There Are Cracks in the Ceiling That Should Concern You

Do you find it difficult to determine whether or not the cracks in your ceiling represent a significant risk to the structural integrity of your foundation? Do you know the signs and symptoms of foundation settlement, which may indicate that the cracks in your ceiling are more severe than you originally thought?

This article is for you if you are concerned about the cracks in your ceiling and want to know how to determine the severity of those cracks.

Concerns Should be Raised About These Two Types of Ceiling Cracks
Cracks in the ceiling are not all created equal; some ceiling cracks are unquestionably more serious than others. However, there is one thing that every ceiling crack has in common, and that is the fact that it is a symptom of a larger and more serious problem. Here are two ceiling cracks that should cause concern and the likely causes behind them.

Cracks in the Ceiling That Are Musty, Yellow, or Brown

Cracks in the ceiling that are accompanied by brown or yellow stains almost always indicate that the ceiling has been damaged by water. The presence of water damage cracks can be traced to a leaking roof, a broken pipe, or both. Cracks caused by water damage need to be taken seriously because the damage will continue if the source of the leak is not fixed and the water has not been removed.

Cracks in the ceiling caused by water damage are not a direct threat to the structural integrity of your home; however, if the moisture that caused the cracks is not removed, it can lead to other problems such as black mold, mildew, and electrical damage.

Mold can cause serious health problems, especially for people who already have asthma or whose immune systems are already compromised.

Numerous Ceiling Cracks Accompanied by a Bowing Ceiling
It would be impossible to miss these fissures. Large ceiling cracks are typically thick, unsightly fissures that run directly down the middle of your ceiling. In addition, large ceiling cracks frequently occur in conjunction with bowed ceilings. Cracks of significant size in the ceiling are an indication of serious structural damage.

The integrity of the structure may have been compromised as a result of severe water damage, foundation settlement, or simply an excessive amount of weight that has been imposed on the ceiling above.

In the event that your ceiling is literally sagging, this represents a significant risk to your personal safety.

Cracks in the ceiling caused by water damage or large cracks in the ceiling pose serious complications on their own; however, other types of ceiling cracks that are considered to be “less benign” can still be legitimate reasons for concern if they are accompanied by signs and symptoms of foundation settlement.

Signs and Symptoms of Foundation Settlement, Including Cracks in the Ceiling
It should come as no surprise that the two types of ceiling cracks described above are not the only ones. Other types of ceiling cracks include those that look like this short list:

– Ceilings that have hairline cracks – Ceilings that have straight cracks – Ceilings that have spiderweb cracks – Ceilings that have cracks between them and the walls

These cracks, on their own, do not constitute a significant threat to the soundness of the structure that your home is built upon.

When other signs and symptoms of foundation settlement are discovered at the same time as a ceiling crack, the crack should be taken more seriously. The truth is that this applies to every type of ceiling crack.

Foundation settlement can be identified by the following signs and symptoms:

– Floors that have a bow or slope (for example, when you gently place a golf ball on the ground, does it roll across the ground?)
– Drywall cracks
– Cracks in your stucco that run along the stairsteps
– Windows and doors that are difficult to open or close, as well as frames that are not aligned properly
– Chimneys that are detached from your house – Foundations that are cracked that are slab on grade

It is more likely that your home is suffering from foundation settlement if you have more than one of these signs and symptoms occurring together.

Obtain an Opinion from an Expert.
You have learned through reading this article that ceiling cracks caused by water damage, as well as large ceiling cracks that are accompanied by bowed ceilings, require immediate attention. You have also learned that it is important to carefully inspect any cracks in the ceiling, regardless of how large or small they are, whenever there are other indications and symptoms of foundation settlement present.

When it comes to Foundation Inspection Bell Gardens and repair services, RLM Retrofit Foundation can be of assistance to you. You can reach us at this time at (800) 824-6699 or look at our website, which can be found at https://rlmretrofitfoundation.com/.

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