Having a leak in your ceiling but not knowing how, why, or what to do next can be frustrating. It’s time to act before the leak worsens. In this article, you’ll learn what causes ceilings to leak, what to watch out for, and how to dry out a wet ceiling.
Roof Leak
It doesn’t matter when it rains, your roofing materials can leak. Rainfall in spring and summer can, of course, increase the risk, but winter offers just as much opportunity for your roof to leak.
Ice dams can form underneath your roof shingles when snow freezes and thaws. A roof leak is likely to be the culprit of your ceiling leak if the leak originates from your attic or along your home’s eaves.
A Plumbing Leak
In case the ceiling water damage is located near a bathroom or kitchen, then a plumbing leak is likely to be the cause. Bathroom caulk can often wear away over time, causing water to seep into your walls and drip down into your ceiling.
Sometimes, plumbing connections and pipes can come loose. In the summer and winter, pipes can sweat.
Burst Pipes
In addition to being a beautiful time of the year, winter can also present some significant issues. In the coldest parts of the year, a burst pipe can cause a ceiling leak. A burst pipe is caused by water expanding inside your pipes. If you notice a leaky ceiling, take note of the temperature, as this can help you diagnose it relatively quickly.
A Leaking Appliance
In most cases, our home appliances make our lives easier. Besides, we don’t have to wash our dishes or clothing by hand anymore! We didn’t think we’d ever have the technology to create water or ice in our refrigerator. Still, even though they bring much-needed convenience to our lives, they can cause water damage.
A malfunctioning appliance is often the cause of ceiling leaks. Both dishwashers and washing machines have drain lines and water supply lines. Refrigerators are also now plumbed.
The good news is that most broken appliances will leak water out of their fronts, so you can notice and act quickly. However, not all broken appliances will leak water. There are times when appliances leak from the back, causing water to leak through your ceiling if they are placed on the second floor.
How to Notice a Leaking Ceiling
Thankfully, ceiling leaks are easier to detect than gas leaks. That doesn’t mean they won’t cause damage, but at least you can take action.
Water is Leaking from Your Ceiling
A ceiling leak is easily identifiable by the fact that water is flowing from the ceiling. Find the leak quickly by checking all your appliances and looking for roof damage.
Brown or Yellow Water Spots
Brown or yellow spots may indicate a small leak if you notice one or more of them. In some cases, little rings of these spots appear where water has penetrated your ceiling, dried, then leaked again. Despite looking dry to the touch, the spots indicate a leak.
The Ceiling is Sagging
A sagging ceiling is an indication that there is a moderately serious water leak. Your ceiling materials begin to sag as water is absorbed into them. All types of ceilings can sag when there’s a leak, including drywall, plaster, and drop tiles.
Paint or plaster is cracked or peeling
Cracked or peeling plaster or paint is a sure sign that you have a small leak in your ceiling. Water can bubble up the paint or peel it off, while wet plaster cracks due to shrinking and expansion.
Now that you’ve identified the problem, how do you dry a wet ceiling?
Leak detection and identifying their causes are half the battle. Now you have to figure out how to dry the ceiling.
- Repair the Leak Source
Drying a wet ceiling without addressing the cause of it makes little sense. The problem will persist. You might need to fix your roof, an appliance, a pipe, or your plumbing as part of this process.
- Dry Your Ceiling
The best way to dry a wet ceiling is to call a company like Le Fong Waterproofing Contractor, which can take care of the job for you. Fans and dehumidifiers for the home won’t do. In most cases, you will need high-volume equipment that can dry a larger area more quickly.
Le Fong Waterproofing Contractor uses leading-edge drying technology sometimes. You can use a moisture meter to determine if your ceiling is completely dry or not.
- The Final Touches
You may not have to replace your ceiling panels if there is no significant leak. It may be possible then to make small touch-ups and minor repairs. Clean the ceiling to remove debris and dust. Apply drywall mud or plaster to any cracks and gaps.
Use a sealing primer to block water spots. If your ceiling is undamaged, apply two coats of paint or more while feathering them.
Take Action Fast
The most important thing to realize about ceiling leaks is that they won’t stop by themselves. Whether it’s a pipe leak, roof leak, or something else, there is always a cause. Acting quickly is vital.
