How to repair a sagging ceiling
Repair sagging plasterboard/gyprock ceiling
Unfortunately sagging ceilings are becoming a common issue with relatively modern housing.
It comes about when the method of fixing the plasterboard or gyprock to the ceiling joists has started to fail. Plasterboard is generally held in place with a combination of stud adhesive and either nails or screws. The fixing system can start to fail for a number of reasons, including incorrect original installation, extra load being placed on the plasterboard in the ceiling space or excess moisture from roof leaks.
It only takes a small area of plasterboard to come free from its fixings which in turn adds more load to the fixings around it. Over time more fixings will let go, the sagging will become noticeable from below and, if left will eventually come down completely.
How can you tell if your ceiling has started sagging?
One tell tale sign of a sagging ceiling is being able to see pronounced ‘V’ where the plasterboard joints are. This can be caused by the fixings in the centre of the plasterboard sheets letting go.
Another way to tell if you have a sagging ceiling is by pushing the plasterboard ceiling up towards the ceiling timbers. If the plasterboard is able to move upwards or if the screws or nails become noticeable or pop through the surface, that means there is a gap between the timber and plasterboard and the fixings have already started to let go of the plasterboard.
If your ceiling gets to the stage where you can see a noticeable curve down in the ceiling, the sagging has reached a fairly advanced level and should be addressed as soon as possible.
How to repair a plasterboard/gyprock ceiling
There are 3 methods of repairing a sagging plasterboard or gyprock ceiling. The method used will depend on how long a sagging ceiling has been left and the distance it has dropped from the ceiling timbers.
Method 1 – Rescrew plasterboard. This method simply involves rescrewing the plasterboard to the ceiling timbers every 300mm to pull the plasterboard back into place and securely fix it to the ceiling timbers to prevent any future issues. This only works where there has been a small amount of sagging and has been addressed quickly
Method 2 – Temporary battens. This method is for ceilings that cant be pulled back into shape with screws alone but has been caught reasonably early. It involves screwing temporary timber battens to the face of the plasterboard to correct the sagging and return the plasterboard to its normal flat shape. Usually the the battens are left for a week or so and the ceiling is rescrewed before removing the battens. If any of the plasterboard joints have been effected by the movement they will have to be re-finished.
Here is a short video of this method being used to repair a sagging garage ceiling
Method 3 – Install new ceiling. This method is for ceilings that are too distorted to be fixed by either of the first 2 methods. It involves pulling down the old plasterboard ceiling and cornice and replacing them new plasterboard and cornice.
It is also possible to replace the ceiling by installing permanent timber or metal battens under old plasterboard and intalling a new plasterboard ceiling underneath. This saves having to remove and dump the old plasterboard and allows any existing ceiling insulation to remain in place. You will lose around 40mm of ceiling height.
All of these methods involve repainting the ceiling.
If a new ceiling is installed an electrician will need to remove and refit electrical objects such as lights and ceiling fans.
I hope this post has been useful. If you have any questions regarding your ceiling please contact Brian on 041 046 1212 or email through the contact page.
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