Building and Energy is reminding homeowners to act promptly on warning signs of ceiling stress to prevent a potentially dangerous and costly ceiling collapse.
The building regulator has a handy guide for homeowners about signs of instability in interior gypsum plasterboard ceilings and what action can be taken.
A collapsed ceiling can cause serious injury, as well as damage to the room and its contents.
Building Commissioner Saj Abdoolakhan said early action is key to avoiding the risks, costs and inconvenience associated with a ceiling collapse.
“Reinforcement and repairs will almost always be a more straightforward option compared to a full ceiling replacement,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.
“If you spot warning signs that your ceiling is under stress or failing, don’t wait – arrange inspection and repair of the affected areas as soon as possible. Contact the builder in the first instance. If you are unsure who the builder of your home is, contact your local government for this information.”
Warning signs of a ceiling under stress include:
- a cracking sound;
- sagging or dropping of the plasterboard sheeting and/or the cornice;
- visual cracking; and/or
- small circles or blisters in a line caused by nails or screws, indicating that the sheeting may be pulling away from the joist (beam) above it.
A Building and Energy investigation report published in 2017 examined issues related to ceiling collapses in WA homes.
Causes of ceiling failure can include inappropriate materials or loads, incorrect use of the roof space, poor installation or water penetration.
To help prevent future ceiling damage, homeowners should:
- avoid accessing the ceiling space or storing items there – this is potentially hazardous and heavy loads can damage the ceiling framing or sheeting;
- arrange for roof leaks to be repaired and any moisture-damaged insulation or plasterboard to be replaced; and
- check that exhaust fans and air conditioning outlets are discharging to the outside, not into the ceiling space.
Due to potential electrical hazards, anyone who needs to access a ceiling space, including tradespeople, must turn off the mains power before going up.
For more information, read Building and Energy’s Spontaneous Ceiling Collapse guide or contact 1300 489 099.
<ENDS>
Media contact: BEmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au
Image: Ceiling collapse at a Thornlie property
