Identifying Ceiling Water Damage and Leaks

Ceiling water damage can be a frustrating and expensive problem to deal with. In order to fix the issue, it is important to first identify the source of the leak.

How to Identify Ceiling Water Damage

There are a few signs that you can look for to identify ceiling water damage:

  • Brown or yellow stains on the ceiling
  • Bubbling or peeling paint
  • Cracking or crumbling plaster
  • Sagging or bowing ceiling
  • Musty or moldy smell

If you see any of these signs, it is important to take action immediately to prevent further damage.

How to Tell if Water Damage is New or Old

It is important to be able to tell if water damage is new or old, as this will affect how you approach the repair process.

New water damage will typically be darker in color and may have a musty or moldy smell. Old water damage will be lighter in color and may have a more stale smell.

If you are unsure whether the water damage is new or old, it is best to err on the side of caution and assume that it is new.