SERVPRO of Metairie explains how to fix ceiling water damage

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary:  The water restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Metairie highlight the steps you can take to fix a water-damaged ceiling.

Water, despite its many benefits, can wreak unimaginable havoc when it comes into contact with your property. When it comes in contact with your ceilings, it can make them look unsightly or, worse, damage the ceiling to the point where it collapses and falls apart.

These situations can be avoided if you address water damage quickly and seriously. The water damage repair professionals at SERVPRO of Metairie have outlined the causes of ceiling damage and how to fix it.

Common Causes of Ceiling Water Damage

The most common causes of water leaks in ceilings are plumbing issues or roof leaks. Slow leaks that lead to yellowish-brown spots cause the majority of the ceiling water damage.

Although seeing water spots on your ceiling may not seem like a serious problem, a significant leak can quickly cause water to burst through your ceiling.

Simple Steps to Fix Water Damage to the Ceiling

1. Safety First

Prior to addressing any water damage, especially in the ceiling, make sure it is safe to do so. Because ceiling water damage often involves electrical wiring, it is imperative to make sure there is no risk of electrocution prior to attempting to perform water removal. Shut off the power to the affected area, or the property at the electrical panel only if it is safe to enter the property. Hire a professional restoration service and wait for their arrival if you are unsure it is safe to enter or touch.

2. Turn off Water Sources

Before you can start making repairs after a water damage incident, you must first of all address the water source. Doing this is important to avoid any future water damage. If the source of water is not turned off or repaired before ceiling water damage repair takes place, the ceiling will be further damaged which will make your repair efforts go to waste.

Since water can spread, the source of the damage could be far away from the ceiling. So, once you've discovered it, you should immediately get all necessary repairs or replacements done to stop the water from flowing. 

3. Dry Affected Areas

Once the water source has been fixed, the affected parts of the ceiling can then be dried to begin the restoration process. You’ll need towels and a fan to clean and dry the ceiling. You need to keep drying and fanning the ceiling until it’s no longer saturated. You may need to puncture the ceiling if it’s bulging to release any held-up water.

Consider putting a bucket and tarp on the floor before you start the process to help prevent flooring damage.

4. Remove the Damaged Sections

Ceilings can become saturated beyond repair. In that case, you’ll have to remove that part of the ceiling. Heavily water-infiltrated wallboards will sag or collapse when touched. 

Then place cloths or tarps on the floor and remove any part of the ceiling that is swollen or visibly affected.

5. Carry out Necessary Ceiling Repairs

Once you’ve removed unsalvageable materials and thoroughly dried the area, the next step is to repair any part that can be salvaged and replace the parts you removed. Measure the holes in the areas where you cut out. Then, to cover the hole, cut out a new piece of the same material that is larger than the original piece and use a utility knife to trim it down.

6. Seal and Paint the Ceiling after Priming it

After the plaster has dried, apply a sealing primer to the damaged area. Not only will this prevent water spots and stains from forming, but it will also prevent the ceiling from absorbing paint. It will take way more coats of paint if you don't use a primer. Before you apply your topcoat, apply a minimum of two coats of primer.

7. Hire a Water Damage Restoration and Cleaning Professional

Water damage is a massive emergency and it is critical to act quickly. The above-listed steps may sound simple in theory but are quite difficult in practice, which is why you should consider leaving the job to a professional water damage repair company like SERVPRO of Metairie. 

Water damage repair professionals can help in the restoration of water damage in homes and commercial spaces, including water-damaged ceilings. They will identify and fix the water source, and then proceed to clean, dry, and repair any damaged parts.

About SERVPRO of Metairie

SERVPRO of Metairie has been helping Metairie families and businesses battle unexpected water damage for years. Whether you are looking to restore your home, property, or commercial space, or simply want to establish water prevention and mitigation strategies, SERVPRO of Metairie can help. 

Their team is available 24/7 to help you with water damage repairs.

Contact SERVPRO of Metairie at (504) 496-0193 today to speak with one of their water restoration professionals.