There are all kinds of water damage out there, including slow leaks, burst pipes, clogged toilets, and last but not least, water damage coming from the ceiling. In fact, if this has happened to you before, then you may have seen water dripping from your lights… (p.s. keep them turned off until fixed).
Scary, right? Well, it’s actually quite common, but that doesn’t mean it’s not serious. There are many reasons why you may have a leak coming from your ceiling – this article will explain the common causes, alongside providing you with further advice to help you tackle the water damage for good.
What causes ceiling water damage?
So, what causes water damage to your ceiling? This could be one of several causes. However, common causes of ceiling water damage include:
- Adverse weather conditions
- A build-up of condensation
- Gutters clogged by leaves and other debris
- A leaking or improperly installed pipe
We will now discuss each of these causes in more detail below.
Adverse weather conditions
If you live in a climate prone to adverse weather conditions, think: intense storms, flooding, snow and ice, then you are at a greater risk of experiencing a leak.
The source of the leak can likely be traced to your roof. But over time, this leak can cause ceiling water damage to the upper floors of the property, alongside water seeping down walls, a build-up of mold, and further damage.
A build-up of condensation
If you’re a fan of using the AC, then it may be causing a build-up of condensation, causing a leak in your ceiling.
This isn’t super common, and it does depend on the positioning of the air conditioning unit. But if you can’t find another source of the water damage, then your AC could be the culprit.
Gutters clogged by leaves and other debris
One of the leading causes of water damage to a roof and then a ceiling (if left unattended), is the clogging of gutters, mainly by leaves but sometimes other debris.
Once the leaves begin to fall, you should clean out your gutters. This allows water to flow properly, preventing any damage to your property.
Ideally, you should clean your gutters at least two to three times a year, but once at the bare minimum.
A leaking or improperly installed pipe
There are numerous pipes installed around your home, some of which connect to sinks, washing machines, dishwashers, and other appliances. And others that connect to drainage systems and further outside pipes.
Often, something can go wrong. For example, a pipe could be installed incorrectly, causing water to leak or seep out the sides of the pipe.
Alternatively, the wrong sized pipe could have been fitted or not fitted tight enough, also causing a leak.
Leaving a leaky pipe is a recipe for disaster – it can not only cause ceiling water damage, but a build-up of mold, further structural damage, and general havoc on your home.
How to spot signs of water damage on the ceiling?
Okay, now that we’ve discussed the common causes of water to ceilings, let’s talk about how you can spot signs of water damage early.
Besides, the quicker you spot the damage, the sooner you can act, preventing further damage and saving you money.
Use the following tips to help you spot signs of ceiling water damage early:
- Look for signs of mold
- Brown patches on the ceiling
- A leak on the floor
- Water dripping down the walls
These are just a few ways to spot signs of water damage early, but for a full evaluation, we recommend seeking the help of a water restoration expert in Texas.
Once again, we will now explain the signs of water damage below.
Look for signs of mold
Mold forms rather quickly following a water leak. Therefore, you’ll likely spot signs of mold in/around the area of the leak.
It’s worth conducting a regular inspection around your home to spot signs of mold. Sometimes, the build-up of mold is normal and can be treated quickly. But on the other hand, it can occasionally be a sign of something a lot more serious.
Brown patches on the ceiling
No signs of mold? Begin looking for brown patches on the ceiling – these should be super easy to find.
These brown patches are an obvious sign of water damage and should not be ignored.
Typically, this means the leak/water damage has been going on for a while, so action should be taken immediately.
A leak on the floor
If there’s a visible leak on the floor (a build-up of water), then you’ve got a serious leak on your hands.
This should definitely not be ignored – don’t place a bucket there to catch the water and let that become the latest furnishing in your home.
Water dripping down the walls
Finally, if you notice water dripping down the walls or beads of water across the ceiling, then you definitely have some kind of water damage.
This could be a form of condensation, but you’ll need to contact a professional to determine the source of the leak and the next steps.
Does your ceiling need to be replaced after water damage?
First things first, after stopping the leak, the water damaged areas need to dry. After this, an assessment should be conducted to determine the extent of the water damage to the ceiling.
In some cases, if you catch the leak early, a little touch of paint could be enough. On the other hand, if the damage is more severe, say the ceiling has had a slow leak for several months, then you’ll likely require structural repairs.
This can become expensive rather quickly. And not to mention an inconvenience to your home.
We’d never recommend conducting an assessment yourself – this can not only be dangerous, but will likely cost you more money in the long run, especially if you get it wrong.
Ceiling water damage repair in Texas
Do you have water damage to your ceiling in Texas and surrounding areas? If so, contact the team at Eco Clean Texas today – experts in water damage restoration, we’re happy to help – finding the source of the leak and restoring your home back to normal in no time whatsoever.
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