What Causes Leaky Ceilings And How To Fix Them

It’s late on a Sunday night. You’re in bed, watching TV, when you hear a drip of water. Did the kids leave the shower trickling again? No, not this time. As the second drop of water impacts the floors, you realize that this is another issue entirely.

So, what causes leaky ceilings anyway? And if you have one, what can you do to minimize further damage and make sure that you don’t end up with a puddle on the floor every day? Keep on reading to find out.

Common Causes of Leaky Ceilings

There are a few issues that can cause a leaky ceiling, so it’s important to determine what kind of leak it is.

Appliance Leaks

If you have a second story with appliances like dishwashers or washing machines, consider the possibility of an appliance leak. These leaks typically spill a moderate to high volume of water when you run the appliance, and thus should be comparatively easy to work out. If you find that you have an appliance leak, you should refrain from running the damaged appliance until you can either repair it yourself or get it repaired by a professional. It is also recommended to disconnect the appliance’s water supply to eliminate the risk of further leakage.

Piping Issues

Another common cause of leaky ceilings is damaged piping. While pipes can naturally work their way loose, it is far more common for pipes to be damaged by things such as ice, improper installation, and wear over time. In colder climates, ice can build up inside your home’s pipes, expanding and causing them to burst. The most common places for a water leak are in faucets, under the sink, toilets, and your home’s hot water tank. If you believe you have a piping issue, have a licensed plumber come and look at the issue. They will be able to precisely diagnose the issue and get it fixed as soon as possible.

Window and Door Leaks

If you have a second story, you should also consider the possibility that the water is coming in from a leaking window or door. There are a variety of issues that cause this, but the most common is that the caulk or sealant has aged enough that it is no longer waterproof. This allows rain to get in, which, if left long enough, can work its way down through the floor and present as a leak in the ceiling below. If this is the case, there is a simple solution. Window and door caulking is available from most hardware stores, and online.

Roof Leaks

Roof leaks are tricky to find and even trickier to effectively stop. Because the issue will only present itself in wet weather, you might not even realize that there is a leak until a major storm. They tend not to leak the sheer volume of water that appliances and burst pipes might, which helps to further hide the leak. Make no mistake: roof leaks are still capable of doing immense damage to your home’s ceilings, insulation, and even the structure itself. And once a roof leak starts, it doesn’t go away. Signs of a roof leak include only seeing the leak during rain, and the leaking water being a discolored brown or dirty gray.

Roof leaks can cause major issues inside your home, affecting everything from the home’s future sale value to your own health (due to mold if left unrepaired), so it is important to address them as quickly as possible. Given time, water will work its way through your home, from the roof down to the insulation, and into your home. That’s the point where most people notice it, and it means that in truth, the roof has already been leaking for a while. Given more time, pooling water can seep into the floor, causing damage that can only be fixed with new flooring. In a worst-case scenario, water can even damage the foundation of the home itself.

Contacting a professional roofer is the way to go if you believe you have a roof leak. They will be able to inspect your roof and tell you exactly what the problem is and what your options are to fix it. Resilient Roofing offers a complimentary consultation, which can be a cost-effective way to diagnose your problem. Thankfully, the process of repairing a leaking roof isn’t the painful ordeal that you might think it is. Modern materials make sure that a well-installed roof repair can last a decade or more, and many repair teams can have the leak fixed in a day or two, depending on the extent of the damage. Before hiring a roofer, make sure that they are licensed and insured to avoid any liability on your part. It is always a good idea to read their reviews to make sure that you are entrusting your roof to a trustworthy and honest company.

It's important to emphasize that roofing leaks are important to take care of as soon as possible – with time, the leak will get larger, and water can penetrate more and more of your roof. Wait too long and a leak that could have been fixed with a roof repair might turn into a roof replacement, including wood replacement, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars more. As painful as it is to have to spend money on a repair, it will really save you money in the long run by avoiding mold, structural damage, and a whole flood of unpleasantness that can come with ignoring a roof leak.

Unless you are an experienced roofer, it is rarely a good idea to attempt repairs on your roof yourself. Professionals will be better equipped to find and fix any damage in a way that will last longer and comply with codes and regulations in place.

Believe it or not, there are even benefits to repairing a leaking roof, beyond simply stopping the leak. While conducting an inspection, a good roofer will be able to tell if there are any other weak points in the roof that could be in danger of leaking in the future. Additionally, if you plan to sell your home in the coming years, documented roof repairs can put buyers at ease that they will not have to deal with the roof themselves for years to come. If you are considering renting your home out, having a well-maintained home is necessary for attracting and keeping tenants. The most important thing to have, however, is the peace of mind that comes with having a leak-free guaranteed roof from Resilient Roofing above your head.

If you’re in the San Diego area and believe you have a roof leak, contact us! Our expert team can track down and stop leaks in no time so you can keep your home dry and safe.