Water damage can happen anywhere, such as your roof or ceiling. While ceiling water damage is often fairly easy to spot, the cause of such damage may stem from a variety of sources. Ceiling water damage can manifest in a lot of forms, so it is important to have an idea of these signs to take immediate action and save yourself from costly repairs and long-term structural damage. ServiceMaster by Wright has compiled the common causes of water damage and the signs that indicate that your ceiling may be affected by it.
What causes water damage?
Leaking pipes
- Pipes can burst or begin leaking due to a number of reasons, so keep them in mind when preventing water damage.
- A backed-up toilet, old and rusty pipes, and a damaged garbage disposal can lead to a serious pipe leak .
Plumbing problems
- Ensure that hoses and pipe joints are fully attached to prevent water damage in the future.
Basement or attic concerns
- Dark spaces tend to collect moisture and allow mold to grow freely.
- Any moisture making its way through the concrete foundation of your home can lead to leaks in your basement.
- If you have an air leak between your attic and your home, you may be accumulating moisture on the underside of the roof.
HVACs
- When air conditioners are not properly maintained, they can collect quite a bit of moisture and leak into your home.
Weather and natural disasters
- Flash flooding, storms and other natural disasters can lead to significant water damage in your home.
- Make sure to do everything you can to prepare for any impending damage.
Faulty household appliances
- If your dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine or other appliances has a leak, clean up the leakage as quickly as possible and have your appliance repaired or replaced.
- If the leak is extensive, call emergency mitigation services to stop the water flow and contain the damage.
Clogged gutters
- Gutter blockage can cause water overflows, which can slowly seep into your home and develop roof leaks and cause damages to sidings or the foundation.
- Ensure that gutters are free from clogs, such as leaves, twigs, seedpods and other blockages.
What are the signs of ceiling water damage?
Stains or discoloration
- Watch out for stains or discolored spots, usually appearing brown, copper or yellow. These mean that water is leaking from somewhere above.
Peeling or cracking
- Cracks in your ceiling indicating water damage may appear in either straight or spiderweb patterns.
- Watch out for peeling paint on walls or ceilings, indicating excess moisture (unless these surfaces haven't been repainted for a long time).
Sagging ceiling
- Notice if your ceiling is shifting, curving downward, looking depressed, or appearing to be sagging, as these indicate excessive moisture buildup.
- These compromise the structural integrity of your ceiling, leading to collapse if not addressed immediately by a certified roofer.
Mold growth
- Discolorations and stains may be indicative of mold or mildew growth, especially after water damage.
- Observe for musty odors throughout your home. Schedule for mold testing and remediation if the odors are persistent.
Corrosion
- Roofing materials that are made of metal are susceptible to corrosion after water damage exposure. Contact a licensed roofer immediately if corrosion is observed.
Spongy Decking
- A soft and spongy decking means that the roof is experiencing water damage and will be needing replacement. This could be determined by a professional roofing company.
An increase in water bill
- A sudden increase in water bills despite not utilizing more water than normal indicates a leak in the water line. Consult a plumber to have your pipes inspected.
Water damage is time-sensitive, so a professional like ServiceMaster by Wright must be contacted immediately to prevent further problems from occurring. Don't attempt to perform the removal on your own! You may accidentally worsen the problem if the repair or cleanup wasn't done properly.
Make an Appointment with a Southwest Florida Water Damage Restoration Company Today
ServiceMaster by Wright offers a 24-hour Emergency Response to cater to water damage emergencies in Bonita Springs, Bradenton, Cape Coral, Captiva, Englewood, Estero, Fort Myers, Iona, LaBelle, Lehigh Acres, Longboat Key, Marco Island, Naples, North Port, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, San Carlos Park, Sanibel Island, Sarasota, Siesta Key, and Venice, Florida.
- We are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- Contact us at (239) 431-9947 or connect with us online to schedule an appointment.
- We offer a FREE inspection and estimate for both residential and commercial properties.
- Our main office is located in 6451 Arc Way, Fort Myers, FL 33966, but you can check our website for the addresses of our other offices in Southwest Florida.
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