The Common Causes of Ceiling Water Damage

While water is life, it can cause some of the most devastating damage to your home. Natural disasters, pipe leakages and excessive rain are major causes of ceiling damage. Checking your ceiling for damage after these events helps you control repair costs. Identifying the damage early may help you avoid structural damage and mold infestation. It also helps to understand water damage restoration needed, depending on the damage. 

What Are The Common Reasons for Water Damage To Your Ceiling?

Extreme weather

Storms, hurricanes, heavy rains, snow, and ice can damage your roof and ceiling. 

Clogged gutters

Twigs, leaves, and granules can clog your gutters and direct water to your home. The water may seep through your walls or roof and damage the ceiling. 

AC unit

Condensation from your AC unit could damage your ceiling. A clogged drainpipe or a full drain pan may leak into your ceiling. 

Leaky pipes 

Faulty pipes above your ceiling can wreak havoc in your home. The pipes could be drainage pipes, supply pipes to sinks and washing machines. 

Sprinkler systems 

Water from the slightest signs of a fire can cause extensive damage. Faulty sprinklers can also damage your ceiling. 

What Does Water Damage On A Ceiling Look Like?

Brown patches

One of the most common water damage signs is brown patches on the ceiling. As the water spreads, the patch grows larger and spreads in layers. 

Moldy patches

Mold is a clear sign of moisture problems in your home. If you notice green or black patches, you likely have a mold infestation. It's important to control the mold infestation immediately because mold causes health issues. 

Swollen walls and door casings

Water may spread from the ceiling into the walls and doors. As the wood absorbs water, it begins to swell. 

Decorative features separating from the walls

Water damage causes the wallpaper and trims to peel from walls. The paint may also buckle away from the affected area. 

Sweating

You may notice beads of water along the wall or patches of water on the ceiling. 

What Happens When The Ceiling Gets Wet?

It Looks Unattractive

Your plaster and drywall form brown patches and dirt lines as the water leaks. Decorative finishes such as paint, trims and wallpaper may begin to peel off. The ceiling may also bubble and sag, making it look unpleasant. 

Mold Infestation

Brown and black patches on your ceiling may begin to develop shortly after some water damage. The mold and mildew can spread to the rest of your home through the HVAC system. People with allergies can develop respiratory problems after inhaling the mold. 

Fire Hazard

Having water in your electrical wiring increases the risk of a fire hazard. It's vital to have a professional electrician confirm the extent of the damage. 

Slip and Fall Accidents

A leak from your ceiling could form a puddle on the floor. The water puddles can create a fall risk for children and adults in the house, unaware of the situation. 

Rising Utility Bills

Water affects the insulation's performance, which causes the power bills to rise. Your home's insulation may need complete water damage restoration. 

How Do You Fix A Water Damaged Ceiling?

Once you discover a water-damaged ceiling, it's important to control the situation. You can try and fix the problem yourself or call an expert. 

Prevent an Escalation

Water damage to your ceiling can spread to other parts of your home and damage your property. First, move your belongings and furniture away from the affected area. Then set up some pails to collect the water if it's dripping. 

If the ceiling is drywall, it will absorb and spread the water. Getting a tarp is a great way to localize the leak. You can also use a sharp object to create a hole for the water to drip through. Controlling the water spread is also crucial to protect your insulation. 

Hire a Contractor

Hiring a water damage restoration expert is the best way to understand the extent of your damage. The expert checks your ceiling and roof to determine if the damage is cosmetic or extensive. In the case of extensive damage, you need a complete ceiling replacement. 

An expert can also help you track down the source of the leak for fixing. Water travels long distances from the source, especially if the roof is absorbent. A consultant can also estimate the ceiling water damage repair cost. 

As you hire the contractor, hire an electrician to check your wiring. Any water in your electrical wiring poses a serious fire hazard. Water damage also affects your electric connections and equipment. 

Dry the Moisture

Once you find the leak's source, it's time to dry the ceiling and any other affected structures. Ensure that you dry the air in the space to remove all moisture. Any moisture trapped in your ceiling can cause mold infestation and structural damage. 

If the damage is extensive, it's best to hire a professional to air out the ceiling. A professional water damage restoration expert can also clean the house. Deep cleaning is vital after a leak from contaminated and smelly water. 

Replace the Ceiling 

You can choose to go DIY or hire a professional roofing contractor to fix your ceiling. For cosmetic ceiling damage, you may plan and execute the ceiling replacement alone. It's essential to remember that replacing one part of the ceiling may affect its uniformity. It's best to change the entire ceiling in one room. 

However, the entire process may be tedious and time-consuming. Hiring a contractor can relieve the burden of ceiling replacement. A contractor can check the entire ceiling for damage you might have missed. They can also complete the replacement quickly. 

Get Professional Help for Ceiling Water Damage

Managing ceiling water damage is essential as soon as it happens. Hiring a professional is vital for quality repairs and immediate action. AdvantaClean services are your go-to when you need professional water damage restoration. We also provide mold remediation and moisture control services. Reach out today for a free consultation and a quote on ceiling water damage repair cost.

For 24/7 response to your ceiling water damage, fast water damage restoration and a quote on your ceiling water damage repair costs, contact AdvantaClean today.