Everything You Should Know About Frisco Ceiling Repair

Ceiling repair can be a bit nerve-wracking for any Frisco homeowner to think about. After all, the last thing you want to deal with is a ceiling that looks like it's about to cave in, water damage that could indicate a more serious issue or being unable to safely access part of your home because of a problem overhead.

However, like anything else in your house, there is always a chance that unforeseen issues may cause a problem that needs to be dealt with right away. This may leave you wondering, “How can I catch issues before they escalate?” We're here to help answer those questions—and much more.

Part of preventing Frisco ceiling repairs is to be on the look-out for tell-tale signs that there is an issue. Our Frisco handyman team firmly believes in empowering homeowners. While you may not be equipped to handle ceiling repairs on your own—which is where hiring the pros at Mr. Handyman of Frisco comes in—you should have an idea of which red flags to look for to prevent a catastrophe.

Ceiling repairs range in size and calamity, so in addition to the warning signs of a problem, we've also outlined a few common repairs you should know about. Then, when you're working with a qualified handyman, you'll be better positioned to ask educated questions and really gain a useful understanding of the job at hand. Keep reading to learn these important insights.

Which Materials Should You Know About for Frisco Ceiling Repair?

They're all around us, providing safety, protection from the elements and dividing different floors. But what are ceilings actually made of? There are a few different materials that may be part of what's sitting above you in your Frisco home, including:

Wood

Creating a classic and natural aesthetic, wood boards can be used for interior and exterior purposes in Frisco. While this material may provide a more traditional appeal, they are not resistant to termites and weather conditions that may cause them to bend and swell. Should your home have a wood ceiling, or if you're building a house and would like to install one, the most important thing to know is that wood boards should have small gaps between them for when they swell or bend due to humidity and moisture.

Gypsum

Perhaps the most common ceiling material, gypsum (drywall or sheetrock) boards come in many different patterns. The greatest benefits of this material, and why it's so widely used, are that drywall is light and fire-resistant. It's a great option for interiors and is most likely what your ceiling is made of.

However, although gypsum is naturally fire resistant, it is not resistant to moisture. Should a burst pipe leak in your home, or rainwater get in through the roof, you may be in for a bit of a nasty surprise. Drywall needs to be replaced promptly once it has been damaged by moisture. Because of its porous nature, mold and mildew spores will spread in the material—thus requiring a prompt appointment for Frisco ceiling repair.

Vinyl

Although vinyl is more commonly found outside, it is possible to use vinyl in your home's interior as well. Vinyl is water resistant, as it is made out of a type of plastic. However, it can bend and buckle if not installed correctly. If you happen to have vinyl in your house and you've noticed it buckling, then it's likely that the slats were not hung correctly. Should this be the case, our qualified technicians will be able to repair the problem efficiently and correctly.

Fiber-Cement

Growing in popularity, fiber-cement boards are durable against a range of weather conditions and are resistant to fire. Unlike other materials, they don't bend or swell easily. This makes it an ideal material for both indoor and outdoor purposes. Additionally, fiber-cement products are available in a range of patterns.

Plaster

If you live in an older house, you might have a plaster ceiling. Commonly used in homes until the early 1900s—when drywall took over as the most prominent building material—plaster also contains gypsum. However, rather than being sandwiched between two paper boards for easier installation, it is a solution mixed with water and sand. Certain plasters were also originally made with lime. This building technique is time-consuming and expensive. Also, homes that were built with lime-plaster tended to be more fire-prone than those built with gypsum-plaster. This issue actually led to the rise of drywall as a replacement.

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

You'd be surprised at how often these terms are used interchangeably, even though they are not the same thing. Your roof is the top-most part of your home's exterior. Meanwhile, ceilings cover the top of rooms within your home. Sometimes, a ceiling may be underneath the roof (although it's usually separated by a crawlspace or attic), but it's also what sits beneath the different floors of your house.

What Causes Ceiling Damage?

Numerous issues may cause damage, requiring you to hire professional Frisco ceiling repair services. Some common problems that Frisco homeowners should be aware of include:

Hidden leaks
Faulty light fixture box or ceiling fan installations
Electrical issues with wires or fixtures
Insect or rodent activity
Excess moisture, such as condensation
Damaged structural elements such as wall studs
House shifting and settling over time
Rotten timber on roof beams or other areas in your home

Signs You Need Frisco Ceiling Repair Services:

Like other areas in your home, many of the major causes of damage and reasons for needing Frisco ceiling repair are due to moisture. If you notice the signs of water damage when you look up, then you definitely have a problem on your hands. It's likely that your roof may be deteriorating, there is a burst pipe or other plumbing problem or your home has too much interior humidity because of improper ventilation.

