Drywall Ceiling Failure FAQ
Every year the Village tries to get the word out about a potentially dangerous but very preventable home maintenance issue: drywall ceiling failure. Falling drywall and insulation makes a huge mess. It can damage furniture, pull on electrical conduit, and even cause injuries if anyone is in the room at the time. You may need to leave the home for several days until the ceiling is repaired. Adding to the problem, insurance companies may not cover damage caused by falling drywall if they consider it to be normal wear and tear. Please read our drywall celing failure FAQ below for suggestions.
Why do older drywall ceilings fall?
When drywall construction first became common in the 1970s, the building codes allowed the use of nails to secure drywall to ceiling joists. The weight of the drywall and insulation can sometimes cause pieces of drywall to pull away from the nails and fall.
Did the homebuilder cut corners?
This does not mean the builder did anything wrong; the use of nails was allowed at the time and building codes were updated over the years to require a more reliable method.
What should I do?
The Village encourages owners of homes built in the 1970s to be proactive. Many of your neighbors have already addressed the issue by adding screws. As you plan your maintenance projects, consider the following tips:
- Look for ealy signs of a potential failure – dimples in a line in your ceiling, visible sagging/curves, long straight cracks in the paint.
- Call a contractor to look at your ceiling. Adding screws to the existing ceiling is a low-cost solution.
- Do not store materials in attic if there is no floor.
- Do not add insulation until you have confirmed that the drywall ceiling is properly secured.