You Can Fix Ceiling Water Damage

While laying in bed or relaxing in front of the television, you suddenly feel dripping on your forehead. Looking up, you notice that the water is dripping from the ceiling and there is a wet spot. Isn't this just what you need right now?

How do you determine what is causing the ceiling water damage and how do you fix it? It's likely you have no experience with things like this, but don't want to pay out the nose either. Luckily, there are a few things you can try in order to fix the problem on your own.

The cause of your water damage

Because there is so much insulation in ceilings, by the time you see the water leaking through, it is likely that the problem has already been there for some time. You'll need to determine the cause in order to fix it and there are several possibilities.

Ceiling water damage is generally caused by either a leaking roof, faulty plumbing or pipes and condensation. Leaky roofing is a common cause, so if you notice the leakage is more common during rain storms, this is a good thing to check first.

Damaged pipes are also a good guess, but can mimic roof damage if the pipe only has a slow leak. Condensation can also be mistaken for leaking pipes.

It' s a good idea to turn off the water and electricity to the area. The first thing you will want to do is open up the ceiling in the affected area. This can be quite a disruption, but you should be able to do this part on your own if you don't want to pay a contractor.

Clean the room of furniture and belongings. Cover the carpet, if necessary, with a plastic tarp in case of further leakage. You will then want to open up the ceiling right around the area of damage.

Mold, Mildew and Musty odors

First, check for mold. This is a common problem associated with water damage and you will probably require professional help if it's present.

You may not be able to determine the cause of ceiling water damage right away, as there's a lot of stuff up there. Pull out the insulation so you'll get a better view, and look around for signs of the common causes.

Once you get an idea what is causing your leakage, you can determine whether it's something you can fix on your own.

If a leaking pipe is the problem, it may be possible to patch or wrap the leak without having to remove the whole pipe. Even if you do need to replace a section of pipe due to ceiling water damage, you can do this on your own. You can purchase pieces at a plumbing supply or hardware store where they can also give you tips on the installation process.

Roof leaks can be fixed by pulling up the faulty portion of tiles or shingles and replacing the affected area.

DIY or hire a contractor?

Finding out that your home is affected by ceiling water damage can be alarming, but it's very possible to diagnose and fix the problem on your own.

Open the ceiling and check for the common causes. Once you decide what the source is, you can either proceed to fix it yourself or hire a professional to come in and take care of it for you.