There are a number of different possible causes of a water damaged ceiling. Water can seep in through cracks and holes in your roof, or it can leak from pipes or appliances. If your ceiling is damaged by water, you’ll need to take action quickly to prevent further damage and mould growth. Read on to learn more about what to do for water damaged ceiling repair.
Water Damaged Ceiling Repair
Due to the flooding earlier in 2022 in the area around the BetaBoard office, we have been writing a series of blog articles related to water damage repairs. Water damage to a ceiling is unlikely to have been caused by a flood unless the flooding was extensive like we had here in Brisbane. If the ceiling water damage was caused by flooding, then you’re also going to have water damage in your walls and in other parts of your property. This is a serious situation, and you should definitely call a professional contractor who specialises in flood damage repairs. But if the water damage to your ceiling is less extensive, it is possible for you to perform the repairs yourself. Here are our recommended steps for repairing a water damaged ceiling.
Step 1 – Damage Control
The first thing to do is limit the damage being done by the water that is getting into your ceiling. This can mean moving furniture, putting out buckets to catch drips and laying down tarps. This is important because water is heavy and as it collects and pools inside your ceiling and on top of the wet ceiling drywall, the possibility of a ceiling collapse increases. This also brings us to the next step in repairing a water damaged ceiling.
Step 2 – Locate the Source of the Water
Your next step is to locate the source of the water causing the damage. If you don’t know where the water is coming from then start by turning off the water at the mains in case the water is coming from a leaky pipe in the ceiling. If you live in a two-story house and the water damage is in the ceiling of the first floor, then a leaky pipe is the most likely source of the water. If the water damage is in the ceiling of the top floor, then the water is probably coming in from a leaky roof. Either way, you will need to repair the roof or the leaky pipe to prevent any future water damage. These kinds of repairs are best performed by a plumber or a roofing contractor.
Step 3 – Dry the Affected Area
After the source of the water has been isolated and repaired you can begin to dry the water damaged area. This is a very important step in water damaged ceiling repair, as moisture left in the ceiling cavity can lead to mould growth. Mould grows fast, so time is of the essence when it comes to the drying and repairs of wet ceiling drywall. If the water damage was caused by a small and slow leak in a pipe or in the roof, then you can probably let the area dry on its own. But if there was a lot of water involved from a massive roof leak or a burst pipe then you will need to cut holes in the ceiling to ventilate the ceiling cavity. This will allow for the inside of the ceiling to dry more quickly and thoroughly, and the drying can be helped along with the aid of some strategically placed fans or an industrial grade dehumidifier. If you’re not comfortable cutting holes in your ceiling or patching the holes later, then its best to call a professional contractor.
Step 4 – Repair the Plaster Ceiling Water Damage
Now you can begin the actual process of repairing the plaster ceiling water damage. How much repair work needs to be done will depend on how extensive the water damage is. If there is some small discolouration and the damage is light, you might be able to get away with repairing your ceiling with some spackle and paint. But if the damage is serious you will need to replace the plasterboard in your ceiling. You’ll know how extensive the plaster ceiling water damage is by the way that it looks. Is the ceiling drooping or has it partially caved in? You’ll need to replace the plasterboard if the answer is yes. If you’re not sure whether or not to replace the plasterboard, call a professional.
Where to Get Supplies for Ceiling Repairs
If your ceiling has been damaged by water, it’s important to repair it as soon as possible. Water damage can cause serious problems like mould and mildew growth, wood rot, and structural damage. Ceiling repairs can be expensive, but the cost of not repairing the damage can be even higher. When it comes to water damaged ceiling repair, the best place to get new plaster board is at BetaBoard. We carry all kinds of building and renovation supplies, including plasterboard and ceiling tile systems. If you’d like to browse our available material you can visit one of our 5 stores, or you can get in touch with us online.
