One of the most common features in older houses is a plaster ceiling. The popularity can be attributed to durability and the ability to provide beautiful interior designs. Unfortunately, issues such as water leaks, cracks, and gravity compromise a plaster ceiling's structural integrity and make it look like a train wreck. Many homeowners opt to remove the plasterboards altogether when they see signs of deterioration. However, a simple replacement of the damaged part can restore your plaster ceiling's look. Here are signs that part of your plaster ceiling needs replacing.

Excess Mould Growth 

Mould growth can cause allergies and diminish your home's interior aesthetics. Since water is the sole contributor to mould growth, it is crucial to avoid leaks at all costs. However, it can be tricky in a poorly ventilated ceiling. Therefore, when you see mould growing on your plaster ceiling, you should be worried because the underside is in a worse condition. You can clean some mould growth cases with a simple vinegar solution. However, simple cleaning is not enough in extreme cases, and you must replace the affected part to avoid cross-contaminating other sections. A qualified roofer should cut off the mould-infested section and leave the rest intact.

Sagging Ceiling 

Plaster ceilings are typically held to roof beams via keys. Therefore, when a ceiling begins to sag, you will find some damage behind the plaster. A water leak is the most common cause of sagging because it weakens the lath holding a plaster ceiling. The unfortunate part is that the sagging is usually slow and is unnoticeable. Over time, the sagging becomes visible, and if not addressed soon, plasterboards eventually unzip and come crashing down. You can repair a sagging plaster ceiling by reattaching the boards to the lath. However, it reaches a point when plasterboards can no longer reattach to the lath and the keys. In such cases, replacement is necessary because further attempts to repair a ceiling become expensive and dangerous.

Large Cracks 

When hairline or webbed cracks appear on your plaster ceiling, you should not worry because the issues can be repaired with relative ease. However, large gaps should be a cause for concern, especially if you can push through a pencil. Some of the major causes of large cracks on plaster ceilings include age, water damage and weight overload on a roof's isolated section. Note that repairing large cracks is not advisable because it leaves stress marks behind. The best option is to replace the affected plasterboard. However, a professional builder should first address the root cause to avoid recurrence of the issue.

Contact a local restoration service to learn more about plaster ceiling replacement.