"Ben C" wrote in message
...
Hi

My new home has a gigantic crack across the bedroom ceiling running
diagonally from corner to corner. The ceiling sags in the middle too and it
disintegrates if I try gently pushing it up with my fingers. Above the
ceiling is the loft - I've gone up and looked at it from the other side and
beneath the insulation are the wooden beams running the length of the house
and beneath that is the plasterboard that forms the ceiling.

The plasterboard obviously needs replacing, but it's such an embedded part
of the building that I don't know how to go about this. Can it be done
without removing the beams that support the roof? This is a major job and I
would appreciate any advice before I try calling in the 'professionals'...

The fact that this crack runs diagonally across several sheets of drywall
indicates a serious stuctural issue such as foundation settling, termite damage,
water damage, among other things. The underlying problem(s) need to be
addressed before attempting any repair.

Get an independent assessment from a house inspector or engineer (someone not
connected with anyone doing repairs). Do not take advantage of offers for
"free" inspections from people in the business of doing repairs.

Regards,

John