That said, it's still important to know all the signs that there may be an issue, so that you can call your local Frisco handyman to deal with the problem as soon as possible. Some of these red flags include:

Water Stains, Mold and Mildew

A big brown water stain floating above you is never a good sign—whether you have drywall, plaster or wood panels. This is a clear indication of moisture penetration. Depending on where you are in your home, this may be a sign of a leaky roof or plumbing problem. And where there is moisture, mold and mildew are soon to follow—if they're not a problem already.

Moisture can weaken materials to a point where your ceiling may come crashing down about you. Obviously, this is a huge cause for concern as it could lead to injury and serious property damage. It's important to track down the source of water damage and repair both the problem and the damaged area as soon as possible. You'll likely need to replace the sodden material. One of our hard-working handyman experts can help with that.

Peeling, Flaking Paint

Uh-oh, guess what? Flaking and peeling paint is often another sign of water damage. However, it's usually not as serious a problem as a big brown water stain—although you will still need an appointment for Frisco ceiling repair services. Generally, flaking and peeling paint is caused by excess condensation. This could be from improper ventilation, a malfunctioning air conditioning unit or water that has somehow gotten on the paint's surface—rather than within the ceiling itself. A common example of this is when bathrooms are not properly ventilated (or your teenager neglects to put the fan on). The excess water buildup seeps into your drywall and causes it to swell, pushing on the paint, and resulting in cracking and peeling.

If poor ventilation is an issue in your home, you may need to install a proper fan right away. Or, install a fan that's connected to your light switch. That way, as soon as the light turns on, so does the fan (so nobody can “forget” to turn the fan on).

Wood Rot

If you have wooden planks as part or all of your ceiling, then moisture may lead to the development of wood rot. This is a clear sign that you need to schedule Frisco ceiling repairs as soon as possible. Unless dealt with immediately, wood rot will spread. There are a few different types of wood rot, and they can sometimes be difficult to spot. Since your ceiling can be a bit hard to reach, pay attention to visual signs such as:

Wood that is webbed with cracks, indicating it has gone soft and spongy.
Pieces that are breaking apart into cube-shaped chunks, or crumbling into sawdust.
Sawdust lying about your house that's clearly fallen from above you.
Discoloration in wood panels and beams that appear lighter or darker than other sections, or have a white, yellow or purple hue.

Cracks and Holes

Issues such as cracks and holes can be caused by a variety of things, including water damage. But more likely, the problem was caused by an accident (such as your little one throwing a ball too high in your home), the natural settling of your house or insect and rodent infestations.

Naturally, you should hire ceiling repair services to take care of cracks and holes right away. Not only are these problems unsightly, but bits of drywall or plaster could continue to fall—possibly causing an injury. Also, holes in particular may lead to problems with your HVAC system by letting in drafts or humidity from other rooms or even the outdoors. This will make your home less comfortable, and will also increase your energy expenses. Don’t forget to check for cracks along crown molding and other types of interior trim at the same time. Those are signs that you may need an appointment for interior trim repair too.

Sagging and Warping

If your ceiling is sagging or warping, this is a very serious issue that needs to be dealt with right away. It's a clear sign that the material is starting to separate from its supports, and a collapse could be imminent. Sagging can be caused by shifting foundations, strong vibrations from nearby construction, termites and—of course—water damage.

Until the sagging area has been properly repaired, do not go into the affected room or allow your family to enter the space either. If the problem is in a bedroom, find alternate sleeping arrangements until the damage is dealt with. A collapse could be catastrophic.

Odd Noises

Do you hear groaning, cracking and creaking noises coming from above you? No, it's not a ghost. Rather, it's another sign that you need Frisco ceiling repair services. Many people assume creaking is natural in homes, but this is not the case. These sounds are often caused by deteriorating support beams, aging plaster or plumbing problems. Don't ignore creaking—or get spooked out by strange sounds. Call the pros at Mr. Handyman of Frisco today to get to the root of the problem and make any necessary repairs.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal

Granted, not everyone dislikes their popcorn ceilings. But, undoubtedly this trend from decades past is no longer in-style, and more and more homeowners are opting to smooth out the less-than-desirable texture. If you fall into this camp, then our pro Frisco ceiling repair experts are happy to help. We can efficiently smooth out bumps and grooves to give you a perfectly flat surface and revitalize your home's interior.

Need Ceiling Repairs? Call the Experts at Mr. Handyman of Frisco!

If you've noticed any of the above issues, or want a textured ceiling to be gone, our pro team can help. With a quick response time, years of experience, outstanding customer service and a helpful attitude, you can trust the pros at Mr. Handyman of Frisco to get the job done right the first time. We're honored to help homeowners throughout the Frisco area, including in Prosper and Celina.

To book an appointment today, we invite you to give us a call. We look forward to giving you a hand with your next home improvement project!