A water damaged ceiling may not be as serious as a category 3 water damage or a flooding situation, but left unattended, it can invite mold growth and weaken the structure of your property over time. Whether it is a broken pipe or the torrential downpour that led to it, the following steps will help you fix the issue.
Step 1 – Call the Professionals
This one is a no-brainer. Water damage restoration is NOT something that you should try on your own, as it can lead to a number of negative effects that can not only put your property at risk but can also lead to it being devalued. As soon as you notice signs of a water damaged ceiling, you should call STOP Restoration if you’re located anywhere in Fort Worth, Texas, or in the adjoining areas of Benbrook, Arlington, etc. However, there will be times when the professionals may not be able to reach you in time (maybe due to flooded roads, for example). In such situations, you might have to take matters into your own hands. If this is the case, then the following steps should be followed.
Step 2 - Stop the Water at the Source
The very first thing you need to ensure in such an endeavor is that the water is stopped at the source and the leak is taken care of. In case of a leaky roof, locate where the leak originates from and fix the roof leak first before you proceed can proceed to the next steps. The same goes for a pipe that may be leaking.
Step 3- Dry the Ceiling
Once you’ve sealed the leak, dry out the affected patch of the ceiling before you can move ahead with the rest of the process. When doing so, spread a tarp beneath the affected area to protect the floor and furniture. You can use a vacuum, towels, or fans for the drying part. Ensure that the ceiling is completely dried out from both above and below.
If you still have water dripping from the damaged part of the ceiling, it’s a sign that the ceiling is most likely saturated. You must continue with your drying efforts at this point. Try cutting out the still-wet patches. If the damaged area shows a bulge, place a trap under it before you pop it with a knife or a screwdriver.
Step 4- Prepare the Ceiling Surface
Use sandpaper to even out the ridges between the clean and damaged areas. You can use new sheets of drywall or use plaster to repair large holes in the ceiling. For smaller holes, join compound will work too. In the end, use the sandpaper to remove any subsequent bumps that may have been created.
Step 5- Prime and Paint
The whole process will have left visible stains on your ceiling. Coat them over with primer. Wait for the primer to dry and apply a second coat if needed. You can then cover it up with a fresh coat of paint.
Now, this may be too much for many of the homeowners to digest, and we don’t blame you. It is, after all, a complex undertaking, and it is best that you acquire professional help to take care of this task for you. The above steps should ONLY be followed completely if you absolutely need to fix a water damaged ceiling yourself. Otherwise, drying up the water and plugging the leak should be enough to hold you off until the professionals arrive.
If you ever require any water damage restoration services in Fort Worth, Texas, or even in North Richland Hills, give
STOP Restoration a call on 682-703-0213. We are equipped with the knowledge, the experience, and the best of equipment and requisite tools to provide you with impeccable water damage restoration services.
