Who Should I Call for Water Damage to My Ceiling?

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

"Like it never even happened."

Nothing is as troubling as the sight of water leaking from your ceiling.

If you’ve got a leak, or just have discoloration, bubbling, or other damage to your ceiling without an active leak, you need to take action before the water damage gets any worse. 

When you’ve got water damage who to call can be the most important question of all.

The statistics on water damage are eye-opening.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency, leaks in the average household can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of wasted water every year (www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week), so even the most seemingly insignificant leak can eventually add up, and knowing when to call water damage professionals can make a huge difference.

So what do you do if you notice a leak or other water damage to your ceiling?

The common instinct for most people is to call their insurance company first.

Obviously, when you have water damage when to call insurance is an important question, but in most cases that shouldn’t be your first consideration.

Even the smallest amount of damage can be serious, as it may signal a much more widespread problem.

For that reason, your first thought when you experience water damage to your ceiling should be to address the underlying cause of the problem as quickly as possible.

The faster you stop the leak or otherwise cut off the water source, the better your chances of mitigating your expenses.

In particular, you need to know who to call for water damage in the ceiling, walls, and floors so that you can begin addressing water damage quickly in order to prevent the growth and spread of mold.

Mold can affect a number of surfaces, including drywall and ceiling tiles, and once it appears it can begin spreading within 24-48 hours.

With this in mind, the EPA suggests that certain actions, including removing and replacing damaged ceiling tiles, should take place within that period. (www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-08/documents/table1.pdf)

First Call the Pros

It is important that any water damage is addressed by a professional remediation company that is equipped to handle the job thoroughly.

Companies like SERVPRO have the training and expertise necessary to identify potential problems and take the proper steps to make sure that they are adequately addressed.

Using specialized equipment such as moisture meters, infrared imaging devices, heavy-duty dehumidifiers, and fans, the professionals at SERVPRO can detect water issues, stop them at the source and thoroughly dry out all surfaces.

They’ll also perform complete mold remediation to ensure that all traces of mold and fungus are removed from your home.

When to File Your Claim

Insurance coverage for water damage can be a tricky proposition, as not all types of damage are covered by most homeowners’ policies.

You will undoubtedly want to contact your insurance agent once the immediate emergency has been addressed and when you do you should be sure to have all the necessary information at hand to help determine whether your damage is covered and how much money you’ll be able to recover.

Be sure to fully document every step of the process, including taking comprehensive before and after photos and keeping track of all of the bills for repairs and remediation.

The more evidence you can provide for your insurance agent, the better your chances of having a positive outcome for your claim, but it’s not guaranteed.

Most standard homeowners’ policies only cover damage that stems from sudden problems, such as a burst pipe, and they won’t cover damage that results from the gradual wear and tear that occurs over the life of your house. 

So if the damage to your ceiling resulted from a worn roof that you failed to maintain, you’ll likely be out of luck.

Don’t Get In Over Your Head

While it can seem overwhelming, when there’s water damage ceiling who to call can be an important factor because having the right response can keep you from ending up in over your head.

The important thing is to take the damage seriously even if it seems minor. While some damage may only require a quick DIY project, more often it is just a signal of more extensive issues beneath the surface and you need to treat the whole thing to keep the damage from the building.

When water damage occurs to your ceiling, don’t hesitate to call in the pros

A professional water mitigation company like SERVPRO can keep your water emergency from getting out of hand and help return your home to its original condition so you can breathe easier.

With their extensive knowledge of the industry, they may even be able to help you file your insurance claim to improve your chances of getting positive results.

So don’t let a water-damaged ceiling drive you over the edge, rely on SERVPRO to get to the heart of the problem, and prevent mold growth.

When you have water damage who to call to prevent disaster can be the first step toward restoring your peace of mind.