Water Bulge in Ceiling

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

A ceiling bubble found in a home that experienced water damage in Austin, Texas due to the historic snow storm.

Water bulges in ceilings are a shock to anyone who may discover them in your home or office. The causes of these bulges can range, but the bulges are usually caused by two things: water leaks from pipes or a mistake in installation of parts of a ceiling. These bulges can be ugly, and can also pose a hazard by weakening the structure of a ceiling, depending on the extent of the damage. 

As described in this article from Hunker by Renee Miller, https://www.hunker.com/13414058/a-bulge-in-the-ceiling, the first step to fixing a bulge in a ceiling is to determine the cause of the problem.

1. Improper Construction 

Ceilings made using plaster applied over gypsum lath may develop what is called a bulge effect if the final coat of plaster is applied before the first coat is completely dry. The moisture from the first coat moves back into the lath and results in bulges at the seams. In some cases, the seams running perpendicular to these also bulge. In other types of ceilings, such drywall, too much weight from insulation, exposure to prolonged humidity, an improperly installed vapor barrier, or the installation of ceiling panels that are too thin for the frame spacing can cause ceilings to bulge.

2. Leaks

Leaking water from plumbing pipes or other sources of water can be damaging to your ceiling, causing these bubbles. This can signify that water is pooling from the leak, and will show a bubble. The water can lead to structural defects in the ceiling, making it dangerous. We are professionally trained in the steps to determine what steps need to be taken (i.e. a puller needs to be brought in) and how to restore your ceiling, as a part of our rebuilds devision. 

Steps to Take if you Find a Bubble

Before a professional can arrive to check it out, there are some steps you can take to ensure safety for everyone in the home/building before the issue can be resolved. 

1. Call SERVPRO

Call a professional, such as SERVPRO to ask to have someone to come take a look at it. Whatever instructions given to you by a project manager/representative should be followed, but the next two steps are likely what they will tell you. Again, every situation is different, and the SERVPRO representative may tell you different steps, which should always be followed.

2. Remove all furniture under the bubble

Furniture/items under the bubble may become damaged if water/liquid inside of it gets on it. 

3. Collect large buckets, and pop it!

Sometimes it can take weeks from estimate to fixing the issue. The longer the water sits behind the paint, the more damage it will do the drywall, and especially with ceilings, which will fall into the house if the drywall gets too wet and heavy. Use something such as a pencil or a knife to pop it with a small hole. Have lots of buckets ready to collect the water and do all you can to avoid the water getting on the flooring, as water on a floor can lead to mold and/or buckling.

Our team at SERVPRO Norwood/West Roxbury is here to help you in your time of need. Give us a call today for assistance in helping you with your damage, whether it be residential or commercial at (781) 769-9125