Expert Ceilings Pretoria - Incompetence and poor workmanship

Ceilings with bulkheads were installed in 2019.

Over the past two years, minor cracks began to appear, indicating movement in the ceiling. Expert Ceilings was contacted, and they app**** silicone to seal the cracks, attributing the issue to natural “settling.”

Three weeks ago, we noticed that the cracks around the perimeter of the main ceiling and bulkhead had worsened. I immediately contacted Christo from Expert Ceilings. He responded that he would come to assess the issue “when he has time.”

Two weeks later, we began hearing audible cracking noises. Upon inspecting the ceiling from above, we discovered it was in the process of collapsing. The ceiling, which is quite heavy, had been supported only by 2x4 brandering, nailed into the roof trusses without any additional reinforcement. This is a clear deviation from proper installation standards.

I contacted Christo again, expressing urgent concern. He was rude and dismissive and again stated he would assess the situation when he had time.

Out of concern for safety, I contacted a local ceiling contractor who arrived promptly to inspect the ceiling. Their assessment confirmed that the original installation was fundamentally flawed. The ceiling should have been secured with galvanized steel brackets—not just wood brandering and single nails. Additionally, each support strut should have had double *****s to adequately support both the ceiling and bulkhead.

The contractor who came out immediately assisted us by placing scaffolding beneath the ceiling to prevent it from collapsing overnight. However, he made it clear that they were not willing to attempt any repairs or try to save the existing structure, as the original fitment was dangerously substandard and posed a serious safety risk to his workers.

I contacted Christo again and he proceded to scold me and tell me that if I dared to bring in another contractor to inspect his work, I must use them. They are not willing to touch this installation due to the the structural integrity of the installation that was compromised from the outset, and the situation has now escalated into an urgent safety concern due to gross negligence and subpar workmanship.