Why is there a wet spot on my ceiling?

1/16/2023 (Permalink)

Letting a water spot go untreated may lead to further damage such as mold growth or higher maintenance costs.

Water spots on your ceiling are caused by excess moisture that has seeped through the above drywall, and has sat there long enough to leave a mark.

And what creates this excess moisture? A common source is condensation, but water spots can also form due to roof leaks, plumbing leaks, or hard water. Condensation can form around air vents or ducts when cool air from your AC unit comes in contact with the hotter air in your home, or vice versa with your heater unit in colder temperatures. Roof leaks can be caused by heavy rain or snow. Plumbing leaks can be caused by many factors, usually a broken or clogged pipe. Heavy accumulation of chalky deposits around faucets due to hard water can eat away pipe cavities over time, leading to drips and water spots.

There are many possible causes of water spots around your home and on your ceiling, here’s what to do if that happens:

Taking care of water spots

Water spots are best taken care of the sooner the better. Letting a water spot go untreated may lead to further damage such as mold growth or higher maintenance costs. Do not ignore water spots! Simply painting over the damaged area will only be a temporary cosmetic fix and will not lead to long term resolve such as replacing a broken pipe, upgrading insulation, installing a water softening system, etc.

Once the issue at hand is addressed and you’re looking for a Do-IT-Yourself (DIY) remedy to hide the stain, apply a mild cleaning solution bleach solvent (one part bleach and 3 parts warm water), apply a base coat of stain-blocking primer, and a thin layer of ceiling paint. If the issue needs more than a quick fix, call SERVPRO.

Getting rid of water stains can be time consuming without professional help, especially if there is mold growth present or more serious underlying issues. SERVPRO of Northwest & Northeast Cincinnati can inspect and test the area for mold, and suggest best actions to be taken to remediate the issue. We are your one stop shop for water damage restoration and reconstruction! If you notice a water spot on your ceiling, call us today to set up your FREE estimate: 513-541-3200.

We’re Here to Help.