2 Common Water Damage Problems That Affect Plasterboard Ceilings
When water meets a plasterboard ceiling, it's never a good combination. Plasterboard is a highly porous material and being exposed to water can cause many problems with its appearance and function. Some water damage is immediately obvious, but some can happen slowly over time. Either way, once water has caused damage, it's incredibly important that you have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent the problem from becoming worse or causing further issues. Here are two common water damage issues that you may encounter in your home.
1. Flooding
This type of water damage is the most dramatic and obvious of all the different water derived problems a ceiling can face. Flooding is generally caused by roof damage during storms or periods of heavy rain or burst water pipes or guttering. Sometimes a forgotten running bath can overflow causing flooding as well.
Flood damage to ceilings can be fairly extensive. The plasterboard can bulge dramatically due to the weight of vast quantities of water and can sometimes collapse completely. Even if the plasterboard remains in one piece, the wet plasterboard will retain its bulging and sagging shape once it's dried. This can also lead to cracking as the plaster dries out and shrinks.
2. Slow leaks
Slow leaks are less dramatic than flooding, but they can still cause serious damage to your ceiling's plasterboard over time. The leaks can come from the roof, gutters or water pipes in the roof space. Bathroom fixtures such as toilets, baths and showers that aren't fitted or sealed correctly are another culprit for causing this type of water damage.
Sometimes slow leaks are detected when you notice spreading brown staining on your ceiling. Growing patches of mould are another sign that water is leaking in your roof where it shouldn't be. Other times, you'll notice no signs at all until your ceiling begins to crack and bits of plaster that have been degraded by moisture over a long period of time begin to fall down.
Whichever form of water damage your ceiling has suffered from, getting ceiling repairs is a top priority to ensure that it's hygienic and secure to live beneath. The repair method will depend on the extent and severity of the damage. For a safe, professional and flawless repair job, contact your local ceiling repair specialists. They can inspect your ceiling and ascertain what it will need to look great and function well again.