It poses a safety hazard to many other parts of the home and even to the health of those living within. If a leak has sprung in an area where you spend hours at a time, Like a bedroom, the safest practice is to temporarily move to another room until the proper repairs have been made.
Health Risks of Water Damage in Your Ceiling
When exposed to mold, those who are allergic may quickly develop allergy symptoms such as coughing or wheezing, difficulty breathing nasally or eye or skin irritation. However, just because you do not experience any immediate symptoms does not mean mold isn't present.
The best way to address a wet ceiling is to get it dry as soon as you spot the problem. The prime window to mitigate damage is within 48 to 72 hours of discovery. If you can start the drying process in this time frame, you will stand a much better chance of stopping mold before it can begin to grow and prevent warping.
Be aware that if the leak is significant, there is a chance that a section of the ceiling could collapse and this will cause significant damage.
If you see paint bubbling, drywall swelling, or brown rings forming in your ceiling, then you know there's a leak you need to repair.
If water leaks through a ceiling and into a light bulb socket, it can cause a short circuit, leading to potential electrical hazards, equipment malfunction, or even an electrical fire.
Most people don't realize that it's not just serious water damage, such as flooding or a visible leak that leads to mold. Any kind of leak that isn't properly fixed can cause mold to grow. Mold isn't something that takes a long time to grow either.
Water-damaged ceilings are high-priority issues that lead to rot, mold and a weaker house frame. Leaks must be fixed, and water-damaged ceilings repaired, as soon as possible.
Damages do not only cost you a lot in repairs but are also a major safety hazard. Wet ceilings are one such issue. Water damage to your ceiling can cause water to accumulate there. Your and your family's health and safety is highly compromised.
Generally, it takes 24-48 hours for mold to germinate under ideal conditions. You won't actually see the mold latching onto the ceiling, walls, or furniture, but it'll be there. The spores will begin to colonize on surfaces in 3 to 12 days.
Let's say you detect a leaking ceiling and took action quickly to fix the problem. In this case, the ceiling should dry out relatively quickly on its own. However, if you didn't take action right away or the leak was particularly severe, you may need to use a fan or dehumidifier to help speed up the drying process.
In fact, water damage can ruin your home faster than you might think. Within the first 24 hours of a leak or flood, mold development, damage to floors, walls, and electrics, and even structural issues can occur.
Your plaster and drywall form brown patches and dirt lines as the water leaks. Decorative finishes such as paint, trims and wallpaper may begin to peel off. The ceiling may also bubble and sag, making it look unpleasant.
If the water came from a busted pipe, there could be toxins, dirt, and harmful bacteria present as well. Regardless of the health risks, you could decide to take on a flood clean-up by yourself. Exposure to dirty water is a health risk and can cause you to develop diseases in the brain, lungs, or kidneys.
Arguably, a small roof leak is worse than a bigger one. A small leak is challenging to identify and can cause a lot of damage if left undiagnosed. By the time you spot a small roof leak, often it has already caused much more wood rot or other structural damage than meets the naked eye.
Additionally, if left untreated, water damage on walls can cause the surface to crack, peel or buckle. This can create both cosmetic and structural issues. Water damage can also give host to mold and mildew. That's why repairing water-damaged drywall in a timely manner is best.
Contact Property Management. Contact your landlord or management company, and explain the situation, including damages to your apartment and belongings. Ask how quickly they can stop the overhead leak. If they can't take care of it right away, let them know that you may have to relocate until the problem is fixed.
Watermarks or Brown “Rusty” Stains– Oftentimes one of the most common signs of ceiling or roof water damage is watermarks or brown “rusty” stains on the walls, ceilings and/or attic. It can be a sign of a previous or current leak, so you should always have them checked out if they appear within your home.
If your roof or ceiling leaks due to a covered peril, the associated damage should be covered under your homeowners insurance policy. Most home insurance policies have an open perils claims basis, which means unless coverage is specifically excluded, then it is included.
Why a plumber should fix your dripping wet wall or ceiling. If your wall or ceiling is dripping with water, you'll have to get an expert out to assess the problem as soon as possible. Not only is this incredibly inconvenient, but the resulting damp damage could end up costing you a small fortune and cause safety risks.
Any water leak carries the risk of mold growth, but that doesn't necessarily mean that mold growth is certain. The chance of mold depends on many factors, such as the severity of water damage, how quickly it was cleaned up and dried, and the extent of surfaces affected.
A damp area that becomes discolored can also be an early sign of mold on the ceiling. Mold can also have a musty, earthy, or damp smell that sometimes precedes the visual signs of mold growth.
Exposure to toxic mold is especially dangerous to children and people with compromised immune systems. A person who is immunocompromised might develop a lung infection from mold or illnesses that lead to long-term issues and, in some cases, death.