Water damage can happen anywhere. One common place is your ceiling. If your roof was damaged in a storm, it can be the catalyst for a ceiling leak. If this leak occurs in your attic, you may not realize it until the damage is already severe. Here’s how to spot ceiling water damage from the onset – and what you should do to treat it.
How to Spot Water Damage on Your Ceiling
Spotting water damage on your ceiling isn’t always easy. However, it can be easier with these tips. Water stains are the most common sign of water damage. Water stains on wood are usually white or cloudy. The lighter the color is, the more likely it is that the water is trapped inside the wood’s finish. In other words, the water damage has just occurred. If your ceiling is painted or has wallpaper, water stains may appear more brown or yellow.
Bulging and warping are other common signs of water damage. This is easy to recognize. Once you do, you should contact a water damage restoration company as soon as possible.
Why Hire a Water Damage Restoration Company? How Can They Help?
There are many reasons calling a water damage restoration company is a good idea. First, your ceiling is up high, and many homeowners may not feel comfortable climbing onto a ladder.
Second, a professional can recognize the type of water, where it’s coming from, and how to treat it. A leaky roof is usually the result of bad weather such as snow, ice, rain, and strong winds. And in other cases, it could be the result of a broken or damaged chimney or a clogged gutter. A professional water damage company can identify the source of the water leak so you know who to call to fix it.
In some cases, a ceiling water leak may have nothing to do with your roof at all. If you have a second-story home, water damage may be the result of a burst pipe or plumbing issue upstairs. With the help of a professional, you can locate the root cause of water leaks so the proper steps can be taken.
How Water-Damaged Ceilings Are Repaired
The first step is to remove the damaged ceiling. This includes taking down ceiling tiles, drywall, and any insulation that may have succumbed to water damage. A water damage professional will then bag the affected materials to dispose of them properly. In some cases, the entire section of the ceiling will have to be repaired and replaced.
Once the damaged materials have been removed, your technician will look for and treat mold. Mold can develop in as little as 24 hours after water exposure. In situations like these, it’s not uncommon for mold to spread without the homeowners knowing it. This is especially true if you don’t visit your attic too often.
If left untreated, mold can cause serious damage to the structure of your home. For example, it could eat away and rot wooden beams in your ceiling and walls. This can cause ceiling tiles not previously affected to collapse.
Mold can also have serious health effects. If left untreated after water damage, it could cause the following symptoms:
- Itchy/watery eyes
- Nasal congestion/sinus infections
- Skin inflammation and rashes
- Insomnia
- Coughing/wheezing
- Anxiety and depression
- Difficulty breathing
In many cases, mold exposure can trigger allergies and make symptoms worse for those living with asthma or other respiratory ailments. It can be extremely dangerous to older residents and newborns, as well.
Did you Find Mold or Water Stains on Your Ceiling? Call the Water Damage Restoration Professionals at PNW Restoration
Dealing with mold or water damage on your ceiling can be a headache. Maybe you don’t have the right tools to get the job done, or maybe you’re scared of heights. Perhaps you simply don’t have the time to dedicate to the repair. Whatever the reason, the bottom line is that you can get the help you need with PNW Restoration.
Our technicians have years of experience handling all types of water damage. We know how to recognize and treat all sorts of water damage. We will get your home back in good shape.
Call PNW Restoration today at (971) 247-3381 to schedule a water damage restoration appointment. Our goal is to help. And that’s exactly what we’ll do.
