If given enough time a slow leak can result in very serious structural damage that will make the restoration process longer and more expensive.
Water damage to walls and ceilings.
A roof leak may cause water to drip course and collect above ceilings or behind walls.
When a burst pipe or indoor flooding from some other source occurs drywall is usually the primary building material affected.
Water damage to a drywall ceiling like gyprock is a bit more complicated to fix than water damage to a plaster ceiling.
Drywall construction is the standard throughout residences composing both the walls and ceilings of most homes.
So remove affected ceiling panels or boards first.
First technicians determine the extent of the water using a range of water damage restoration tools.
Since drywall is essentially thick layers of paper or cardboard it can be soaked through much more easily than plaster and is much more absorbent and breaks down quickly when wet.
However the cost will depend largely on the size of the affected area.
Hidden water leaks behind walls can be especially dangerous because the water will get absorbed into flooring drywall and ceilings as well as wooden support beams and sheetrock.
One choice is a non invasive moisture meter.
A plumbing or roofing leak is the most common cause of water damage that affects the ceilings and walls of a structure.
Water can find its way in via roof damage missing shingles or clogged gutters.
Ceilings exposed to water damage are more at risk due to gravity.
If the ceiling leak is caused by a roof problem it s important to find the true source of the leak which may be somewhere far removed from the water stain.
The repair process on this page can be used to repair water damage to the surface layers of plaster walls and ceilings.
Water damaged ceiling and walls usually have chipping or flaking paint.
Leaky pipes can maintain elevated levels of moisture in either of these locations depending on where supply lines run.
Next you need to check whether you need to replace the drywall or not.
How restoration professionals dry damp walls after water damage.
Drying the area is one thing but the stain will remain.
Water damage is bad but the brown blotches are visible signs of a problem.
You don t want them sagging or collapsing.
Until you either paint over it or remove the area completely it will be visible to everyone.
Be prepared for the budget if you have a big problem on your ceiling.
If you have more severe plaster damage with wall material falling off the lath use the process at this link to make repairs.
If something is leaking or draining incorrectly the water stain can be ugly on your ceiling or walls.
There s more to drywall water damage than meets the eye.