Water damage in your ceiling is an emergency to take care of promptly, but it’s possible to fix, especially if you catch it early. Any water damage in your home is bad and can cause problems, but water damage in your ceiling presents a feeling of urgency and perhaps fear.
What if your ceiling is irreparably damaged? What if it collapses on you?
Well, the good news is that it’s unlikely to collapse on you, especially if you’re proactive when you notice it. As for irreparable damage, that’s what restoring, repairing, or replacing your ceiling is for. No matter what happens, everything will be okay!
Now, it’s nearly impossible to notice water damage immediately since it takes time to spread, and that’s when the signs of it show up. A drop of water on your kitchen counter doesn’t cause the same alarm as bubbled paint on your ceiling. But you should be fine if you respond right when you see those signs.
What are the signs of water damage? We’re answering that question and explaining what you need to do to get rid of the damage in today’s blog. Keep reading to learn more.
Signs of Water Damage In Your Home
Before we get into repairing water damage in your ceiling, let’s look at the signs so that you know what to look for. Signs of water damage include:
- Abnormal spots
- Bubbled paint
- Dark or rancid water
- Water dripping from the ceiling
- Water dripping down the wall
- Warped flooring
- Musty smell
- Moist or damp surfaces
- Water in ceiling fixtures
- Insect infestation
- Broken drainage
- Clogged or broken gutters
- Hearing water
- High water bill
We recommend checking for water damage if you so much as notice a musty smell or spot an insect infestation. While you might need an air freshener or pest control, it’s worth ensuring it isn’t water damage.
Bubbled paint, dark or rancid water, and water in your ceiling, walls, or ceiling fixtures are all apparent signs of water damage. Dark or rancid water is a sign that your water has been contaminated, typical of water leaks in your ceiling.
Of course, you’ll want to take action immediately with more apparent signs of water damage. Let’s look at how.
3 Steps to Take After Finding Water Damage in Your Ceiling
Step 1: Find and Track the Source
If you suspect water damage in your home, your first step is to find and track the source. If you notice pooled-up water, trace its origin, and don’t forget to look at your ceiling to see if that’s the source. The sooner you find where the water comes from, the sooner you can stop the leak.
You’ll also want to check for condensation. Any source of condensation can cause water damage, no matter how small it may seem. Mark damaged areas as you go so you don’t lose track of the damage; this is an excellent way to find patterns and discover the source of the water damage.
You’ll want to check your whole house to see how far the damage has spread. While this will take time, it will mitigate the damage. You’ll want to look outside your home as well. Check your gutters, roof, roof ridge, and metal flashing. Water damage is known to hide in these areas.
Step 2: Stop the Leak
Your next step is to stop the leak and prevent further damage if you have the ability to do so. If your carpet or flooring is wet, set out fans to dry the area. If your ceiling is leaking, place a bucket below it to catch the water. If the water is coming from your ceiling, you’ll need to identify exactly where it’s coming from.
One way to do this is by cutting a hole in your ceiling to find the source. If you can’t easily find it, you can line your pipes and ceiling joists with paper towels. They’ll absorb the water and point you to the source of the water damage, allowing you to get rid of it.
Step 3: Repair the Leak
If the leak is small enough, you might be able to fix it on your own with spackle and paint. But the damage might be bad enough to replace your entire ceiling. And unless you’re a ceiling expert, that’s a lot of work.
In that case, we recommend calling a flood restoration company to come in and assess the damage. They’ll be able to tell you how bad the damage is and whether it’s something that’s safe to repair on your own.
A lot of water damage can become a moldy area, and if that mold gets bad enough, it becomes a biohazard, a biological substance that can make you sick. It is dangerous and must be professionally removed. Then, the area needs to be sanitized to protect you and your family from illness.
So, depending on how bad the leak is, you might not be able to repair it safely on your own without risking getting sick. Professionals have biohazard gear that will protect them while removing the damage and restoring your home.
Contact Total Flood and Fire Restoration
Total Flood and Fire Restoration has the experience and expertise you need to repair and restore the water damage in your ceiling and any other part of your home and the residual mold that often accumulates in dark, damp places. We can also handle biohazard cleanups if the damage is extensive.
All Total Flood and Fire Restoration technicians are licensed, certified, and insured. We’re available 24/7 for emergency restoration services, offer a free damage assessment, and back all our work with a one-year guarantee.
Contact us today if you’re looking for that free damage assessment or are ready to have professional technicians restore your home. Call us at 801.560.9798 or contact us via the form on our website.
