Water damage can manifest in various ways, but issues with your ceiling can be particularly telling. You may not realize you have a water damage issue in your home until brown patches, cracks, or other difficulties appear on your ceiling. These are indicators that something needs to be corrected immediately.
Each stain on your ceiling could represent something different and be the result of a variety of causes.
The professionals at SERVPRO of Southeast El Paso/Butterfield have outlined the common indications of ceiling water damage and their causes.
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Common Causes of Ceiling Water Damage
Water Leak
Water can seep into the ceiling through leaky pipes and holes in the roof joints causing damage to your ceiling. You need to inspect the surfaces above the water stain to know whether you leak. Although it's not always easy to spot a leak, the culprit is usually the area just above the stain.
Ice Dam Leakage
Ice dam leakage is another common cause of stains on ceiling corners, and this occurs when attic insulation is insufficient. After a strong shower, snow may pile on the roof, melt, and show up as ceiling stains if you don’t have sufficient insulation.
Condensation
Condensation is a common cause of ceiling stains after the rainy season. When an exhaust pipe and roof cap connection aren't watertight, moisture that should be released outside condenses violently at the joint.
Another common cause of this problem is poor insulation in improperly attached roof caps and vent pipes. Water and moisture penetration through the roof condense on the ceiling and discolor if these areas are not airtight.
Missing Caulking and Flashing
The ceiling is protected from water intrusion by the caulking and flashing. If these materials are missing or worn out, your home's surface is no longer sealed against stains. It is worthwhile to investigate water stains, and leaks that are found should be fixed immediately.
Common Signs of Ceiling Water Damage
- Stains: Stains on the ceiling will appear as discoloration. It will be easy to notice this if your ceiling is painted white. While the colors and forms of the stains may vary, the issue is the same. It’s caused by water damage from above.
- Bowed Ceiling: Ceilings are supposed to be straight and level. Water is undoubtedly present if you see drooping and your ceiling dipping where it shouldn't.
- Cracks: As water pours between drywall panels, cracks appear as straight lines or spiderweb patterns in your ceiling. A crack appears when the joint tape loosens, resulting in a ceiling stain.
- Paint Peeling: Water damage can be identified by peeling, cracking, or flaking, of paint. When too much moisture enters the ceiling, the paint peels.
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How to Take Care of Ceiling Stains
Ceiling stains can diminish the aesthetic appeal of your house and increase maintenance expenditures. When discovering discoloration, please go through your rooms and figure out what's causing it. If you can’t do it on your own, then ensure to hire professional water restoration services.
Hire a Professional
Managing ceiling water damage as soon as it occurs is critical. Hiring a professional is essential for high-quality repairs and quick response. SERVPRO of Southeast El Paso/Butterfield is the company to call when you require professional ceiling water damage restoration.
They have a team of licensed technicians who are experienced in identifying water damage sources and restoring ceilings and other home structures to their original state.
They also offer content restoration, mold removal, and cleaning services. They have the expertise and equipment to get the job done quickly and effectively to eliminate any recurrence.
Call SERVPRO of Southeast El Paso today at (915) 234-2679 for a free consultation.
