Who to Call For Water Damage in Ceilings
When you have water damage in your ceiling, you have several options. First, you can try to identify the leak and protect the area beneath the stain. Next, you should dry the ceiling to avoid mold growth. In the event that you are not able to dry the ceiling on your own, you can contact a water damage company to get the job done. Here are a few tips that you can use:
Identifying the source of the leak
Identifying the source of water damage in the ceiling can be tricky. While some sources of water damage are visible, others are hidden and hard to pinpoint. Leaks can occur anywhere from several feet away to the ceiling itself. A leak can also occur on an angle or horizontally, so you’ll need to determine if there is a connection between the area where the water is leaking and the source.
Protecting the area beneath the stain
If your ceiling has a stain, you can do a few things yourself to minimize damage to the surrounding area. First, move any valuables you want to keep out of reach of the water. You should also lay down a tarp or bucket to catch the water as it comes down. This will help protect the floors, as well as your belongings, if there is a leak.
Drying out a wet ceiling
If your ceiling is wet, you should begin by addressing the source of the water. If you leave the problem unattended, it can turn into a mold infestation. It is important to dry out the wet ceiling as quickly as possible. Proper drying techniques can limit damage and prevent the growth of mold. You can dry the ceiling yourself with a standard house fan, but a high-volume fan will dry your ceiling much faster. You should also consider using a structural drying dehumidifier, which you can rent at most equipment rental companies.
Preventing mold growth
There are a few things that can be done to prevent mold growth after water damage to a ceiling. Although water vacuums can help get rid of some of the moisture, they don’t guarantee that the area is completely dry. The water will seep into any holes and cracks, where it is perfect for mold and mildew to flourish. In addition, drying the water damage yourself is not advisable since you risk spreading the mold spores to other areas of the home.
Hiring a professional to repair water damage in the ceiling
The average cost to repair water damage in ceilings is between $45 and $90 per square foot. The price largely depends on the extent of damage and the type of sealing material used. Lightweight sheetrock or drywall will run you $10 to $14 per square foot. Drywall laborers will typically charge between $50 and $60 per hour. More expensive ceiling materials are plaster, lath, and popcorn. These materials will cost about $75 to $90 per square foot to repair.
If you need a ceiling repaired that had Water Damage or Mold in the Wichita Kansas area contact Stover’s Restoration