When you see dripping water coming from the ceiling, you may think other systems in the house are having problems. It’s either you have issues with your roofing system or your plumbing system. Whether you have a small leak or a big one, here are a few things you should know.
Is a leaking ceiling an emergency?
A leak in your ceiling is not something you ought to take lightly. If you do not consider it as an emergency, small leaks can become big problems, and worse, they can lead to a lot of water damage in your home as well as mold growth. In order to prevent this, you need to figure out why the leak is occurring, is it a roof leak or a plumbing problem? Once the source has been identified, you’ll need to address and resolve the issue as soon as possible.
What causes water leaks in my ceiling?
There are two possible causes of water leakage in your ceiling: a leaky roofing system and a plumbing-related ceiling leak. Let’s talk about the two separately.
Leaks coming from your roofing system
Having leaks from your roof directly beneath your attic or directly below the roof system is most likely due to a hole or some type of damage caused to other roofing material that is making up the roof system. Though other causes can also lead to this kind of leak. For instance, air conditioning units with condensers in the attic may cause leaking when not in good working condition.
How do you tell if your leaky ceiling is the result of a faulty roof system? Here are the signs to watch for:
Leaking during or soon after heavy rainfall.
If water appears in your ceiling during or after a heavy rain, then you should check the roof for a source.
Is there active water dripping?
If you see brown or dirty water dripping, it may come from the roof. This is because the water that gets into your home can pick up dirt and impurities along the way.
Leaking coincides with ice build-up during winter.
Ice buildup under your house’s eaves will likely cause ice dams, causing water to back up under the shingles and onto the ceilings. Ice dams tend to form near the perimeter of the roof so leaks are more likely to appear near the edge of the room or even on the outside wall.
Damp and soggy insulation in the attic.
If you have insulation found in the attic that shows signs of dampness or wetness this could be the cause of your leaky ceilings.You can check your drywall or plaster lathe underneath to see if the moisture is coming from your insulation.
Leaks due to a plumbing-related issue
Another reason for ceiling leaks is a problem with your plumbing system. Often you notice that clear water comes out of leaky plumbing fixtures. Although leaks from your pipes are tricky, there are several ways to help you locate the exact source of the problem. If water drips continuously, you have a water line leak, while a sewage line leak only becomes apparent whenever you use a fixture like a toilet. However, it is best to call a professional to perform a visual inspection before opening your ceilings.
How do you fix a water damaged ceiling?
By following these steps, you’ll be able to fix your water damaged ceiling:
Look for the water damage.
Make sure to regularly inspect your ceiling and look for possible signs of water damage. If you notice any peeling paint or discoloration in your ceiling, it means you have water damage.
Look for the exact cause of the water damage.
Is the water damage due to a roof problem or a problem with your plumbing system? Once the cause has been identified, you are now ready to fix it.
Repairing the damage.
To fix small roof leaks, all you need is a small amount of roofing cement to cover the small area of damage. However, you may also consider replacing the entire roofing surface especially if it is worn out and no longer shedding water. Small fixes can be done in a DIY approach but roofing repairs should be performed by a professional.
In the event that your ceiling leaks due to a plumbing issue, you should be working with a professional plumber to prevent it from happening again.
Remove the damaged ceiling.
Once the source of water damage has been identified and repaired, you can now remove and replace the damaged ceiling. If the damage to the ceiling is extensive, you might want to consult a contractor since this work could be messy.
Can a one-time water leak cause mold?
Mold can grow after water damage in 48 hours, despite what you may think. Mold growth can therefore occur even with a minor leak that can happen fast if you don’t pay attention.
How much does it cost to fix a ceiling leak?
Water damage repairs usually cost between $45 and $55 per square root. The price includes labor and materials. The cost of identifying and repairing the leaks varies.
Are you looking for Water Damage Repair Services in Richmond, VA? Call Richmond VA Mold Removal Experts today!
If you are looking for water damage repair services in Richmond, VA, Richmond VA Mold Removal Experts will visit your home and thoroughly inspect it to check for sources. Call us at (804) 538-4224!
