Ceiling Water Damage

You have experienced some bad weather lately, like a severe thunderstorm, high winds and rain, maybe a big snowstorm that caused ice to build up on your roof. Any one of these weather events can cause water to damage to suddenly appear on one or more of your ceilings.

The damage may show up as dark staining. Or maybe you find water dripping around or through a light fixture. You may even see a drywall seam splitting open and water dripping from it. Whatever the damage is, ignoring it will not cause it to go away, it will only allow things to get worse. The ceiling may collapse or mold may begin to grow on the backside of the drywall or in your attic.

How is Water Damaging my Ceiling?

There are many possible problems that could lead to ceiling water damage; here are a few of them:

Missing or Damaged Shingles – if a shingle gets blown off or it gets damaged due to an object falling on it (like a tree branch or hail) and cracks, water may find its way into your home’s attic. That water will collect at a low point in the ceiling and saturate any insulation that is present. Once enough water has collected, its damage will be able to be seen from below as a stain, or the added weight of the wet insulation could cause the ceiling to cave in.

Loose Gutters and Downspouts – if a section of gutter or downspout becomes separated from the edge of the roof, water may run between the gutter or downspout and the outside of your home and then into the roof’s overhangs and in onto your ceiling.

Plumbing Problems – if there is a waterline or drainpipe leak, say for instance in a 2nd floor bathroom, water may work its way through the flooring and puddle on the ceiling drywall, resulting in a stain, a drip, or even a ceiling collapse.

Bathtub and/or Shower Caulking – if there is a bathroom above the ceiling area where you are seeing any staining, the caulking around the tub or shower may need attention. As it gets old, the caulking could crack or separate from the tiles and allow water to seep through the gap.

If I see Water Damage on my Ceiling, what should I do?

Don’t ignore it or delay taking action! The damage, depending on its cause, may get worse in a hurry. There is always the possibility of the ceiling falling due to the added weight of the water. Also, mold may already be growing in the area above the damaged ceiling. The certified water damage specialists at Water Mold Fire Restoration, 800-905 0277, are experts at tracking down ceiling water damage problems. Once the cause of the damage is found, they can help design a plan to remedy the situation. It may take something as simple as drying the drywall and sealing the stain, or it may require partial or total removal of the ceiling itself. If other professional contractors are needed, such as a roofer or a plumber, they can recommend several reliable contractors that they have worked with in the past.

What can be done to Prevent Future Ceiling Water Damage?

Preventive maintenance is the only way to keep water from damaging any ceilings in your home. A yearly inspection of the condition of your roof is one of the things you can do. Also, after any major or severe weather event, walk around and look for any shingles that may have been blown off or have been loosened or damaged. If you see a shingle I your yard, chances are that it has come off of your roof and not your neighbors.

From the ground you can inspect your gutters and downspouts. Look to see that they are all firmly attached to the house. Check to see that the ends of the downspouts are not clogged with any debris that would slow down the flow of any rainwater.

Check the plumbing connections under second floor vanities or any appliances that have water supplies, like washing machines, toilets, water heaters, or water softeners. Periodically re-caulk around the tile work in bathtubs and showers.

If you see a ceiling problem, like a dark stain, separating drywall seams or cracks, or bubbles in the ceiling paint, call Water Mold Fire Restoration, 800-905-0277. We will inspect your ceiling to determine the cause of the problem free of charge. These ceiling problems never go away or get better on their own. We can also be contacted by email at help@watermoldfire.net.