One moment you’re going about your day, and suddenly, you see drips of water coming from the ceiling. You grab a bucket and a towel to catch the drips while you try to figure out where it’s coming from.  Was it that recent storm, or is it a leaking water line? Either way, you need to do something to figure out what it is. Hopefully, you get to it before it causes further damage like staining or mold growth. 

Unfortunately, it’s not always that easy to realize you have a water leak somewhere. Sometimes the signs of damage can be hard to spot because you’re unfamiliar with them, or they are behind the wall or under the floor. This blog will open your eyes to the seven most common signs of water damage on the ceiling. 

7 Signs of Water Damage on Ceiling

1. Water Stains or Brown Patches

As water collects on one side of the ceiling, it can leave blotches of yellow or brown discoloration. These are known as water stains, and they can be a sign of an active water leak or a past one. They may seem harmless, but a water stain can eventually lead to the ceiling collapsing. 

2. Mold on the Ceiling

Mold only needs three things to grow: water, a food source, and oxygen. Your ceiling already provides two of the ingredients—a water leak will provide the third. Mold can grow fast, spread to other surfaces, and devalue your property. It also promotes an unhealthy living environment and can even cause health complications.

Related Post: 7 Signs of Mold Growing in your Attic

3. Peeling Paint

Is your ceiling paint chipping, cracking, or peeling? Don’t just slap another coat of paint on it. Recognize it as a sign of water damage. Excess moisture can separate the paint from walls and ceilings, causing it to peel off. 

4. Ceiling Cracks

Ceiling cracks are easy to spot and another sign that you have a water damage problem. However, cracks aren’t so easy to spot in rooms or areas of your property that you don’t use often. That’s why you should inspect your ceiling regularly for any signs of damage. 

5. Condensation Droplets

Your ceiling should never appear damp or form droplets. If this happens, it’s likely to cause water damage to the interior of the ceiling. The droplets you are seeing on the exterior are due to a rise in indoor humidity.

6. Swollen Ceilings or Door Casings

If the ceiling appears swollen, you have a water leak in the roof or another part of the property. The wood in your ceiling absorbs the water causing it to swell up. You might also notice bubbles forming on walls and ceiling, which can interfere with opening or closing doors. 

7. Weird Smell

Do some parts of your home have a lingering musty smell? No matter how hard you clean the area, that musty smell won’t disappear. You have to find the source of the smell, which could be water damage on the ceiling. Although it’s an unpleasant smell, it at least helps you locate the source of the water. 

Call Northeast Power Dry for Ceiling Water Damage

As soon as you see one or more signs of ceiling water damage, you need to pick up the phone and call Northeast Power Dry. The longer you stand by, the more damage water can inflict. Before you know it, that small mold patch will turn into an infestation. That small brown spot could cave in your ceiling, Don’t wait; contact Northeast Power Dry right away. Our technicians are available 24/7 and will be on-site promptly to start the water damage restoration process. Before you know it, we’ll have your property back to its pre-loss condition. Call us at (848) 217-4742 or contact us online.