How Do I Know If I Have Water Damage In my Ceiling?

Worried you may have water damage in your ceiling? Well let’s find out! Water damage gets into our homes through inadequate sections of the roof. Loose shingles, cracks, flawed vents, and things of the like leave room for water to seep into your roof and into your ceiling. Though the water sneaks in, it cannot hide for long, as its characteristics are obvious and quite noticeable.

Two clear ways to detect water damage in your ceiling are sight and smell. Whether it is the filthy dark yellow stain on the ceiling, the sagging of the sheet rock, or the retched smell the stain is emitting, we are happy to guide you to resolving your issue.

Sight:

One of the first clues you may receive that you have water damage may be the actual sight of it. The water creates one of the most unattractive stains you have ever seen on your ceiling. Dirty and yellow in color, the stain can be large or small. The discoloration is a sure sign that somehow somewhere water was leaked onto your ceiling. When you notice this you should take a long hard look at any metal fixtures around the site as well. We are searching for signs of rust. Be sure to additionally check any fixtures in the attic for the same rusty finish. If you see red rust at any point, you may have an extensive case of water damage as rust takes a bit of time to develop. This would mean the metal had been exposed to the water for a extended period of time.

You may also notice sagging or bulging of the ceiling which is yet another sign pointing to water damage. These are also indications that you may have mold growing as a result of the water damage. Sheet rock, ceilings, and wood are all surfaces that facilitate the growth and multiplication of bacteria. The bacteria are attacking the fibers of your ceiling and can even cause it to cave in or sag so much that it busts open.

Another visual implication that you may have water damage is rotting wood. Rotting wood warps and curls as a result of water damage and is not a pretty sight. Plywood or Formica will de-laminate, or peel, as a result of the water. Look for this as it is usually easy to spot.

Smell:

If the sight of water damage sounds unpleasant, just wait until you smell the repulsive stench it releases. As if the ceiling blemish was not bad enough, the smell is arguably a worse side effect. Sour, foul, musty, and rotten are all words used to describe this odor. The filthy smell is magnified in this overly hot Florida climate we are living in. As the heat comes in the smell intensifies. Breathing in mold-infested air is extremely unhealthy and can have detrimental effects to your lungs and body. The most common side effect is an allergic reation.  As previously stated, mold is in the ideal breeding zone once growing in the ceiling, sheet rock, or wood. Mold reproduce by forming tiny spores that are not visible to the naked eye so it is quite taxing to stop once it has started. It manifests and is difficult to remove completely. Furthermore, the mold causes staining and cosmetic damage. 

Prevention of Water Damage:

If you do in fact have water damage in your ceiling, hurry to get it repaired. Following repairs, there are some precautions you should take to ensure you do not have the problem again. They are important to keep your family safe and healthy.

• Inspect the roof –  Time to get down and dirty! Get up on that roof and check thoroughly for signs of weakness anywhere on the surface. Look for loose or missing shingles and any flaws that you can detect. If you do happen to find an issue with a shingle, repair it right away. This is a much simpler task than handling water damage after it has affected your ceiling.
• Check the Vents – While you are already on the roof, inspect any and all vents that lead into your home. Look for any vulnerable spots that may affect the vents performance. Water can easily sneak in here and especially with the harsh weather we face in Florida.
• Inspect the air conditioner – take a look at the A/C’s drain pan to ensure water is not congregating inside of it. Also see that it is installed properly for best use.  
• Check the Humidity in your home –If you have the ability to, take a look at the humidity level in your home. It should be between 30 and 50 percent and certainly no more than fifty. If you can not check the humidity through a sensor then look for other signs of excess humidity. Signs include musty or mildew-like smells, discolored or dirty stains, or a surplus amount of condensation on the windows. Using exhaust fans in the bathroom when showering helps to draw the moisture away from the air you and your family are breathing in on a daily basis.  Running the centralized air unit helps to create a good airflow throughout the house which proves to be beneficial in keeping the humidity at an acceptable level.

These are not the only precautions you can take to prevent reoccurring ceiling water damage. Our experts at Accutech want to keep you protected and get you ready for any type of weather.

Contact us today!

If you smell or are seeing any signs of water damage in your ceiling, give Accutech a buzz to inquire about your ceiling repair. Rest assured we would be thrilled to take a look at it for you. For your health and safety and for the health and safety of your family, call today! We proudly serve Sarasota, Longboat Key, Northport, Bradenton, and the surrounding areas  with friendly service and cutting edge technology. Living in these beautiful tropical areas of Florida we face a harsh hurricane season so be sure to be prepared before it arrives this year!  We can happily help you with any of your water damage needs.

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