Reasons Ceilings Separate from Walls

Truss Uplift

• Truss uplift happens frequently in homes where insulation and ventilation systems were overdone in order to reduce energy costs. The excess insulation keeps the interior space above the ceiling very warm while the outside temperature plummets. The different rates of expansion and contraction between the outside frame and inside frame causes a shift, and the ceiling and walls pull away from each other. Lack of ventilation also aids in keeping an attic very warm.

Foundational

• If the cracks appear during winter months and then close through warm months, then the situation's cause is almost certainly truss uplift. Gaps or cracks that remain after weather warms may be caused by foundational shifts or settling, which may be more serious than truss uplift and should be inspected by a trusted contractor.

Construction

• Poor construction also can cause cracks, which may or may not be problematic. The use of improper or inexpensive materials, or not constructing to building codes, may result in walls and ceilings with cracking issues. Hiring a reputable and licensed contractor and adhering to all building codes can prevent those issues. Having a pre-existing home's cracks inspected by a professional can uncover dangers that can be reversed and set your mind at ease.

Concealment

• When the cause of ceilings separating from walls is truss uplift, placing crown molding that is several inches high around the top of the walls conceals the gaps. Attach the molding to only the ceilings so that it can move with expansion and contraction and float over the walls. If you intend to paint the walls, do so before installing crown molding. If you need to paint the walls after the molding is installed, then the best option is to remove the molding prior to painting and allowing the paint to dry completely before reinstalling the molding. That procedure ensures that even as the walls and ceilings shift away from each other, the crown molding will not have left a mark in the paint and make the problem apparent once again.