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Original poster

Cracks in ceiling

33 replies

thelma57 · 25/02/2023 10:47

Hi all, we have multiple cracks in our dining room ceiling, the only thing above this is our spare bedroom which is rarely used but houses a lot of crap. The biggest one is this photo, should we be concerned or is it just the paint/plaster?

House was built in 1905 if useful!

Cracks in ceiling
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Thread gallery
5
ScottBakula · 25/02/2023 11:41

It looks like a crack in the plaster to me , I have the same on my bedroom wall its been there for about 10 years and not grown .
Unles it has suddleny appeared after work going on in your / nighbours house I wouldnt worry to much
I would say make a tiny mark at the end of the crack with a pencil ( so you can rub it out ) and keep a eye on it

Original poster
thelma57 · 25/02/2023 12:49

Thanks @ScottBakula will defo make a mark with a pencil! We have a similar one in the same room that’s been there for a couple of years but this one seems new!

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ScottBakula · 25/02/2023 22:32

Your welcome , I hope it doesn't grow .

Kelmsy · 26/02/2023 01:38

It’s a pain but that’s the thing about these lovely old houses, they creak and contract with the seasons and unfortunately you get these plaster cracks here there and everywhere! It doesn’t look like anything to worry about.

NameChangedToAnswer · 26/02/2023 01:57

We've got a similar aged house, built 1910. We're constantly getting cracks in ceilings and walls. When the room gets redecorated, the cracks get filled, but within a few years others have appeared!
We used to get worried about them, but after 20 years living here it doesn't faze us any more. We tell ourselves the house has survived 120 years pretty much in one piece so theres no reason it start falling down now.

CellophaneFlower · 26/02/2023 07:36

I have lots of cracks in a 60's house ceilings. Mine are all straight though. The very hot, dry summer last year probably hasn't helped.

FurierTransform · 26/02/2023 16:33

Yeh this is normal. Old houses can't be renovated to be pristine & expected to stay that way unfortunately.

Original poster
thelma57 · 26/02/2023 16:42

Thanks everyone! Massively appreciate comments and reassurance!

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Original poster
thelma57 · 10/03/2023 09:55

Hi all, wanted to update as I think this might be something else now! I’m sure I can see water stains on the ceiling this morning (photo attached) the only room above here is the spare bedroom, not used and radiator not on.

Would this be a plumber job or could the stains be condensation from being in an old house?

We’re literally in the process of getting our ceiling in the living room fixed after it came in due to a leak and had to get the roof fixed over that area too. Literally so stressed if this is a new issue 😭

Cracks in ceiling
Cracks in ceiling
Cracks in ceiling
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Foundryside · 10/03/2023 10:03

Have you checked for any signs of leaks around the radiator in the room above? As far as you can without taking the floor up?

I would expect any problems down to condensation to be near windows, or in rooms that see a lot of moisture like bathrooms. That staining doesn’t look like it’s next to a window?

Original poster
thelma57 · 10/03/2023 10:07

Hi @Foundryside nothing upstairs at all I can see, no window but close to the back doors which do have an issue with damp.

The bath is about 5ft away from where I can see stains upstairs in the bathroom, but there doesn’t seem to be a pattern 😩

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Callisto1 · 10/03/2023 10:34

Radiator leaks are usually dark, since the water in radiators is pretty grim. Can you open up the floorboards above to take a look? It could be a very small leak somewhere.

C4tastrophe · 10/03/2023 11:04

Best bet is have a look under the floor upstairs.

Kelmsy · 10/03/2023 11:22

Yes I see the change now and would be thinking the same. We had stains on the kitchen ceiling, it was from a pipe to the bathroom radiator. Are there any radiators up there or any possibility of water pipes?

Original poster
thelma57 · 10/03/2023 11:40

The spare bedroom is next to the main bedroom
which has a radiator so it could potentially be the pipes leading to that.

I have home insurance, do they tend to cover someone coming out to check?

Just had a plasterer round for another issue and he didn’t seem to concerned but you can only see the stains in the right light.

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Reugny · 10/03/2023 11:48

Do not notify home insurance. They won't send someone out but could up your premium.

First look for leaking radiators, etc upstairs

Then look under the carpet getting the floor boards up to have a look if necessary.

GasPanic · 10/03/2023 11:59

Thing is if it is continuous plaster then the plaster above is going to get pretty much soaked through before leaks start to show.

Looks like you may have a leak above it. Is your central heating system losing pressure ? Do you have to bleed the radiators on a regular basis ? That is a hint that there may be a leak in the radiator system.

I would definitely want to get the floorboards up to check.

Original poster
thelma57 · 10/03/2023 12:04

@GasPanic our boiler is rubbish and we have to turn the pressure up around every few months I would say - the boiler itself is located in the outhouse (no idea why the previous owner decided to do that!)

How easy is it to get the carpet and floorboards up? My husband is at work on shifts and I’m currently 22 weeks pregnant so feeling really overwhelmed 😭

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C4tastrophe · 10/03/2023 13:28

It can be easy, or it can be hard.
Depends on the carpet, the floor or floorboards, and what tools you have.
Generally just pull the carpet right back, and underlay, then lever up the floorboard with a nailbar. Depending though, it could be chipboard flooring, or the boards could be screwed down, jammed under the skirting, you may need a floorboard saw, there are a number of issues you could face.
However it’s generally an easy activity given time, definitely novice DIY level.

Original poster
thelma57 · 04/04/2023 10:50

To update! We’ve had a plumber round as the stains looked to be getting darker. He was there 5 mins and has said it doesn’t look to be pipes and could be damp. Said it doesn’t make sense for it to be from pipes 🤷‍♀️

Should we be getting a second opinion?

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Mammyloveswine · 04/04/2023 11:27

I have similar!! No worse since we bought! Might paper the ceilings!

CellophaneFlower · 04/04/2023 11:34

Personally I'd get a second opinion if there are pipes in that area. It may only be a slight leak, made more likely by the fact you have to keep topping your boiler up.

C4tastrophe · 04/04/2023 14:42

Did you pull the floorboards up for a look yet?
If it’s not a pipe leaking, that only leaves the chimney. Is it in good condition? Is the flashing ok? Take a look with binoculars if needed.

Callisto1 · 04/04/2023 15:25

The pressure dropping in the boiler might be another issue. Have someone look at it. It could be the pressure release valve on the boiler has got a bit stuck and is releasing water. Is there water dripping out from a little metal pipe that leads outside?

Is the damp on the ceiling in any way weather related? Is the ceiling very damp. I would climb on a ladder and give it a feel. And of course lift the floorboards above to check what is wet. Good luck!

Original poster
thelma57 · 04/04/2023 17:52

Didn’t get the floorboards up, was hoping that’s what the plumber was going to do today! But according to my husband he just got on his hands and knees and said there were no pipes there that could be leaking 🤷‍♀️

Our chimney is fine, but we are a midterrace so will check with nextdoor to see if they have any issues!

Will get husband up a ladder to check more closely!

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