How to Fix Upper Cabinets Sagging or Dropping From the Ceiling
Throughout the many years that I have been in the repair business, it has been necessary to learn how to fix upper (or, “wall”) cabinets that are sagging from the ceiling. Dropping boxes usually need to be unloaded in order for them to be fixed. If the cabinetry was not installed correctly, this could be the reason for the problem. Sometimes installers get in a hurry and skip certain steps that could prevent them from falling down and creating gaps that are too large to fill with caulking. Because they avoid placing screws in the proper place, this is why cabinets drop from soffits. It is quit possible, but not likely that the screws on the back wall missed the sud and the box is leaning forward. Unless an armature or “do it yourself” home owner installed them. Usually what has happened is there were no screws placed in the top of the cabinets to anchor them to the ceiling or soffit.
Although I have to admit, there have been times when the actual back of the unit was pulling away from the sides and top of the box. Whenever this has been the case, the evidence was noticeable on the inside of the boxes. Every situation is going to be different. Careful examination will help determine what the problem is.
- Tip: If the cabinetry parts are separating from one another there is a very good chance that it may have to be taken down, repaired and reinstalled.
How to screw an upper cabinet to the ceiling that has dropped
This is how I screw upper cabinets to the ceiling that have dropped down. If your house was built properly there should be a soffit that extends down from the actual ceiling. If your cabinets edge is recessed back about two inches you should be able to use a 4” long screw and angle it towards the soffits edge to catch the stud at the front of the structure. You should use a 3/16” drill bit to make a pilot hole with. You may want to cut some type of prop stick that can be wedged between the counter and the bottom of the cabinet to help raise it upward so that it is tight to the ceiling.
If the cabinet is recessed back more than two inches from the soffits edge you will have to use a stud finder to locate the cross members that were placed in the framing. Once you have located them pre-drill a pilot hole in the top of the cabinet and screw it fast with a 3” to 4” screw. Here again your cabinets should be completely unloaded and prop sticks should be used between the counter top and the bottom of the cabinetry.
- Tip: It will be necessary to use an electric drill when screwing the cabinet fast to the studs. Most screws require a #2 Phillips bit. You may want to consult with a sales person at the hardware store to make sure that you have the correct screw size and bit combination.
As always, I recommend that you have a cabinet professional take a look at the situation. This is usually the quickest way to determine how to fix a wall or upper cabinet that is drooping from the soffit. If your cabinet has been sagging for a long time it may not be repairable. Any time cabinetry that has dropped from a ceiling or soffit has been left unattended to for an extended period of time, the wood forms to the shape that it has settled into. Trying to correct something that has gradually formed into place may not be possible. Everything is worth trying to fix so don’t discount the idea altogether before at least trying to put a screw or two in place.
- Tip: Do not try to fill a large gap with caulking because it will just look like a patch job. Do your best to get the cabinet that is pulling away from the ceiling back in place.
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I really don’t understand everything I have read here, but I think it is enough for me to fix these ukpper kitchen cabinets. They is about a 4 inch gap away from the ceiling where the cabinets meet at the corner and it goes 2 doors in each direction before they are back levelat the ceiling. You gave me great info. Thanks several hundered dollars worth most likely. I’ll let you know how it comes out when I finish.