Walls and Ceilings - What is wrong with my ceiling?
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mckinney108
01-03-09, 05:31 PM
I hope someone can help me. I live in a ranch house on a slab. Recently I have been noticing spots on the ceiling and upon closer look they are the screws I guess in the support beams in the attic? and now some have actually poked threw the ceiling. Why is this happening, what do I do?
VT_MB19
01-03-09, 07:10 PM
I hope someone can help me. I live in a ranch house on a slab. Recently I have been noticing spots on the ceiling and upon closer look they are the screws I guess in the support beams in the attic? and now some have actually poked threw the ceiling. Why is this happening, what do I do?
It could be Termits or water damage. You need to go in the attic and check the 2x4's to see if they have any damage. You might have to replace the dry wall.
It could be Termits or water damage. You need to go in the attic and check the 2x4's to see if they have any damage. You might have to replace the dry wall.
VT_MB19
01-03-09, 07:13 PM
I hope someone can help me. I live in a ranch house on a slab. Recently I have been noticing spots on the ceiling and upon closer look they are the screws I guess in the support beams in the attic? and now some have actually poked threw the ceiling. Why is this happening, what do I do?
It could be Termits or water damage. You need to go in the attics and check the 2x4's to see if they have any damage. You might have to replace the dry wall.
It could be Termits or water damage. You need to go in the attics and check the 2x4's to see if they have any damage. You might have to replace the dry wall.
chandler
01-03-09, 08:21 PM
It could be screw pops, where the drywall shrunk and the screws are being exposed. Are they screw heads, or points?
mckinney108
01-06-09, 12:51 PM
Its the points coming through and it is all through out the house not a particular spot, I can also see the divets in the ceiling where the nails/screws are, there are little rounds spots two together then a space and two more and so on across the ceiling. I do not think there is any water damage, my husband was up there not to long ago and didnt see anything and wouldnt there be water spots on the ceiling? I dont know even who to call to come look at it to fix it?
marksr
01-06-09, 02:09 PM
It would be odd for there to be screws coming from the attic into the ceiling. Are you sure it's a screw point and not the head? Can you find the screw heads in the attic and determine their purpose?
A drywall finisher and/or most handymen should be able to fill in the low spots on the ceiling and texture if needed.
A drywall finisher and/or most handymen should be able to fill in the low spots on the ceiling and texture if needed.
mckinney108
01-09-09, 10:55 AM
Ok I just looked as I was cleaning and it is the screw heads coming thru not the points, and I am now noticing long cracks in the ceiling, I just bought this house 3 years so I am not happy about this. It was not like this when I moved in
marksr
01-09-09, 03:45 PM
How old is your house?
It is a fairly common occurance. both from settlement and lumber shrinks a little as it dries out. If they had used nails instead of screws it would likely be worse.
You will probably want/need to install a new screw next to the old ones and make sure the ceiling is well secured to the rafters. The screws should be just barely reccessed - if you break the paper, they loose most of their holding power. Then a couple coats of joint compound to cover the screw heads. The cracks may need to be taped and refinished.
It is a fairly common occurance. both from settlement and lumber shrinks a little as it dries out. If they had used nails instead of screws it would likely be worse.
You will probably want/need to install a new screw next to the old ones and make sure the ceiling is well secured to the rafters. The screws should be just barely reccessed - if you break the paper, they loose most of their holding power. Then a couple coats of joint compound to cover the screw heads. The cracks may need to be taped and refinished.
1FlaRemodeler
01-09-09, 03:47 PM
Ok I just looked as I was cleaning and it is the screw heads coming thru not the points, and I am now noticing long cracks in the ceiling, I just bought this house 3 years so I am not happy about this. It was not like this when I moved in
When the drywall was installed, the finishers didn't do a 3 coat finish, paint will hide it for a while but you will begin to see then everywhere. This is a sign of a cheap drywall job, and a cheap paint job. If you have a home warranty you may be able to get it fixed. Or sue the builder.
When the drywall was installed, the finishers didn't do a 3 coat finish, paint will hide it for a while but you will begin to see then everywhere. This is a sign of a cheap drywall job, and a cheap paint job. If you have a home warranty you may be able to get it fixed. Or sue the builder.
mckinney108
01-09-09, 04:01 PM
The house was built in the early 70's, Thanks for all the advice, now I just need to find someone and hope it dont cost a fortune, considering its all over the house and not just one spot. No home warranty... do you thing it may be something homeowners insurance would cover or will they consider this wear and tear?
marksr
01-09-09, 04:44 PM
I doubt your home owner insurance would cover it.
Are your ceilings textured?
Are your ceilings textured?
mckinney108
01-09-09, 07:13 PM
No they are not textured.
marksr
01-10-09, 05:11 AM
That simplifies things:D
It is just a matter of covering up the screws, taping and mudding the cracks and sanding smooth. Depending on how long ago the ceiling was painted - you will probably need to repaint the entire ceiling.
It is just a matter of covering up the screws, taping and mudding the cracks and sanding smooth. Depending on how long ago the ceiling was painted - you will probably need to repaint the entire ceiling.