What Are The Causes Of The Garage Ceiling Plywood Splitting

Moisture and temperature changes can cause splitting in plywood boards.

As a roof-underlayment material, plywood boards make for a sturdy ceiling for a garage interior. While sturdy in construction, plywood ceilings can break down under certain conditions, especially when the wrong type of plywood material is used. Over time, a damaged plywood panel can begin to buckle and cause splits to form in ceiling surfaces.

Plywood Materials

A plywood board consists of thin layers of wood that have been glued together to form a laminated piece, or panel. Each wood layer's grain pattern sits perpendicular to the layer next to it, which partly accounts for the strength of a plywood board. Plywood boards also contain wood plug pieces, which act as patches in areas where wood defects appear during the manufacturing process. The overall design of a plywood board makes for a material that's as durable and solid as natural wood.

Exterior vs. Interior Boards

Plywood board provides a versatile construction material that's useable for indoor and outdoor projects. Boards designed for interior constructions use glues designed for indoor environments. Boards designed for exterior constructions use glues that can withstand changing climate conditions. The cause of a splitting garage ceiling might involve the type of plywood used to construct the ceiling. As a garage ceiling, the layers that make up a board designed for interior use will start to come apart. These conditions weaken the strength of the board and over time can cause the ceiling split.

Weathering

Weathering involves the effects of heat, cold and moisture on exposed exterior surfaces. A garage ceiling made from plywood will begin to break down if it's exposed to ongoing moisture and temperature changes. If left unattended, the ceiling surface will begin to split. Improper roof drainage often leaves pools of water on roof surfaces. Roof areas with little to no insulation or improperly sealed areas allow condensation to form underneath the roof surface. If a leak in the roof exists, direct exposure to water and moisture increases the rate of damage to plywood boards.

Spacing

A garage ceiling can consist of one or more layers of plywood paneling. A properly installed ceiling will leave a little bit of space between panel layers. When subjected to warm or hot temperatures, plywood boards expand. The spacing between boards allow boards to expand as needed. If no spacing exists, the plywood starts to buckle as layer presses against layer. Over time, ongoing temperature changes can cause ceiling boards to split as panel layers continue to press against each other.

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