How to deal with ceiling water damage

Ceiling damage due to water is a very common problem in households as well as corporate buildings. The most popular reason behind this issue is heavy rainfall. Though it is also caused by waterlogging, leakage from a tap, bursting of pipes, or due to old stature of a building.

Let’s go through the steps about dealing with this issue:

Step 1

Remove all the commodities present under the ceiling

Foremost, we should remove all our belongings that are present beneath the ceiling to avoid wear and tear and then place a bucket under the ceiling if the water is still leaking to accumulate water.

Step 2

Locate the source of water

We should seek for the source that is responsible for the water damage and take appropriate action to stop it. If the source is rainfall, we must try to cover the ceiling from outside with a thick polythene sheet, to reduce the entry of water. If it was logged water, then drain it out with the help of a mug or wiper. If it was a running source of water like a tap or a pipe, then turn it off.

Step 3

Drying out the ceiling

In case, of mild water accumulation, the ceiling dries on its own in one or two days. But if the water molecules enter the ceiling, it remains moist, in such cases, we must turn on the heat radiator to facilitate drying. We can open windows to allow air to enter. If there is water accumulation from outside we can use a cloth to soak water and drain it. With the help of a screwdriver check if the water is still present in the cracks until you are sure that it is completely dried.

Step 4

Fixing mild damages

Mild damages can be easily fixed by any “Instant Leak Stop”. It is specially designed to prevent water damage due to wet cracks. It is manufactured by the top hardware companies and can fix the issue for one to three years. It is a ready-to-use mixture, made up of special cement and additives, hence can help in case of emergencies instantly.

Step 5

Fixing heavy damages

In cases, where heavy damage has occurred due to water, we must first find the dimensions of the damaged area using a scale or a measuring tape. With the help of a knife try to eliminate the scrapping surfaces of the ceiling. Use sandpaper to ensure that the surface is even. After that, check if the plasterboards are damaged, you need to replace them. You can coat the ceiling from outside with the help of cement or tar to make sure that the surface is intact. If the ceiling is still damaged from inside, coat it evenly with plaster.

Step 6

Removing the marks

To remove the marks of the plaster or the “Instant Leak Stop”, apply a layer of primer to the stained region. If required apply another layer of primer, when the first layer dries completely. The application of primer is necessary to avoid transparency. After this, we are good to go with the painting. If one layer is not sufficient, apply a second coat of paint. It is advised to paint the entire ceiling, to provide a smooth texture.

• If after following all these steps, you are still facing any issues, it is advised to seek professional help.
• While carrying out all these steps, personal safety must be ensured. You must wear gloves, safety goggles and helmets to avoid injuries.
• Children must not perform any of these activities without adult supervision.