Ceiling water damage is an issue that every Minnesota homeowner needs to be aware of. It is a problem that can quickly grow from a small, largely cosmetic fix to a major structural problem. It can have many causes – most of which are hidden from normal view. In this article, we will explain how to spot ceiling water damage, what typically causes it, and how to get help from a trusted restoration company.
Spotting ceiling water damage early on is critical – stopping the problem before it spreads can prevent costly repairs and even health problems for the residents of your property. Here is what you need to watch out for at your Twin Cities home, business, or rental property.
Water Stains
Water stains can appear in many different colors and sizes, but what they all have in common is their source – a leak behind your ceiling.
Ceiling Cracks
Both straight and webbed cracks in your ceiling can be signs of moisture from leaks.
Saggy Ceiling
A leaking roof or pipe will allow water to accumulate, making your ceiling sag, bow, or even collapse.
Peeling Paint
Too much moisture in your ceiling can make the paint peel, and water can collect in small and even large bubbles.
Mold and Mildew
In wet ceiling materials, mold and mildew can grow quickly. If you see mold on your ceiling, it means there is too much moisture, either in the room or leaking from above.
Musty Smells
Even if your ceiling looks fine, a musty, moldy, or rotten smell may indicate the presence of water damage.
Now that you know how to spot water damage in your ceilings, let’s explain the common causes. Understanding these can help you prevent problems before they happen.
Freezing Minneapolis winter temperatures or everyday plumbing problems can cause pipes to have huge, sudden breaks or small, slow leaks. Both can cause major problems and can be tough to spot as most of your home’s plumbing is typically hidden.
A leaking roof and winter ice dams that force water under your shingles and into your home can allow water to seep into your ceiling and cause major damage.
Bathrooms and kitchens often have higher levels of moisture than the rest of your home, so these rooms can experience ceiling damage caused by excessive humidity.
While you should always keep an eye on the condition of your home, It’s particularly important to look for these signs of water damage on your ceilings after extreme weather like heavy rain, snow, or hail. Ceiling water damage is often a sign of issues hidden deep within your property, so getting professional help with finding the problem, stopping it, and repairing it is critical.
At Green Clean, we have the knowledge and equipment needed to detect hidden leaks. We have advanced moisture mapping and leak detection tools to help us accurately identify the source of your water damage and ensure a complete and safe restoration process.
When you spot it early and take quick action to get help, water damage to ceilings is usually simple to repair. If you wait, it can spread and get much worse: Potential problems like dangerous mold growth and even structural damage to your St. Paul home can happen. If you have noticed any of the signs of ceiling water damage listed above, contact Green Clean right away. We can be on-site quickly to stop the problem, protect your property, and get life back to normal for you as quickly as possible.