Ceiling problems can range from minor cosmetic issues to serious structural concerns. This guide helps you identify common ceiling problems, understand your repair options, and know when you need professional help.
Common Ceiling Problems
1. Hairline Cracks
What it looks like: Fine cracks, often appearing in a pattern following plasterboard joints or spreading outward from corners.
Causes: Building settlement, temperature changes causing expansion/contraction, or minor structural movement.
Solution: Hairline cracks are usually cosmetic. They can be filled with flexible filler and painted. If they keep returning, a skim coat will hide them permanently.
DIY or Pro? DIY for simple filling. Call a plasterer if you want a permanent smooth finish.
2. Large or Deep Cracks
What it looks like: Cracks you can fit a coin into, cracks that continue growing, or cracks accompanied by visible movement.
Causes: Structural movement, subsidence, or load-bearing issues.
Solution: Large cracks need investigation. If the cause is historic and stable, the crack can be properly repaired and skimmed. Ongoing movement may need structural assessment first.
DIY or Pro? Always get a professional opinion on large cracks.
3. Water Damage & Staining
What it looks like: Brown or yellow staining, tide marks, bubbling paint, or soft/damp areas.
Causes: Leaking roof, burst pipes, bathroom leaks from above, or condensation.
Solution: Fix the source of the water first. Once dry, minor staining can be sealed with stain block and painted. Severe damage usually requires cutting out and replastering the affected area.
DIY or Pro? DIY for painting over dried stains. Call a plasterer for damaged plaster.
4. Sagging or Bulging Ceiling
What it looks like: Visible dips, bulges, or the ceiling appears to be pulling away.
Causes: In lath-and-plaster ceilings, the plaster keys have failed. In plasterboard ceilings, fixings may have failed or the board damaged by water.
Solution: This is urgent – sagging ceilings can collapse. Options include re-fixing (if caught early), patching, or overboarding with new plasterboard.
DIY or Pro? Always call a professional. Ceiling work requires proper safety measures and support.
5. Blown Plaster (Hollow Sounding)
What it looks like: The ceiling sounds hollow when tapped and may feel soft or springy.
Causes: Age, vibration, moisture, or poor original bonding.
Solution: Small blown areas can be cut out and patched. Large blown areas may need the whole ceiling replastered or overboarded.
DIY or Pro? Call a plasterer – blown ceiling work is difficult and potentially dangerous for DIY.
6. Artex Ceilings
What it looks like: Textured patterns like stipple, swirl, or fan designs.
Causes: Not a problem as such – just dated decoration most people want to update.
Solution: Can be skimmed over for a smooth finish, or overboarded if the texture is very deep. See our artex removal guide for full details.
DIY or Pro? Call a plasterer. Also test for asbestos if pre-1990.
Ceiling Repair Options
Patch Repair
Best for: Small localised damage – a hole, small blown area, or isolated crack.
The damaged section is cut out, new plasterboard fitted if needed, and skimmed to match the surrounding ceiling. Quick and cost-effective for minor repairs.
Typical cost: £100 – £300 depending on size and access
Ceiling Skim
Best for: Ceilings with multiple hairline cracks, poor surface condition, or artex to cover.
A thin layer of finishing plaster is applied over the entire ceiling. Creates a perfect smooth surface and hides all imperfections.
Typical cost: £200 – £500 per room depending on size
Overboarding
Best for: Badly damaged ceilings, failed lath-and-plaster, or when a completely fresh surface is needed.
New plasterboard is fixed over the existing ceiling, then skimmed. This avoids the mess of removing the old ceiling and provides an excellent base.
Typical cost: £400 – £800 per room including skim finish
Full Ceiling Replacement
Best for: Severely damaged ceilings where overboarding isn't suitable, or when rewiring/insulation work requires access above.
The old ceiling is taken down and new plasterboard fitted and skimmed. More disruptive and expensive but sometimes necessary.
Typical cost: £500 – £1,200 per room including disposal
Ceiling Repair Costs Summary
| Repair Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Small patch repair | £100 – £300 |
| Ceiling skim (per room) | £200 – £500 |
| Overboard + skim (per room) | £400 – £800 |
| Full replacement (per room) | £500 – £1,200 |
When to Act Urgently
Most ceiling problems can wait for a convenient time to fix. However, these situations need urgent attention:
- Sagging or bulging ceilings – Risk of collapse
- Active water leaks – Will cause ongoing damage
- Large areas of blown plaster – May detach suddenly
- Cracks getting visibly worse – Indicates ongoing movement
If you're concerned about your ceiling, it's better to get it checked sooner rather than later. Early intervention often means simpler, cheaper repairs.
Ceiling Repairs in Poole, Bournemouth & Dorset
At Prestige Plastering, we handle all types of ceiling repairs across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch and surrounding areas. From small patches to full ceiling replacements, we'll assess your ceiling, explain your options, and provide a clear quote.
Concerned about your ceiling? Send us photos via our quote form and we'll give you initial advice on what's needed.
Summary
Common ceiling problems include hairline cracks (usually cosmetic), water damage (fix the source first), sagging (urgent – call a pro), and blown plaster (needs professional repair). Repair options range from simple patch repairs to full ceiling replacement. When in doubt, get a professional assessment – ceiling work can be dangerous without proper support and safety measures.