The water damage above you

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damaged Ceilings

Whether it’s the roof or an upstairs bathroom, whatever is above the ceiling is usually the source of the stain. Pipes might run along attic rafters before dropping right above your ceiling, so tracking the original source might take some detective legwork.

Ceiling Stains And More

Water spots on the ceiling don’t automatically mean the roof is leaking. Often the stain is not from a roof failure but from drips in the attic from condensation on pipes. Many water lines converge up there: upstairs hot water heaters, plumbing, A/C lines. Tiny cracks allow slow leaks up in the attic crawl space which lead to stains on the ceiling. Be vigilant about:

• Musty odors
• Discolored growths
• Stains, streaks, shadows
• Peeling ceiling or wall surfaces

Even if your ceiling does not look too bad now, it doesn’t take much water cause big problems. A red flag that your ceiling is at risk of failure are depressions around the fasteners; you will see tiny dimples forming on the ceiling because the drywall encompassing the nails or screws droops, leaving an inverted crater.

Potential Problems

The most obvious consequence of a leak up in the roof is a compromised structure due to damaged rafters, ceiling joists, wall framing or exterior trim. Chronic wet wood leads to deterioration and rot.   

High utility bills could be another side effect of a leak; water intrusion destroys the insulation in the attic area. Cellulose or fiberglass insulation becomes saturated and the insulating properties are lost. If a roof leak repair is put off for a long time, your home will lose hot and cool air and your will pay higher utility bills.

If you paint or cover up the damage, you may create a bigger problem. If the water continues to seep or leak, you may need to tear out the portion of the freshly patched ceiling to address the real source. If mold spores are not killed, then mold will come back. Again, an experienced professional will be able to make a much less visible repair than an inexperienced homeowner.

For any water damage and mold issues, contact SERVPRO of Bloomington/Pontiac.