Ceilings are also not spared from water damage. The worst is when you have stains already showing, and there is nothing you are doing about it. Well, ceiling water damage is like any other type. If you cannot address it fast enough, it can lead to mold growth and possibly structural damage too.
What Leads to Ceiling Water Damage?
There are two main causes of ceiling water damage, and they include;
- Plumbing leaks
Such leaks come from water pipes that might be running in the area above the ceiling. It can start with small drips and eventually lead to big pours over time. The worst can be when the pipes are punctured or burst, thus leading to quick damage of the ceiling.
The leaks mostly come from poorly installed pipes or aged pipes. As such, you are advised to consider having a regular home inspection to ascertain that your pipes are in good condition.
Also, check out any staining on the drywall as it may be linked to damaged pipes in the ceiling space.
- Roof damage
Roof damage is also one of the worst. Such can happen after a storm, or the roof has not received the best care for years now.
You may want to quickly identify the roof leaks and have them plugged as soon as possible. When you notice discolorations on the ceilings, then it might be time to start looking for the roof leaks.
The other signs that your roof might be damaged include having wet wood beams, damp drywall, excessive moisture in your attic, and more.
Roof inspections do not cost a lot. So, you may consider doing regular inspections to find out if there are problems with your roof or not. In case you find some damage to the roof, have it repaired before the storm or heavy rainfall season.
How to Tell You Have Ceiling Water Damage
Ceiling water damage will mostly start to show after heavy rainfall. This might be when they start working on their roofs for most people. However, you can avoid all that by handling the repairs early enough.
Some of the signs you have ceiling water damage include;
- Drips and water stains
Water stains can easily occur on the ceiling surface. This is mostly due to the minerals in the water. The minerals can also oxidize common building materials such as wood, nails, and drywall. That is how you end up with discolored ceilings and water stains.
So, whenever you see water stains, prepare yourself for a serious ceiling repair job and possibly the roof too.
When there is a pipe leak or extensive roof damage, you should expect the roof to start dripping. If you cannot locate the source of water, then have a professional check it out to prevent further damage to your home.
- Peeling paint and plaster
When you also notice some serious peeling of paint or plaster on the ceiling, it means there is extensive water damage. This is mostly caused by prolonged exposure of the ceiling to moisture.
This exposure might also make the ceiling and plaster susceptible to mold. You might even find some peeled paint underneath.
- The drywall is sagging
When the drywall starts to sag or warp, it means there has been extensive water damage too. Drywall does not just break or start to sag unless something affects it. So, you should address this issue as soon as you notice it.
Professional Repair for a Water Damaged Ceiling
It pays to hire the right person to do a good job. That is why we recommend getting an expert in ceiling water damage. We do not all have the tools or expertise to handle such repairs independently. So, when you involve a professional, you are at least sure of the best outcome.
As for the cost, you can expect around $50 to $80 per square foot. However, you might get it cheaper after the damage is assessed and proper quotations are done by the restoration company.
