Blades Building LtdBLADESBUILDING
Problems & repairs

Sagging or dipping ceiling after a knock-through

A visible dip usually points to how the load is being carried, not the plaster.

A ceiling that reads level before a wall comes out and dips afterwards is telling you something about the structure now carrying that load. It is worth understanding before it is skimmed over.

Deflection is designed for, not eliminated

Every beam deflects slightly under load. Engineers design within limits so that movement is not visible or damaging. Visible dipping suggests the limit has been exceeded or the design was not followed.

Common causes

An undersized section, joists hung or bearing incorrectly, missing packing at bearings, or a beam installed without the connections the design called for.

What can be done

Options range from additional support or a supplementary beam through to replacing the member. The right answer follows an engineer's assessment, not a guess.

Cosmetic repair alone is a mistake

Re-boarding and skimming a dip hides the symptom while the cause continues. Establish the structural position first.

Common questions

Questions we get asked about this

Is a small dip always structural?

Not always — old joists and historic plaster can be uneven. A dip that appeared after the work, though, is a structural question.

Can you assess work someone else did?

Yes, and we do it regularly.

Will the ceiling need replacing?

Often the finish is renewed once the structure is corrected, but the extent depends on the remedy.

How urgent is it?

Anything visibly moving should be looked at without delay.

Something not sitting right?

We will assess it properly and involve an engineer where it is warranted.