Coming downstairs one morning and finding your living room more like a swimming pool is disturbing. Or perhaps as you’re eating supper, water starts to drip in from the ceiling!
The first thing you should do if water is dripping from your ceiling is to remain calm. While it may be very tempting to worry, the water may still seep through your ceiling, causing further damage.
In just a few easy steps, we’ll walk you through what to do if water is dripping from your ceiling.
Summary
The most common reason water is leaking from the ceiling is a burst pipe. When a burst pipe causes water to leak from the ceiling, the person you should call about the damage is a plumber. When the roof is causing water to leak from the ceiling, a roofer is a person you should call about the damage.
Here’s everything we’ll go over in this article:
Who to Call For Water Damage In The Ceiling?
To prevent serious water damage, it’s critical to fix the cause of any roof leaks as away. What appears to be a small leak from a rainy day may be a roofing problem that has been present for some time but is only now manifesting as a leak. By contacting your local roofing business, you can ensure that your home’s roof is protected against minor leaks and serious structural issues.
Calling in a professional roofing firm will not only treat the leak’s source but is who you should call for water damage in the ceiling. However, the roofing contractor will also perform a thorough roof inspection to look for hidden roofing issues that could cause leaks down the road.
Common reasons it’s happening
A damaged roof frequently leaves “footprints” on your ceiling that can be seen from within your home. Unsightly stains may form in the affected ceiling sections if water has penetrated your shingles or from another source. If you’re unlucky, you might find some dark brown or yellowish spots growing on your ceiling. It might even be completely damaged.
Here are the most common reasons your ceiling is leaking:
- Burst pipes
- Roof leaks
- Issues with appliances
Are you ready for it?
1. Burst Pipes
Damages are especially frequent in the winter when the temperatures can drop to extremely low levels. Burst pipes frequently cause ceiling leaks. When the water inside pipes rapidly cools down, it expands and creates pressure. With the increasing pressure, if the pipe cannot withstand the added pressure, that might cause a burst.
A burst pipe may result in significant flooding, harming the area and destroying things like the ceiling stated earlier. Water lines that enter the bathroom from upstairs or pipes that go to the laundry room from above are two examples of places that may be more susceptible to burst. Water from ruptured pipes may have a lighter tint and be almost clear since it has been filtered.
2. Roof Leaks
A roof leak is most frequently the result of cracked shingles, an inadequately ventilated attic, or access to the exterior, such as a chimney or a vent. Your home’s interior will become exposed to the elements if your roof leaks, which will cause a moist attic and ceiling below. At any time of the year, damage to your roof is possible. Therefore it’s important to inspect it regularly. Watch for any indications of probable roof leaks. It may be a sign that the roof is to blame if the water emanating from the leak is stained or brown in color.
A prime illustration of what could result in some roofing damage is the dramatic temperature swings that occur throughout the winter. An “ice dam” will develop beneath your shingles when outside weather frequently freezes and thaws the snow on the roof. These dams could let a lot of water into your house.
Here are signs to look out for
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Damaged flashing
- Wet roof decking
- Water spots on the ceiling
3. Flawed Appliances
This issue should only be considered if your property has a second story that houses appliances like:
- refrigerators
- dishwashing machines
- and washers.
These appliances’ supply and drain lines are susceptible to breakage. It might cause water to seep out onto the floor underneath the unit. This water will damage the ceiling below by permeating the floor.
Also, leaks may be visible behind or beneath the appliance before advancing through the roof. The water from leaks brought on by broken appliances is more likely to be clear, similar to when a pipe bursts.
Here’s a look at some of the different causes to look for.
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Clogged gutters | When gutters are clogged with debris, water can back up. It can seep into the roof, which causes leaks. |
| Damaged shingles | If shingles are missing, water can penetrate the roof. It will eventually cause leaks. |
| Improper flashing | Flashing is the material used to seal the areas where the roof meets walls and chimneys. Damaged flashing can cause water to seep into the roof. |
| Poor attic ventilation | If there is not enough ventilation in the attic, warm moist air can build up. It can cause condensation on the underside of the roof. |
| Plumbing leaks | Water leaks in the plumbing can cause leaks. |
