Suspect a Ceiling Leak? Identify Where It’s Coming From and Have It Repaired ASAP!
Ceiling leaks in your home often indicate you have a plumbing, roofing or rain gutter problem. These leaks can cause all kinds of problems in your home, but taking quick action will help thwart the ensuing water damage to your home and its structure. Water leaks can cause serious problems in your home associated with mold and mildew growth, along with drywall and wood rot.
These tips can help you identify the source of ceiling leaks:
- Narrow it down to its type. If you notice the leak only when it’s raining, check the gutters. Clogged gutters can force draining rain water or melting snow to back up. As it does, it may go beneath the flashing and leak into the attic, where it then drips down onto your ceilings. Keeping your gutters and downspouts clean will stop the problem.
- Head to the attic with a flashlight and look at the roof deck for any discolorations or wet areas to get an idea of where your roof might be leaking. Water always flows from the highest to the lowest point, so the actual leak may not be where you find the problem. Inspecting the roof from the attic during the day may reveal any places where you see light coming through, indicating the roof deck has a hole.
- Inspect the roof itself, looking for raised, missing or damaged shingles. You should also inspect the joints around the roof and the flashing around pipes and vents for a tight seal.
- Plumbing leaks can cause ceiling leaks in areas beside or below them. If the dampness doesn’t dry out, suspect a leaky pipe. Check the cabinet bases above the sinks to see if they’re damp or wet. The problem could be a loose drainpipe, a supply line, or a leaking toilet.
Plumbers and handymen can help you fix the source of the leaks, and soon is always better than later with moisture leaks. If you’ve noticed any ceiling leaks, contact the pros at Apollo Home Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We’ve provided superior services for Greater Cincinnati homeowners since 1910.
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