Urgent Civil Repair of Kitchen ceiling and extensive damage to the beam next to it.

Question

Last night the plaster of my kitchen ceiling suddenly came crashing down. There are major cracks on a adjoining beam also. I would like to know how can i repair this ceiling and also what are the dangers to the structure and what will be the stability of the building.

I can send photos of the damaged part.

We stay on the ground floor of a 4 storied building. The structure is more than 40 years old.

Thank you for your advice. I am obliged.

Answer 1

If you have major cracks in the support beam of your ceiling then you have a major and dangerous problem. Call your local or city building inspector and have them come out immediately.

Answer 2

Is the beam concrete?  If so structural failure may occur.  If wood it may be able to be repaired.

Get a local inspector involved if you live in a city.

The bottom floor of a 4 story structure holds alot of weight.

I don't need photos, if it were me I would make sure my family is safe first then deal with the problem.

Answer 3

Someone qualified and local needs to put their eyes on that beam.  If it's the one that's holding up the rest of the building, you could have a three story building soon.

It could also be relatively minor.  

Please get a professional in to look at it quickly.

Answer 4

  if youre a renter have landlord repair if you like send pictures [e-mail]   I am a contractor and this could be simple or major please give more details