What Professionals Do When Encountering Ceiling Leaks
Water leaks are signs of more severe problems. Finding one in your building is a red flag that needs immediate attention. Water coming from the building's ceiling is a sign that something is failing. When a roof displays water damage and leaking water, investigate either of the two systems: the plumbing or the roofing system
Before seeing any actual water dripping from the ceiling, a pro might notice other signs first. Peeling or blistered paint, discoloration, and buckling plaster or sagging drywall are some things they might see. These are some of the indications that professionals look for before tackling the problem.
Recognizing Roofing Leaks
There is almost no doubt that the most likely source of leaking water falling from the ceiling immediately below an attic space or directly below the roof surface is a hole. Other forms of damage in the shingles or other roofing material that make up the roof structure might also cause it.
When air conditioning devices with condensers in the attic aren't operating correctly or in some cases, they can cause leaks. Roofing system leaks can also manifest themselves through the following symptoms:
- Water from outside going into the building often picks up impurities along the way. Brown or dirty water is an indicator to keep an eye on.
- Leaks often occur after a storm or heavy rain. Water takes time to appear. If there are any during or after a rainfall, look for the source on the roof area.
- If there are ceiling leaking or damages with ice buildup along the building's eaves in a cold environment, they most certainly have ice dams allowing ice and water to backflow under the shingles and down the ceiling. Ice dams form along the roof's sides, and ceiling damage or leakage is always on the room's floor or sometimes on an outside wall, so the water is dripping directly through the walls.
- Finding soggy and damp insulation hints that there is a need to venture into the attic. Pull the wet insulation back and inspect the plaster or drywall underneath. This inspection is because the water flows, so it's not safe to assume that the damp is right above the wetness.
Recognizing Ceiling Leaks Due to Plumbing
An issue with the building's drainage pipes or plumbing fixtures is another significant cause of leakage from the roof. If the location of these drippings is on the rooftop or apparent water damage occurs under a toilet, kitchen, or within ceiling spaces where there are plumbing pipes, the issue is almost certainly because of either drain pipes or water supply.
There are two sources to look for when dealing with plumbing-related leaks. A persistent domestic water leak is possible, but a waste line leak would only emit water when a fixture is on. In addition, when using showers or tubs, water may leak outside the shower or tub and seep down through the concrete. Furthermore, leakage near toilets will result in water spilling onto the lower floor.
Note: Since the leak is from the pipe, it is often transparent and not dirty.
What Do They Do After Assessing Everything?
Identify the Location of the Damage: Finding the damage is the priority. The damage location will allow the repairs to proceed better because they can better assess how to approach the problem.
Preparing the Area for Repair: The damaged area needs clear, unobstructed access. The repairs could not commence if the site is inaccessible. This importance is especially true when doing roof repairs. Having ceiling and attic adjustable/removable access doors will improve safety when accessing the roof area.
Minimize More Damage: For the roof, patching up the hole as soon as possible is the best option. The pros would remove any water and dry or ventilate the entire area to reduce the chance of moisture creating more damage. For example, if there is pooling water on the roof and there is already a hole, they would drain it by drilling a hole in the center of the damage to drain the water and patching it all up once done.
Repair and Patch All the Damages: Using cement, sealants, and replacing the damaged fixtures is the last step that a pro would do. The same goes for the roof area, sealing all the holes and cracks. They would also clean up and reassess everything before leaving their contact details if there are more issues.
Identifying the red flags and knowing what to do when finding one takes skills and experience. It is not safe to risk doing anything without any prior knowledge or experience because the damage might become more extensive. If you need a fix for any roof-related leaks, call a professional right away and consult with them on what to do.