Signs You May Need Ceiling Water Damage Repair

People often search for "water damage repair near me"  when they realize their home has a leak. Unfortunately, ceiling leaks can go on for a long time before property owners realize their home or business has structural damage and needs professional restoration services. 

The problem with water damage on ceilings is that they can cause substantial property destruction without quick intervention. Know when to contact a water damage restoration company by learning these signs of ceiling water damage.

Common Signs of Water Damage on Ceilings

A common assumption about ceiling leaks is that they stem from roof damage. Though a leaky roof can lead to water damage inside a building, damage can also occur from burst pipes, overflowing sinks or bathtubs, and excessive condensation inside the house from insufficient insulation or ventilation.

Start the online search for "water damage repair near me" if these signs of water damage are present inside a residential or commercial property.

Musty Smells

Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments. Colonies can grow as quickly as 24 to 48 hours after a flood. Still, even slow leaks can expedite fungal growth, especially if decaying matter is present. 

Indoor fungal growth usually carries a musty odor. In some cases, people notice the unpleasant smell of mildew before seeing visible traces of the colonies. The stronger the smell, the worse the water damage and mildew growth are.

Mold or Mildew 

If a room smells musty without a clear cause, mold and mildew are likely the cause. The smell often accompanies other symptoms like coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and other allergy-like symptoms. Breathing in too many mold spores can also trigger asthma or produce upper respiratory problems in sensitive groups.

Another sign of mold and mildew is black or green spots or streaks forming on the ceiling. Mold grows where there is moisture and decay. If it's on the ceiling, that's where the water damage is.

Discoloration or Water Stains on the Ceiling

Over time, leaks will pool on the ceiling and seep into the material, leaving behind a yellowish-brown or reddish stain. They can be any shape or size, and persistent leaks will cause the spot to grow steadily, making it more noticeable. 

Sagging Ceiling

Sometimes water damage can be excessive enough to cause substantial damage to a portion of the ceiling and create a sag or bulge. This is a dangerous situation because the ceiling could collapse at any time due to the weakened construction materials and the weight of the water. If the ceiling falls, it can lead to substantial damage and possible injuries to the previously unaffected areas of the room. 

Peeling, Cracked, or Bubbling Paint

Even if the ceiling doesn't sag, its paint might. Excess moisture can damage ceiling paint before the water breaks through the ceiling entirely. For instance, water can pool behind the paint to make a bubble, or it can start peeling or cracking in a spiderweb pattern.

When to Seek Water Damage Restoration

If a property owner notices one or more signs of ceiling water damage, they should immediately contact a water damage company. Reputable technicians specializing in water damage can assess the property, find the source of the leak, and begin the restoration process by following these steps:

• Site Inspection: The restoration crew will thoroughly inspect the property to find the source of the leak and the extent of the water damage.
• Water Removal: The team will use commercial-grade extractors to remove water from affected yet salvageable materials.
• Unsalvageable Material Removal: For items the team can't restore, they will haul them out of the building. They alert the property owner of all materials they remove during the restoration process.
• Cleaning and Sanitizing: After removing water and nonrestorable items, the restoration team will clean and sanitize water-damaged surfaces, like flooring, walls, and ceilings. 
• Drying and Air Purification: The restoration specialists will use powerful equipment to deodorize the property and dry hidden moisture. 
• Damage Repairs: The team will conclude the restoration process by performing necessary services like drywall replacement and painting to get the property to its pre-damage condition. 

Contact ABC Environmental Contracting Services for Water Damage Restoration

Many St. Louis, MO, residents discover ABC Environmental Contracting Services when they need "water damage repair near me." The fully licensed and insured company has over a decade of experience providing various services to clients throughout the area, like fire and water damage restoration, flood cleanup, mold removal, asbestos removal, and content cleaning. 

Their IICRC-certified technicians offer 24/7 availability for all emergencies. Call ABC Environmental Contracting Services at (314) 668-1509 to request a free estimate.