Ceiling collapse can be incredibly dangerous. Keep in mind that a sheet of drywall, often used for ceilings in the United States, is going to weigh between 40 and 60 pounds. If it suddenly collapses and strikes somebody below, they could suffer very severe injuries. This risk is only increased by the fact that they are most likely to suffer the impact to the head and neck area.
But why would a ceiling collapse? Are there any red flags that you can look for to avoid getting injured? Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons.
Water damage
Certainly, one of the main reasons for ceiling collapses is when there is prolonged exposure to water. A small amount of moisture probably wouldn’t make a difference, but excessive condensation, leaking pipes and other things of this nature can cause the drywall to deteriorate. Part of the sheet can eventually give way.
Poor installation
If the ceiling was recently constructed and collapsed, it could be an issue with the installation. Was the drywall glued properly? Were the right type of drywall screws used? Even a small mistake during installation could make the space unsafe.
Lack of maintenance
In some cases, as a home settles and ages, it will become clear that the ceiling needs maintenance. There could be cracks or areas where you notice sagging or bulging. If maintenance is not done in a timely manner – such as if you live in an apartment and your landlord refuses to take proper care of it – that neglect could eventually lead to a collapse.
If you have been injured, you could be facing, high medical bills, lost wages and a lot of other costs. Be sure you know exactly what legal steps to take.