Common Signs of Water Damage in Ceilings
If you see water dripping down from the ceiling to the floor in any of the areas of your commercial space, you won’t have any doubt that your ceiling has sprung a leak. But it’s not always that obvious. And it’s oftentimes difficult to know where the water is coming from.
There are some signs you should be on the lookout for if you suspect there’s a ceiling leak.
Bubbled Paint
One sign that you might have a leaking pipe in the ceiling is bubbled paint. If the roofing system on your commercial facility is compromised and lets water seep in, it could work its way down to your ceiling. And when the water makes its way through the plaster, it could lead to bubbling as the paint captures the water. You’ll want to investigate further if you noticed bubbled paint. It’s also a good idea to create the sort of corporate culture where staff can report these issues to management.
Musty Scent
Another sign of a leaking ceiling is a musty or rancid odor. If you notice that the interior environment has a mildewy scent, take notice. You should try to find the source of the smell. If you discover dampness on the ceiling, observe whether or not the foul smell is coming from that section. You’ll want this information when you call a professional to check things out.
Dampness After Weather Events
Do you notice dampness or dripping from your ceiling after certain weather events? Whether you notice this after it rains or in the spring when all the snow is gone, the dampness could be a sign that you have a leaking roof. You can get a plumber to investigate your situation further.
How to Check For Internal and External Signs of Ceiling Water Damage
It’s essential to look at both the interior and exterior for signs of a ceiling leak.
Exterior
It’s a good idea to check your gutters and downspouts. Do you get them cleaned at least twice a year during the spring and fall? If not, they will eventually fill up with leaves, branches, dirt, and other debris. Clogged gutters and downspouts will lead to water settling too close to the foundation of your business. And, yes, this can cause interior problems. Check out the gutters and downspouts if you notice a leaking ceiling in your office.
You should also check the roofing system. It’s usually recommended that business owners get their roofs inspected once a year—and even more times if there are any major storms or weather systems. If the roof shingles on your commercial roof are damaged or missing, water can eventually seep down and lead to a roof leak. It’s essential to get such problems tended to as soon as possible to avoid worsening.
Interior
Check collection points as part of your internal search for ceiling leaks. If you suspect you have a leak, it’s a good idea to look at the light fixtures. Why? The light fixtures on the ceiling happen to be the lowest points on the ceiling. So, there’s a chance water will collect there if there’s a ceiling leak. But don’t stop at the light fixtures—look on other surfaces as well.
You should also mark the area where the water is pooling. If you find water pooled on the ground, place a bucket under that part of the ceiling. You can also mark the area off with chalk or painter’s tape.
People may not think of cold weather when they think of Texas, but, as we’ve seen over the past year, any weather can happen here. That’s why it’s best to prepare for cold weather plumbing problems.
I Have Ceiling Water Damage, Should I DIY Repairs or Hire a Licensed Plumber?
There are several reasons why roof inspections and repairs are best left to professionals. Trying to do it yourself or getting an unlicensed professional to do it isn’t the answer.
DIY
Do you know what to look for? Do you want to risk getting on a ladder to examine the ceiling or climbing onto the roof to investigate the roofing system? Too many people wind up in hospital emergency rooms due to falls from ladders. It’s not worth the risk.
Professional
Your best bet is to retain the services or a professional to visit your home, assess the problem, recommend a solution, and fix the problem correctly the first time around. You’ll also get a warranty for the work performed, so you’ll be able to follow up if you have any issues.
Dealing With Ceiling Water Damage? Don’t Worry, Licensed Plumbers Will Get to the Heart of the Matter
There are many potential causes of ceiling leaks. A licensed professional will figure out the cause before recommending a fix. If a broken pipe in your commercial property is causing leaks the professional will address the problem so that the problem is fixed properly.
Struggling With a Leaky Ceiling? A&G Services Is Here to Help
A&G Services offers various mechanical, plumbing, and maintenance services. You can trust our highly trained technicians to leverage their extensive knowledge and experience to fix problems or provide solutions for your business. Don’t hesitate to get in touch when you need the best in commercial plumbing Dallas.
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