A leaking ceiling is a common issue in old or structurally weak homes. There could be several reasons ranging from poor quality of work to wear and tear and extreme weather conditions that could cause leakage. The biggest problem with leakage is tracking the main source. Sometimes, the water travels down other areas of the roof and makes it difficult to find the main problem. Plus, the leakage could be so small that it could be difficult to spot as well. We will discuss the leaking ceiling causes along with the solutions so that you are aware of how to identify and tackle the issue before it turns worse. Moreover, the leakage also encourage mold to grow so mold removal will be important as well.

Leaking Ceiling Or Roof

As mentioned earlier, it is no surprise that the majority of homes experience ceiling leakage at least once in their lifetime. Sometimes, it is due to the use of poor-quality materials or workmanship that results in cracks and water seeping into the ceiling.

In other cases, it could be due to extreme weather conditions causing damage to the roof of the house that might need repair and replacements. Finally, the age of the house also has to do with cracks, leaks, and damages. If the house is old and has not been maintained in a while, the roof components can turn weak as well.

This causes leakages as cracks eventually develop. The issue with roof leaks is that they are hard to spot in most cases. In the beginning, you might not be able to observe any signs & symptoms, as they might be very small. But, with time these cracks tend to grow and homeowners are able to spot them when the damage has been done.

Furthermore, if the signs of water leakage are small, homeowners assume that it can wait and take weeks or months to get the issue sorted out. What they do not realize is that the actual problem behind leakage maybe even worse. This will result in expensive repairs.

To fix the issue, you will need to perform an inspection and consult an expert. You will have to track down the leakage and try to find out the source. Plus, an expert on your side will know exactly where to look and will fix the issue without wasting much time and effort.

Common Reason For A Leaking Ceiling

In most cases, water leakage from a ceiling takes place due to one of the two major reasons. There is either plumbing issues (leaking pipes) or the roof is the culprit. Many roof problems can cause a leak. It can be something as simple as clogged gutters or something bigger like a hole or damaged shingles or anything else.

You would like to know how to determine if it’s anything minor or major. There are some signs that can show you the cause of the problem. For instance, if your roof starts to leak when it rains, it means the cause is blocked gutters, improperly sealed windows, or damaged roof flashing. In this case, the roof will not leak on a regular basis. But if you notice that the water is spilling directly below an upstairs toilet or shower after use, then this is going to demand serious attention.

In many cases, you might be able to fix it on your own using off-the-shelf products. But that is going to be a temporary fix. You will need to get down to the problem and fix it before it causes even more damage.

As the cause of the problem may require either a roofer or a plumber determining the reason of the leak is important. However, if you can’t determine, it’s okay to just begin with a roof inspection. Moreover, leakages cause mold growth so you would also need to consider mold remediation Rockville.

How To Deal With A Leaking Ceiling?

Often, the ceiling leaks start off small, which gives you the opportunity to spot the problem and fix it. But, in the worst-case scenarios, the damage might be even worse and won’t leave you with much time until the ceiling collapses. If you observe that your ceiling is bulging or pieces of drywall are falling, it is best that you clear the area as soon as possible.

Since the water will start to leak, the first thing you will need to do is catch it. Determine the exact location of the leakage and place a bucket or cover the leakage using duct tape. If the leakage cannot be stopped using duct tape, you will need to move the furniture and other items to prevent excess damage. 

Furthermore, if the leak happens to be due to a plumbing problem, you will need to make water use in that area as minimal as possible. If you are not able to determine the source of the leakage and the water flow is significant, you will have to cut off the main water supply. 

Plus, if extreme weather conditions have damaged the roof and water tends to be leaking from multiple areas, it is going to be harder to handle. In this case, you should create a hole in the ceiling so that the water instead of leaking through multiple holes, leaks through one.

Repair The Leak & Ceiling

Once the leakage is under control, you will need to inspect the ceiling/roof for the source. You will need to keep in mind that the leakage could be both very small and easily identifiable. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to spot the leakage. If the leakage is accessible, you might be able to repair it yourself.

But, if you are not able to identify the source of the leakage, you will need to narrow down your options and move step by step. First, you will need to see if it’s an interior or exterior issue. Then, you will need to start with the easiest repairs such as cleaning out the gutters.

However, if you find that the issue persists, the cause could be a damaged flashing, damaged or missing roof shingles, damaged roofing membrane, condensation in the attic, or others. So, you will need to consult an expert. Although, you might have fixed the leakage, but the issue could be somewhere else as well.

How To Find The Right Expert?

Finding the right expert is equally important and can be a bit troublesome considering the number of options out there. While searching for the right expert, you will come across many who are willing to offer their services at a lower market rate.

As tempting as it may seem, you should focus on quality and consider skills and expertise. If possible, go through their portfolio and give preference to those who are certified by the state. Roof leakages can be expensive to fix because it can take a lot of time and effort to fix the issue.

Try to gather multiple options and cross-compare them. Finally, select the one that offers the best package.

Conclusion

A leaking ceiling should be dealt with quickly so consult a roofer, a plumber, or a water damage restoration Bethesda service to begin. Plus, make sure to perform regular inspections and maintenance to spot and prevent expensive repairs and replacements. Spending on roof maintenance is a type of investment that will help keep the house in perfect condition and help fetch a better price should you decide to sell it in the future.