How to spot ceiling water damage

6/30/2023 (Permalink)

Identifying and repairing ceiling water damage quickly is vital to the health of your home. Water damage can create a lot of issues if it is left untreated, so it is important to know how to spot it and get it fixed as quickly as possible. If you have damage from water in the ceiling of your home, it’s not just in the drywall. It came from somewhere, such as from a leaky roof or a bathroom that is leaking on the second floor, there is also going to be damage in between the floors, in the attic or crawlspace, and any areas in between where you physically see signs of water on the ceiling and where it originates.

SIMPLE SIGNS TO LOOK FOR

While there are many indicators that a ceiling has water damage, some are easier to spot than others. Before calling in professionals for a full evaluation and estimate of the damages and repairs needed, you can determine what type of damage is occurring and how severe it is to help them get a better idea of the work that may need to be done. Here are some signs to look for with water damage:

-Odors, such as a mildew smell

-Sagging ceilings

-Discolored splotches or stains on the ceiling

-Peeling paint or wall surfaces

-Crumbling or cracked drywall

Keep in mind that even a small stain on the ceiling could be indicative of much bigger issues, so never assume you don’t need professional remediation and repair services to resolve your water damage issues.

FIX CEILING DAMAGE AND LEAKS ASAP

Water damage that is left untreated can result in mold growth and further damage to the home. Plus, if you don’t identify the cause of the damage and repair whatever is leaking, you are only going to continue to have issues with ceiling damage in the future. Make sure that once you’ve identified ceiling damage caused by water, you call a professional restoration service to help repair your ceiling and resolve the root cause of the damage.

QUICK TIPS TO FEND OFF FURTHER DAMAGE

If you notice water damage, use the following tips and precautions:

-Immediately clear the area of valuables, furniture, and other items that may be damaged if the ceiling collapses or water breaches the drywall.

-Use a nail to poke a hole in the ceiling and let out any water that may be pooling on the opposite side of the drywall.

-Use your fingers to test the ceiling. If you poke it and are able to break through or make an indent in the spongy drywall, water has already breached the ceiling. If it appears intact and solid, whatever damage or discoloration you see may be from a previous repair.

-Cut off the source of water that is causing the damage, if you can. That will prevent further damage while you await a restoration team or repair service.

-Let the professionals do the big repairs and ceiling damage restoration jobs. These trained technicians know how to completely remove water damage and other resulting issues. They can replace the drywall and any boards that may have also been damaged by water. Plus, hiring restoration services allows you to remove the threat of mold and reduce the risk of future.