Ceiling Water Damage Repair
Tackling Hidden Water Leaks In Walls
If you’ve noticed water stains or leaks in your ceiling but have no clue where it’s coming from, don’t just stick a bucket under it and call it a day. We all have home repairs we’d rather put off, but once your home has suffered a leak, it can be hard to know just how much damage has occurred beyond what’s visible. Even If the stains are dry, that doesn’t mean the threat is gone.
Mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. There can also be electrical damage, structural weakness, and even ceiling collapse. If you’re facing water damage, know you’re not alone. According to the Insurance Information Institute, about one in 50 insured homes has a property damage claim caused by water damage or freezing each year.
Pinpointing the Cause
Determining where the water originated from can be tricky. If it’s not immediately apparent, check toilets, showers, sinks, and roofing. Excessive humidity, standing water, clogged or broken pipes, and gutters can all be the culprit. Water can also come through chimneys, skylights, and vents. Remember, water can take strange pathways when it winds up places it shouldn’t be, even traveling upward, so keep an open mind when considering the source.
There are three main types of dampness: penetrating, rising, and condensation. Rising dampness occurs a meter or less from the floor and happens when groundwater comes up from the ground into the wall. Penetrating dampness can happen at any level of your property when excess water enters a wall. Condensation forms when moisture in the air hits a colder surface.
The regions we serve of Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming are known for being dry, This is deceiving when assessing for mold as studies have shown the Southwest is one of the worst places for people with mold allergies.
If you feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to start, call our team at Water Extraction Experts. It’s never too late to deal with suspected water damage or mold. We have over 100 years of combined experience in water damage restoration, mold removal, and sewage cleanup. We can help you locate exactly where the problem is coming from and stop it at the source, so you don’t face further loss.
Telltale signs of water damage:
Sweating – When the temperature is cool, and the humidity levels are high, condensation can form on your walls. An exhaust fan and dehumidifier can help remove moisture from the air. You can also turn up the heat. Spraying exterior walls with sealant or installing storm windows can further help reduce sweating.
A Musty Smell and Mold Growth – Mold can hide under carpet pads, in walls, and other hard-to-spot places. If there is an earthy or musty smell or you see mold assume a mold problem exists. The City of Albuquerque has a resources page on steps to take if you suspect mold and are not the property owner. Our team at Water Extraction Experts is equipped with the proper tools and protection to deal with mold the right way.
Watermarks – Yellow or brown stains are a visible sign that the drywall and sheetrock have absorbed water from the wall and dried.
Ceiling Cracks – All structures settle, and the ceiling cracks that come from that are generally nothing to worry about. When cracks form due to moisture, foundation settlement, or excessive weight on the floor above, there is cause for alarm.
Peeling Paint – Flaking and peeling paint is a good indicator that the drywall has taken in excess moisture and warped. As the drywall changes shape, it stretches the paint causing tears. Paint peeling also occurs around windows that sweat in the winter and high humidity environments like bathrooms.
Swollen Walls, Sagging, and Ceiling Bubbles – When sheetrock becomes fully saturated with water, it can start to sag and buckle. If a ceiling bubble appears, it is wise to pop it by placing a large bucket underneath and puncturing the bubble with a small drill hole. Feel the drywall for mushy areas and circle them for the water damage specialist, as this area of your home may no longer be structurally sound.