Friday, February 3, 2017

A Leaking Ceiling Doesn't Always Mean a Leaking Roof

Water damage to your ceiling can be a very stressful problem for commercial property owners. Not only does it pose a couple of different problems, but finding the source and fixing the issue can be a strenuous task. The earlier you take action after noticing a leak in your ceiling, or a water stain, the better.

There are a couple of different reasons why a leaking ceiling should concern property owners. The first, while definitely the least important issue, is one that can help people identify and prevent larger issues. Leaking ceilings are often accompanied by water stains. They most often look like coffee colored circles around the leak.

While a water stain on your ceiling does not always indicate an active leak, they should not be taken likely. Finding and fixing the leak as soon as you notice a water stain could help prevent more serious damage. While water stains may not bother all property owners, the more serious issues they can present should not be overlooked. One issue that leaks in the ceiling are often accompanied by is mold. Mold can potentially contaminate the air and be harmful to tenants and visitors.

However, the biggest threat that a leaking ceiling presents to a property owner is affecting the structural integrity of the ceiling. Over time, as water continues to leak and build up in the drywall of the ceiling, the extra weight added by the moisture can cause the ceiling to collapse. The possibility of something this dangerous should alarm owners to take action against leaking ceilings.

A very common cause of a leaking ceiling is a leaking roof. However a leaking ceiling doesn't always mean a leaking roof. The leak can be caused by a variety of different sources. It is important to look into all of the potential sources when looking for the cause of a leak. Here are a few things to keep in mind when determining if a leak is stemming from the roof.

1. Does the ceiling only leak while it is raining? If leaks from your ceiling correspond with rainy weather, it is likely that the leaking ceiling is caused by a leak in the roof. However, if the ceiling leaks no matter the weather, it is likely caused by another issue.

2. Take a close look at the water. If the water appears dirty or leaves a colored stain on your ceiling, it is likely coming from a leak in the roof. If the water seems clean, there is a good chance it is coming from the plumbing.

If you have determined that the leak in the ceiling isn't caused by a leaking roof, the next step is investigating the internal source of the water.

One of the most common causes of ceiling leaks is faulty plumbing. A professional should look at the area surrounding the leak for issues with the plumbing. A moisture meter can be used to determine if there is an active leak or if the water damage is from a past issue. Common problems with plumbing include old pipes or pipes that are no longer sealed correctly.

While not as common, there are other potential causes of the leak worth looking into. If the leak is in a bathroom, the source of water could be an exhaust fan. If the vent is not properly insulated, the moisture collected by the exhaust fan can condense and start to leak. Another potential cause of a leaking ceiling is a buildup of frost in attics or surrounding exterior walls.

No matter where the water is coming from, it is important to deal with the issue as early as possible. The most important step in fixing a leak is finding and correcting the source of the water. Repairing or replacing the ceiling will not help very much if the leak is not dealt with.

If you have any questions, please give us a call at (267) 327-4680. We’re a commercial roofing company in New Jersey, and we’re more than happy to help you explore your options and identify the best solution for your commercial buildings.