Aside from a gaping hole in your roof, there are some other signs to look for that you need to act quickly before a small problem can become not only big in size, but also big in cost.
Ceiling restoration happens for a few reasons. The age of houses, movement in foundations, earth tremors, water damage, or pressure from extensions to the house.
Whatever the reason, it is handy to know the warning signs so you know when to call in the big guns. Let’s start with the early warning signs:
Is there a wall crack connected to a ceiling crack?
If you notice a crack in the wall and it is connected to the ceiling, this is an early warning sign that structurally something is not right. A ceiling restoration professional will be able to assist you in diagnosing the problem and working out what to do to solve it.
Has the ceiling started to sag?
A sagging ceiling can be caused by a few issues, namely loading and pressure on the ceiling from other structures or elements (such as pooling of water), or if it is an older home, there can be other structural problems accompanying wear and tear that need addressing.
If the sag is accompanied by cracks, you may want to call a professional asap, as the ceiling could be unsafe and prone to collapse.
Are the cracks in the ceiling large?
It’s always a good idea to monitor cracks in ceilings and walls. If the crack in the ceiling is large, however, and not looking like a cosmetic fine line, you may want to reach out to professionals sooner. Not only could it be a sign of a safety issue; it can also allow other problems to creep in and affect the structural integrity of the building.
Does the ceiling appear damp?
Sometimes as houses go through wear and tear, external temperature and weather changes can create the perfect environment for a leaky roof, or for an upstairs bathroom to have a slow leaking pipe.
If this is the case, you will have two problems to fix – one the ceiling restoration to sort out, and second, the root cause of the issue to correct. A professional tradesman will be able to help you work out the problem, and help you with the price.
Addressing damp is very important, as it can not only lead to the collapse of the ceiling but should mould start to occur, it becomes a health hazard for people living (or working) inside the space.
How much will the ceiling restoration cost?
If it is an emergency restoration (such as from storm damage), you may need to obtain a few quotes. When comparing quotes from professional tradespersons, be sure to check whether they are charging a fixed price for the work, or if they are charging for materials and labour with an hourly rate, and if there is an emergency call-out fee.
As a guide, a reputable ceiling repairer will be between $48 and $80 per hour. This rate will vary depending on expertise, and the complexity of the repair.
Aside from labour costs, you will need to consider the replacement materials that need to be used. For example, heritage homes with ornate ceilings may have a higher replacement cost than a standard white ceiling found in modern homes.
How long will the repair take?
This all comes down to the level of complexity involved in the repair. If you detect warning signs early (such as monitoring the appearance of cracks), the repair time may be shorter compared to if you leave it and it turns into something much more complex (and expensive) to deal with.
Whatever stage you are picking up warning signs that a ceiling repair or restoration is on your to-do list, it’s always a good idea to speak to one of the professional members of the team at Heron Ceilings so you know exactly what you are dealing with.