Repairing a Ceiling Leak Causing Water Damage

Ceiling Water Damage: Follow These Steps to Help With Repairs

At Action 1 Restoration, we see many types of water damage in the homes that we’re called to service. One of the areas that we see impacted the most frequently is the ceiling. While dripping water is an easy way to see there’s a problem, water damage can also be identified by brown spots on the ceiling, blistering paint, and sagging drywall. If you’ve noticed any of these issues caused by a leak in your home, it’s important to address the problem as soon as possible. We recommend following the steps below to minimize the damage you experience.

Step 1. Determine the Cause of the Leak

Identifying where the leak is coming from is one of the most important parts of handling this type of situation. However, that can be easier said than done. If you’re not sure whether the leak is the result if a failed roofing system or a broken pipe, you may not even know how to get started. To help you identify the root cause of the leak, take a look at the signs below.

Signs of a Failed Roof Causing a Ceiling Leak

– The leak occurs after it rains

– Soggy or wet drywall is present in the attic

– The water is coming from an attic (there’s no piping above it)

– Discolored water (this is common with water falling from the roof)

Signs of a Broken Pipe Causing a Ceiling Leak

– Steady dripping that continues day and night

– Continued leak no matter the outside weather

– No moisture or dripping coming from the attic

2. Address the Cause of the Leak

No matter what the cause of the leak is, it’s important to address it as soon as possible. Waiting will only result in worsening damage as additional moisture seeps into the drywall. This can increase the amount of damage you have to restore, whether it’s in the ceiling or on the floors where the water has dripped. Since FEMA estimates the growth of mold can occur just 24 hours after initial exposure, this also means your risk of mold growth will increase every hour.