6 Signs You Should Call for Ceiling Repair and Installation Services

Much like drywall — which is usually what they're made of — ceilings are not the most fascinating or thrilling part of homes in the South Shore. But that doesn't mean they're not important. They are literally hanging over your head, and when you happen to glance upward, you never want to see a crack, stain, or some other sign that your home needs ceiling repairs — or installation.

Appearance is important, and a hole or a patch of mildew attracts the wrong kind of attention. But when it comes to South Shore ceiling repair and installation, appearance is the last thing you should be worrying about. Most damage is the result of a serious problem, such as a hidden leak that is making your home unsafe by threatening the stability of your structure and causing a whole host of other costly and hazardous issues as well.

By knowing the signs of damage listed below, you can catch problems before they spiral into a dangerous and costly situation. When you need highly-trained, professional ceiling repair services, or installation services, you can rely on Mr. Handyman of Central - Eastern Norfolk County & S.Shore to provide detail-oriented, professional workmanship and a safe, worry-free customer experience — for all kinds of repairs and installation projects.

What's the Difference Between a Ceiling and a Roof?

This may seem like a silly question, but they often get mixed-up and they don't refer to the same thing. Your roof is the top-most part of the exterior of your home, while ceilings cover the top of rooms inside your home. They are not just the underside of your roof, because rooms that are underneath other rooms, such as in a basement, also have ceilings. Even in rooms on your top floor, the top is usually not directly adjacent to your roof — there's an attic or crawl space between them.

What Causes Ceiling Damage in the South Shore?

There's a wide range of factors in South Shore homes that lead to the need for ceiling repair, including problems such as:

• Hidden water leaks
• Excess moisture such as condensation
• Damaged structural elements such as wall studs
• House shifting and settling over time
• Faulty light fixture box or ceiling fan installations
• Electrical issues with wires or fixtures
• Insect or rodent activity
• Rotten timber on roof beams or other parts of the structure

Not Sure If You Need Ceiling Repair and Installation Service? Here's What to Watch for in the South Shore:

Most of the major repair or installation problems that can occur in the South Shore are the result of water damage. If you spot one (or more) of the many signs of moisture incursion hovering above your head, it's a strong indication that your house is suffering from a deteriorated roof, a hidden plumbing leak, or insufficient ventilation. But there are other potential issues that can affect it as well. Knowing all the South Shore ceiling repair and installation warning signs will make it easier to get help when you need it.

Here are some of the top ceiling repair warning signs in the South Shore.

1. Water Stains, Mold, or Mildew

Whether you have drywall, plaster, or panels, a big brown water stain is a terrible sign — and patches of mold or mildew are even worse. Moisture wreaks havoc on South Shore ceilings and can weaken them to the point where they can actually fall right down on you and cause injury, not to mention a huge mess that will be costly to clean up. Repair may be possible if you notice it early on, but you'll likely need ceiling installation service to replace the damaged material. More importantly, you need the help of a professional handyman to discover what is causing the problem and put a stop to it, or the damage will keep reoccurring.

2. Peeling, Flaking Paint

If paint is peeling and flaking off the surface, that's another sign of water damage. However, it may be from a less severe but still concerning source such as excess condensation due to poor ventilation. For example, if your bathroom is not properly ventilated, steam from hot showers can condense on nearby surfaces. That moisture often seeps into drywall and causes it to swell, which pushes on paint, causing it to crack and peel. That's why “don't forget about ventilation” installation is one of our do's and don'ts of planning bathroom remodeling.

If you need South Shore bathroom ceiling repair services to fix this issue, the affected area should be allowed to fully dry out first. Then it can be refinished once the source of moisture is fixed. In the case of widespread damage, installation service may be the only solution.

3. Rust and Wood Rot

If you have decorative metal ceilings or wooden planks that are being affected by moisture damage, you may notice spots of rust on tin or patches of wood rot on wood panels or beams. That’s a clear sign that it’s time for ceiling repair services —or maybe even replacement and installation service.

You probably know what rust looks like, but wood rot can be a little more difficult to spot in the South Shore. If possible, examine any suspicious areas up close, looking for issues such as:

• Wood that is soft and spongy or stringy; or webbed with cracks
• Breaking apart into cube-shaped chunks (called cubical fracture) or crumbling into "sawdust"
• Discoloration that appears lighter or darker than the other sections, or has a white, yellow, or purple hue

If you see an area that looks rotten, press a screwdriver against it. If it sinks right in with little or no resistance, you're dealing with wood rot.

4. Cracks or Holes

While problems such as cracks, holes, and missing chunks of plaster can be caused by water damage as well, they are actually more likely to be the result of other issues in the South Shore, such as house-settling or infestations of insects or rodents.

Aside from the obvious problem that the structure could be unstable, cracks and holes can also affect your wallet by allowing warm or cool air to escape inside the gap between floors. This increases your utility bill because you're basically paying to heat extra space inside the floors and walls. By getting South Shore ceiling repair service for cracks and holes, or a new ceiling installation, you can lower your energy costs and save money.

5. Sagging and Warping

Has your ceiling developed a distinct sag where it seems to be curving downward in the middle? Does it appear to be rippling or buckling in places? That means your material is separating from its supports. Don’t wait too long to get repairs.

This can happen with older homes in the South Shore, especially ones with plaster, and it can also be caused by strong vibrations, shifting foundations, or even termites. But more often than not it's a severe sign of trouble with our old enemy, excess moisture.

Whatever is causing the issue, it's not something you can just ignore — it needs to be taken care of by a ceiling repair and installation professional before the whole thing comes crashing down.

6. Strange Sounds

If you hear groaning, cracking, or creaking noises coming from above you, you might assume your house is haunted — but it's more likely to be a sign that you need ceiling repair services than the wailing of an angry South Shore ghost. The sounds could be related to deteriorating support beams, aging plaster, or a number of other serious concerns that need to be looked at by a service professional for your safety and peace of mind.

Do you Want Ceiling Repair Services — or Installation?

If you're in the South Shore or a nearby area such as Westwood, Quincy, or Duxbury, you can count on Mr. Handyman of Central - Eastern Norfolk County & S.Shore for customer-focused care and professional expertise in home improvements, installation, repair, and maintenance services.

Give us a call today to request a service appointment or find out more about why we're your best choice for world-class ceiling installation and repair service in the South Shore and nearby areas!