Extreme heat warning with some plasterboard ceilings.

Exteneded periods of extreme heat can cause some ceilings to collapse.

Houses built in the late 60's through to the early 80's are most at risk. The common practice in those years was to use oregon battens. If SMOOTH shank nails were used inconjunction with oregon battens you are at risk. Unfortunatly back in that period not all plasterers used RING shank nails and very few used screws.

The problem occurs when the oregon batten expands due to heat the smooth shank nails let go. This combined with another bad practice when applying glue is a disaster waiting to happen. Many plasterers glue up several ceilings or walls at a time, this causes a skin to form on the glue preventing it from sticking to the board. Blow in insulation is another issue as it is quite heavy.

My friend called me today (Friday) to say he suddenly got a crack in his ceiling and some nails have popped. I said I would come right over. By the time I got there his lounge ceiling had collapsed. Not a single nail was left in the battens every one had simply pulled right out. Fortunately no one was in the room at the time. A collapse of this kind could kill a child or cause seveer injury.

If you suddenly notice cracks appearing or popped nails please get your ceiling checked out.

If you think you may have a problem then buy some screws and re-screw you ceilings at worst you are up for a new paint job.

Cheers Rod


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