A damp patch on your ceiling is a cause for alarm. It's not the sort of thing that's going to go away by itself. So what are some of the most common causes for a damp patch or discolouration on your ceiling? And what needs to be done?
A Broken Roof
When you know that there isn't a water pipe running through the area in question, then the problem might be on your roof itself. You will need to get up on a ladder to inspect the roof. Please take the necessary safety precautions and do not go up on your roof during wet weather, no matter how eager you are to identify the problem. You will need to ensure that you have a secure footing as the problem might not be immediately evident. This means you might need to look closely at the affected area before you can identify the problem. Look for cracked or even missing roof tiles. A small crack that has been left unattended for a reasonable period of time can let in a surprising amount of water. You will also need to inspect your ceiling cavity, if possible, to see how much water has pooled in this area.
Solution: For minor damp patches, the repairs can be fairly minimal. A small industrial dehumidifier will need to be placed in your ceiling cavity for a short period of time in order to extract the moisture. If the damp patch is not significant, sometimes this section of your ceiling can be replastered and painted. For a larger damp patch, more extensive ceiling repairs will be necessary. This means that the water damaged plaster will need to be removed and replaced.
A Broken Pipe
If the roof above the damp patch is secure, then the culprit might be a leaking pipe running through the area in question. This is more likely when the damp patch seems to appear quite suddenly. You will need to call a plumber immediately. If the damp patch appears to be growing before your very eyes, you might need to temporarily shut off your water until such time as repairs can be performed.
Solution: Once again, it depends on the severity of the damage. The area will need to be dried with a dehumidifier and replastered as necessary. Naturally, the pipe in question will need to be repaired in order to prevent the problem from happening again.
Don't Forget
You need to be mindful of the potential for electric shocks. There are likely to be light fixtures and electrical cables in the area of the damp patch. It can be sufficient to place a piece of thick gaffer tape over the lightswitch for the room, which will prevent anyone from turning it on. An electrician might need to give the fixtures and cables the all clear. You should also take steps to prevent damage to the interior of the room in cases of extreme damp which could begin to drip water. Move furniture away from beneath the damp patch, and cover your carpet with a plastic tarpaulin. If you don't have a tarpaulin, thick plastic rubbish bags taped into place will also do the job.
A damp patch in your ceiling can very easily become a large problem in a short timeframe. While you need to get it repaired as soon as possible, please remember to follow all the necessary safety steps in terms of roof inspections and avoiding electric shocks.
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