Call a roofer or a plumber to stop the damage from getting worse, then ask them if they have someone they recommend for the rest of the repair. From there, the extent of the damage should be considered before you call someone in for the more cosmetic portion of the ceiling repair.
Call for help! Even if the water leak appears quite small, there may be more damage you can't see. If the leak is big it's probably still a good idea to call in a professional, so they can assess the wider damage.
One of the most common causes of ceiling leaks stems from plumbing. Water from inside your pipes can leak due to rusty or worn material. And, in adverse temperatures, pipes can 'sweat' or even burst, causing water to escape. Your leaky ceiling may even be down to a roof leak.
To find the true source of the leak, you'll need access to the attic. Once there, a quick visual scan may show you where the leak is. Look for water damage on the underside of the roof. The wood may be stained a dark color, or there could be signs of light or dark colored mold growing on the wood.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The simple answer is yes, water damage can cause an electrical fire.
How Long Does It Take for Ceiling To Dry Out? The necessary period to dry out the ceiling will vary based on how wet the ceiling got. It can take a minimum of two weeks but sometimes up to four weeks. Ensure you address the leak's cause to ensure you are solving the problem rather than going in an endless circle.
Rusted, cracked, missing, or improperly installed roof flashing. I already mentioned rusted or cracked flashing around a chimney can lead to a roof leak. But roof flashing is also installed in other important areas on your roof. This makes problems with roof flashing the second reason a roof leaks in heavy rain.
Dry things out
If you find a leak early and stop the spread before significant damage is done, it may dry up on its own. But for larger leaks it's important that the ceiling is dried out fully using a dehumidifier or fan.
Many indoor lighting fixtures are not designed for water exposure. As a result, electrical wires affected by or submerged in the water can develop dangerous molds or experience corrosion. These tolls on the electrical wiring can lead to electrical shorts or fires over time if they are used during or after a leak.
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.
People Also Ask. Q: Does water damage happen immediately? A: No, it takes 1 hour to a full day before water begins to damage your home's infrastructure. You'll notice signs like bulging, cracking, and swelling in furniture or drywall that has been affected.
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.
A sudden pipe burst that dumps gallons of water to the top-side of a ceiling can quickly cause a collapse from the extra weight. It only takes 12 gallons of water to add an extra 100 pounds. On the other hand, a slow water leak can cause wood rot and mold growth on the wooden joists.
However, leaks are usually a sign of a bigger problem. They won't go away on their own, and they can cause water damage that costs thousands of dollars to fix.
Standard homeowners insurance policies usually cover structural damage on your property. This includes your foundation, ceiling, flooring, roof and more. Your policy protects these structures under dwelling coverage in the event of unexpected damage.
While mold and fungus are typically excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies, they are covered if they are the result of a covered incident.