Signs of a leaking ceiling
A ceiling leak can be as obvious as water dripping from the ceiling onto the floor, musty smells, ceiling fixtures full of water, or a sagging ceiling. Most ceiling leaks are persistent, not one-off or isolated problems. The leak does not just pass through the ceiling, but it can also continue and drip down the side walls.
If you see signs of water on the top floor, the leak might be from the roof. To assess the situation, use a ladder to open the access hatch and check. Are there signs of water like a mildew smell, brownish stains, or wet insulation? If so, you’ve likely got a roof leak. If you see water dripping from the lower floor ceiling, it could be because of wear and tear of the waterproof membrane and screed in the floor slab or you have an external wall crack.
Paint blistering
Blister paint is also a sign of moisture problems of some kind. Paint is strong enough to hold in water, water passes through the ceiling drywall or plaster and is held back by the paint layer.
Dark or yellowish water spot
The leaking water is often dark-coloured and it will stain white or light ceilings or walls. It may have a smell or the water might be clear and odor-free.
Cause of leaks
A leaking ceiling can often appear after raining or flushing a toilet or taking a shower. Dried ceiling patches may even indicate previous ceiling leaks. Condensation is not a ceiling leak, though the two can be confused for each other. Ceiling condensation is often the result of a poorly ventilated area which can result in mold or mildew stains on the surface.
If you see a small brown spot on the ceiling that seems to keep expanding even though it hasn’t been raining in your area or there is dripping going on for no apparent reason, the problem is likely caused by a leaking plumbing pipe. Sometimes, the leak may be caused by the air conditioning condensation drain pipe if they’re routed through the ceiling. Many plumbing leaks happen slowly because of tiny leaks from the pipe joints.
If the ceiling of a sheltered outdoor walkway is leaking, the most common problem is the sealant between the shelter panels joint has worn out. This causes opening or cracks between the sealant and the shelter panels which results in water leaks, especially after rain.
Leaving water leakage issues untreated can lead to further problems like rot, structural damage, and mold or mildew growth. Although there are different ways to fix the leaking problem of your walkway ceiling, it is best to contact an expert to help you solve this.
An experienced and knowledgeable waterproofing specialist contractor can detect and isolate the leakage areas and specifically repair the affected areas.
With more than 20 years of experience in waterproofing, SWC Construction is committed to providing professional advice and solutions to your water leakage problem.