will give you basic information on the types of ceiling cracks, what causes them, and when you should contact a foundation professional.

Are ceiling cracks serious?

As we just pointed out, they could be. Usually, ceiling cracks are caused by one of two things: structural damage or settling (all structures settle to some extent after they’re built). If the ceiling cracks are due to normal settling, there’s usually nothing to worry about. However, if they’re caused by structural damage, you’ll need to take action and you can’t do that unless you know what to look for.

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.

Learn more about Wall Crack Caused By A Foundation Problem.

Types of ceiling cracks

All buildings – wood, concrete, steel, or something else – move. Even though they look stationary, they aren’t. This imperceptible movement is caused by various things including seasonal temperature changes which cause the soil underneath the building to shrink and expand, as well as the kind of natural settling that happens over time to all structures. Because of this movement, a certain number of cracks in ceilings and walls are to be expected, and usually nothing to worry about. However, some cracks indicate a serious structural problem. So, you need to know how to spot those.

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…

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…

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

How To Repair Ceiling Cracks

If the ceiling cracks are merely cosmetic – i.e., paint and plaster build up – you can repair them by removing the old paint or plaster and then repainting or re-plastering. However, if the ceiling cracks continue to open and you notice they may be getting bigger, this could indicate differential settlement and the home may need underpinning.  

 

Underpinning is about extending the foundation depth so that it rests on stable soil. At Bay Area Underpinning we install galvanized steel push piers. Our most common method of lifting and stabilizing foundations that are experiencing settlement. The procedure involves installing steel brackets to the foundation and then hydraulically driving the steel piers/pipe through the brackets and into the soil under reaching load bearing strata or bedrock. Once the piers have reach load bearing strata, a synchronized hydraulic lifting system raises the house as needed. Any cracks caused by settlement can typically close up and in some cases they will not close up. It all depends on the home, and how much lift will happen when the lifting process begins and finishes. 

 

For more information, see Underpinning A House: What Every Homeowner Needs To Know.

Conclusion

All homes – even brand new homes – settle into the soil. When this happens you will see a few small cracks appear here and there, including on the ceiling. Most of the time, these small cracks do not indicate a major structural issue. However, it’s good to know what to be on the lookout for. That way, if any serious 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 professional. They’ll come out, perform an inspection, and if you do have structural damage they’ll determine what needs to be done.

If you’re in San Jose, Sacramento to Fairfield, CA, you can contact us for an inspection!

Steve Egloff

Steve is the CEO at Bay Area Underpinning, a foundation repair contractor serving the San Fransisco Bay Area, California. Bay Area Underpinning was founded in 2005 with the goal of providing a cost-effective, engineered solution to foundation settlement problems with an emphasis on educating customers to make them feel comfortable with the various methods of foundation repair.

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