Keep the Sky from Falling – Watch for these Common Causes of Ceiling Damage
Your ceiling’s main purpose is to keep you protected from the elements, temperatures, debris, and the outside in general. A ceiling is also meant to hide our attics and insulation. We don’t typically give our ceilings too much thought, but once our ceilings start to show signs of damage, we need to act quickly to keep our homes protected!
Types of Ceilings Damage
Ceiling damage can occur in a few different ways. Here are a few of the most common types of ceiling damage and how to identify if there is a larger issue on your hands.
- Your ceiling is showing signs of staining. If you notice different discoloration on your ceilings, this could be due to a number of different issues. It doesn’t matter what color or shape – if you notice ceiling spots, it’s time to consider that there may be a problem.
- Cracks and spidering have started to appear. Ceiling cracks can form on your ceiling in either spiderweb patterns or straight lines. Cracks are a red flag that ceiling problems could get worse quickly.
- Bowed or sagging ceilings. Ceilings are typically level and straight. When ceiling damage is close at hand, ceilings can buckle, bow and sag under pressure.
- Paint starts to chip and peel. Just like walls, paint will stay on ceilings for many years. If you notice peeling paint, paint flakes on your floor, or cracking paint, it could be caused by hidden ceiling damage.
What Causes Ceiling Damage
The issues above a few ways that ceiling problems can present themselves. But what causes ceiling damage overall?
- Hidden water leaks are a large cause of ceiling damage. Stains, sagging ceilings, peeling paint – all of these are signs of hidden water damage. This could mean that water is sitting on top of your drywall. Causes of water damage could be a cracked pipe from an upstairs bathroom, a leaky roof dripping into the attic, or other issues. Calling in a professional like A&J Property Restoration is step number one. We will identify the problem, fix the issue, clean, and restore your home.
- Too much moisture can cause ceiling stains. Excess moisture is different from a water leak. Humidity or condensation can create damp dry wall (most common in bathrooms or kitchens). Mold or mildew thrive in these environments. Strategically placed humidifiers can help keep the humidity level normal and your ceiling clear of spots.
- Problems with your home’s structure can cause ceiling cracks that run the full length of your ceiling, and even down your wall. This could mean a wall stud is damaged that will eventually lead to more structural problems down the road. Have your home inspected right away if you notice sagging or cracks in your ceiling.
- Your home hasn’t aged gracefully. The age of your home will have a large impact on the structure of your home. Spider-webbing or hairline cracks will appear with age or typical wear and tear. Keeping an eye on these aesthetic issues will ensure they don’t grow into large problems.
Let A&J Property Restoration Help
A&J Property Restoration is here to help with water damage, mold and mildew issues, and other structural problems that may present themselves through ceiling damage. Call our specialists today to schedule an estimate today.
