Causes and Signs of Water Damage to Ceiling

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: The causes of water damage to ceilings and the signs are described by SERVPRO of Easton, Bethlehem, and Whitehall here.

Water is at the core of our lives and human existence. Its presence is always welcome except when it causes water damage to property. Water damage can affect buildings in different parts and ways. Homeowners and business owners always strive to prevent water damage and to identify it as early as possible.

Knowing what causes water damage in different areas and how to find it is important for preventing and limiting the extent of water damage. SERVPRO of Easton, Bethlehem, and Whitehall shares information on the causes of ceiling water damage and the signs to watch out for. 

When water damage affects a ceiling it must be tackled as soon as possible. Irrespective of whether the water is from an indoor or outdoor source it could accumulate leading to the collapse of the ceiling. Moisture can also cause mold growth that also weakens the structure. 

Causes of Ceiling Water Damage

1. Plumbing Problems

Leaky or burst pipes, bathroom caulk that has worn away, leaking from appliances, etc can all cause water damage to ceilings.

2. Roof Leaks

Damaged roofs can cause water to enter through the attic or along the eaves of a house. Damaged shingles can let rainwater and melted snow enter homes leading to roof leaks. Clogged gutters also can cause water to accumulate and affect the ceiling.

3. Excess Moisture

Ceilings of rooms that are humid or exposed to moisture for long, like bathrooms and kitchens, can develop water damage and mold growth. 

Signs of Ceiling Water Damage

1. Leaking From The Ceiling

When water is leaking from a ceiling, the plumbing above must be checked for damage. Shingles must be checked for damage when the roof is directly above the ceiling that leaks.

2. Sagging or Bowing of Ceiling

When water fills the ceiling material it weakens it.  The weight of the water leads to bowing or sagging of the ceiling. This can occur in ceilings of drop tile, drywall, or plaster.

3. Peeling Paint 

When the ceiling is exposed to water for a long time, it can lead to peeling or bubbling of the paint. Plaster ceilings can develop cracks, as when exposed to water plaster expands and shrinks causing cracks.

4. Stains On Ceiling 

Especially on white ceilings water damage can show discoloration. Yellowish-brown spots indicate that the leak has had time to dry, and so it may be small. Ring-like patterns are seen when leaking happens repeatedly and water spreads away from the source over time. Discolored spots on the ceiling indicate a ceiling leak, even if the ceiling appears dry to touch. 

Repairing Ceiling Water Damage 

The leak must be found and this must be repaired. The wet ceiling must then be dried out as soon as possible. This limits the extent of water damage and reduces the risk of mold growth. A professional water damage restoration company will use high-volume fans and a structural drying dehumidifier to dry the ceiling quickly and thoroughly. The water-damaged ceiling can be repaired. If the water damage is minimal, replacement of drywall and plaster may not be necessary. Cleaning and sanitization can be done. But sometimes cracks may need to be repaired or the ceiling replaced in affected areas. The area can then be painted, including a layer or two of sealing primer.

Ceilings provide protection and also add to the aesthetics of a home. They keep beams, pipes, and wiring out of plain sight. Water damage must be handled promptly to prevent the problem from spreading to other parts of the building and worsening. SERVPRO of Easton, Bethlehem, and Whitehall is equipped to handle water damage in Schnecksville, PA. They are available 24/7. For the best water damage restoration services at the best prices, SERVPRO of Easton, Bethlehem, and Whitehall can be contacted by calling (610) 559-9380.