A ceiling repair averages about $1,000, but multiple factors affect this number. Learn more about creating an accurate ceiling repair cost estimate with our tips.
What Causes Ceiling Cracks? 7 Reasons Your Ceiling May Be Cracking
Take a crack at diagnosing your ceiling damage
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Your ceiling cracks when you spot sagging or discoloration alongside them, signaling water damage from roof leaks or leaking pipes that need immediate attention.
Typical costs range from $2,225 to $8,125 for foundation repair when large ceiling cracks indicate serious structural issues, making early action worthwhile.
Ceiling cracks accompanied by large splits traveling down walls or appearing suddenly across multiple areas mean your home needs professional evaluation right away.
Hiring a local structural engineering professional provides clear answers through thorough inspections, helping you understand foundation issues and plan repairs with confidence.
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No house stays perfect forever. Over time, houses take on minor cosmetic damage, but issues with the foundation, sudden water damage, poor construction, and other changes over time may lead to more serious problems, including large cracks in your ceiling.
Below, we’ll cover what causes ceiling cracks—and when it’s a serious concern.
1. An Aging House
Getting older isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. One of the most common causes of ceiling cracks is simply an aging house. Over time, things naturally move and shift, and your foundation naturally settles.
Most cracks related to general wear and tear are small, hairline cracks. Though cracks caused by aging are to be expected, they can still be cause for concern if the cracks are large or growing at an alarming rate. You can hire a local structural engineer to do a thorough inspection if you’re not sure when to worry about ceiling cracks.
2. Foundation Issues
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Mild foundation settling is not cause for concern, but large ceiling cracks can be one of the early warning signs of foundation issues. Foundation problems can be serious and more expensive to fix the longer you wait; on average, foundation repair costs between $2,225 and $8,125.
3. Roof Truss Uplift
Your roof’s trusses are theoretically designed to withstand the expansion and contraction that comes with changing temperatures. However, their flexibility only goes so far; in extreme temperatures (hot or cold) and humidity, your roof trusses could pull away, causing the ceiling drywall to split away from the walls.
A common sign of this issue is a drywall crack in the ceiling seam. You can start with a drywall repair contractor to take care of the cracks, but you may need to find a local roofer to resolve the larger issue.
4. Water Damage
Cracks that accompany a sagging ceiling may be a sign of water damage; discoloration is another common indicator. In this case, you may have a roof leak or leaking pipe. Depending on the cause, you may need to hire a roofer or a plumber in addition to your local ceiling repair contractor.
And if the water damage is severe, you’ll need to call in a local water damage restoration company, and maybe even a mold remediation company. Mold remediation costs between $1,225 and $3,750, depending on the severity of the problem.
5. Poor Construction
It’s very possible that the cause of the ceiling crack is simply poor construction when the wall and ceiling were built. If the drywall contractor doesn’t properly tape the joints, for instance, the drywall may crack as the tape comes loose. You’ll need to find a local drywall contractor to make repairs.
6. Too Much Weight Above
If there’s another floor above your ceiling, it’s possible that it’s too heavy and doesn’t have the proper support. This is common in bathrooms with heavy fixtures, but it may also be a problem if you have heavy laundry appliances on the second floor or use your attic to store heavy items.
7. Vibrations
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Believe it or not, recurring vibrations from heavy machinery or nearby traffic, particularly if you live on a busy road or near a highway, can lead to ceiling cracks over time.
Vibration is more likely to cause hairline cracks, rather than other, larger types of ceiling cracks. You don’t need to worry about these, but they’re easy to repair.
Larger cracks from heavy vibrations, like following an earthquake, should absolutely be repaired.
Ceiling Cracks: When to Worry and When It’s Not a Big Deal
Minor ceiling cracks are nothing to worry about, but more prominent or sudden ceiling cracks could indicate a more pressing problem. Here’s when to worry about ceiling cracks:
If the ceiling is sagging or discolored: That’s a common indication of water damage.
If the crack is large and travels down the ceiling: This usually indicates a structural issue.
If there are a lot of ceiling cracks, and they showed up quickly: You may have a new structural problem in your home.
Photos: Andrei310 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images, Thurtell / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images, yalcinsonat1 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
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Plaster repairs reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.9★ avg. • 21 total reviews
- Julio V.
Positive experience. As previously stated, the replacement/repair could not be completed (no fault of the plumbing tech) b/c misinformation was rec?d by property management maintenance. Thanks to the plumbing tech for your efforts. Appreciate you!
The Waterworks - Brent C.
Carpet repair done well. Scheduling was easy. Showed up on time.
BR Flooring Installation - Austin Y.
I would recommend this company to anyone! He showed up on time, was friendly, completed a very difficult repair on our dryer vent cover, was responsive, and pricing was extremely fair and competitive. I would have him back to do any of our repairs or cleanings without hesitation!
U.S.A. Dryer Vent, LLC - Micki B.
Everything from initial contact to completion was absolutely top notch. We contacted the business during off hours to leave a message, and the owner still reached out to feel out the issue within minutes. We were scheduled and repaired within 48 hours. I cannot say enough about the...
Supreme brick & chimney - Donald L.
Ace Fireplace Services came to the rescue for my chimney repair. They were quick to pinpoint the issue and worked their magic to fix it. My chimney is now in excellent shape, and I'm a satisfied customer.
Ace Fireplace Services - Nicholas B.
Great experience all together. Dog friendly, courteous, great results and honest with recommendations. Will certainly be using Cardinal in the future for any carpet repairs
Cardinal Carpet Care & Repair - Michael H.
Description says they handle window repair including rotten hardwood - they called me back right away but didnâ t leave a voicemail. I followed up 3 days later and they said they donâ t do that kind of work.
Window-Gurus - Diane C.
Very good experience. He even moved things around in my bedroom to get to the wall. I would highly recommend him for plaster. I plan to have him come back.
Peter J Grady - Paul C.
Great guys. Spend a lot of time repairing and prepping our walls before doing the new paint. Home looks great now.
- Pantelhs V.
They did an excellent job with the repair, took care of all communication with the insurance company and had car rental service also with a very reliable, quality care
Three C Body Shop
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