In 2015, the Building Commission from The Department of Commerce, Western Australia, filed several complaints regarding ceiling failures. They did an investigation into gypsum plasterboard ceiling collapses. In the final report, they found some concerning ceiling collapse causes. Ceiling collapse causes are important to know for a few reasons:
- If you have ceiling collapse insurance, your insurance company will likely require an inspection to determine the cause of the collapse to process your claim.
- Ceiling collapses can be dangerous, and it is important to know the potential causes to avoid injury.
- Understanding the cause of a ceiling collapse can help to prevent future collapses.
Here are the 3 main causes you can find in the report. So you can understand how to prevent ceiling failures:
1. Faulty Workmanship
In some cases, ceilings collapse because the workers did not properly secure the beams or joists to the supporting structure. In other cases, ceilings collapse because the workers did not properly install the drywall or plasterboard. And in still other cases, ceilings collapse because the workers did not properly apply the finishing touches, such as painting or wallpaper.
No matter what the cause, though, faulty workmanship is always to blame when a ceiling collapses. As such, it is essential to make sure that you hire a reputable contractor who will do the job right the first time. Otherwise, you could be at risk of a potentially dangerous and costly ceiling collapse.
There’s an important thing to note. Insurance companies usually do not cover the damage from faulty workmanship. You can’t do an insurance claim on that. So be extra careful. You don’t want to spend extra money on repairs just after buying a new house.
2. The Adhesive for Plasterboard Wasn’t Applied Correctly
When plasterboard is hung on ceilings, a special adhesive must be used to ensure that it will stay in place. If this adhesive is not applied correctly, it can cause the plasterboard to come loose and eventually collapse. In some cases, the adhesive may not be applied evenly.
This can also lead to the plasterboard becoming loose and falling. Additionally, if you don’t give enough time for the adhesive to dry before you place the plasterboard, it can also cause the plasterboard to come loose and fall. All of these factors underscore the importance of applying adhesive for plasterboard correctly to prevent ceiling collapse.
3. House Constructed Over 9 Years Ago (House Age)
A ceiling collapse is a serious matter that can cause significant damage to a home. Not to mention the potential for injuries. One of the main causes of ceiling collapse is an improperly constructed house.
In particular, places built over nine years ago are more likely to experience this problem. The reason for this is that the materials used in construction have changed over time. Newer homes are built using stronger, more durable materials.
Additionally, newer homes are subjected to stricter building codes. Which helps to ensure that they are better able to withstand the weight of a ceiling. As a result, if you live in an older home, it is important to be aware of the risk of ceiling collapse and take steps to reduce the likelihood of this occurring.
As homes age, they may become more prone to ceiling collapses. This can be due to a variety of factors, including wear and tear, settling of the foundation, and other structural issues.
Other Causes of Ceiling Collapse
Other common causes of ceiling collapse, aside from the report, that are worth mentioning are water damage, structural defects, overloading, and building code violations.
4. Structural Issues
One of the most common causes of ceiling collapses is structural issues with the home. This can include problems with the foundation, load-bearing walls, or roof trusses. These issues can cause the ceiling to become unstable and collapse under the weight of the materials above it.
5. Water Damage
Ceiling collapses can also be caused by water damage. If a ceiling leak is not properly repaired, the water can weaken the structure of the ceiling and cause it to collapse. Similarly, if the home has sustained damage from a flood or other water event, the ceiling may be at risk of collapse.
6. Overloading
Ceiling collapses can also be caused by overloading the ceiling with too much weight. This can occur if items are stored in the attic or if heavy items are placed on the floor above the ceiling.
7. Building Code Violation
Ceiling damage can pose a risk of building code violation if the cause of the damage is a result of code violations or if the repair work does not meet the requirements of the building code.
For example, if the ceiling damage is a result of a structural issue that was caused by a building code violation (such as inadequate support beams), then the repair work will need to address the code violation and bring the structure up to code in order to be considered compliant.
Similarly, if the repair work does not meet the requirements of the building code (such as using substandard materials or not following proper installation techniques), then it may be considered a violation of the code.
If you are concerned about the stability of your ceiling, it is important to have it inspected by a professional. A structural engineer or a contractor can assess the condition of the ceiling and recommend any necessary repairs. Regular inspections and maintenance can also help prevent ceiling collapses from occurring.
Ceiling collapses can be a serious and potentially dangerous issue for homeowners. There are several potential causes of ceiling collapses, and understanding these causes can help homeowners take steps to prevent collapses from occurring.
Trusted Perth Residents Plasterboard Ceiling Installation
Are you considering installing a plasterboard ceiling in your home but don’t have the time or expertise to do it yourself? Don’t worry – there is a professional plasterboard ceiling installation service available to help you get the job done right. Here are a few reasons why you should consider hiring a professional plasterboard ceiling installation service:
1. Expertise
A professional plasterboard ceiling installation service will have the expertise and knowledge to properly install your ceiling. This will ensure that your plasterboard ceiling is installed correctly and securely, without any issues.
2. Efficiency
A professional installation service will have the tools and equipment needed to complete the job efficiently. This can save you time and hassle and will allow you to get your plasterboard ceiling installed quickly and effectively.
3. Quality Workmanship
A professional installation service will take pride in their work and strive to provide the highest quality workmanship. This will help ensure that your plasterboard ceiling looks great and will last for years to come.
4. Warranty
Many professional plasterboard ceiling installation services offer warranties on their work. This can give you peace of mind and protect you if something goes wrong with the installation.
If you are considering installing a plasterboard ceiling in your home, don’t hesitate to call Perth Ceiling and Walls. With our expertise and quality workmanship, we can help ensure that your plasterboard ceiling is installed correctly and efficiently, giving you a beautiful and durable ceiling that you can enjoy for years to come.
About the Author
Aaron Kumar
Aaron Jefferson Kumar. The owner and operator of Perth Ceiling and Walls. With hands-on expertise in plasterboard ceiling and wall repairs and installations, Aaron takes pride in ensuring every project meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. His direct involvement in both the business and the fieldwork positions him as a trusted person on all things related to ceiling and wall solutions.