Water damage can unexpectedly happen in several ways, from cracks in walls and foundations to moldy floors and water bubbles. Not only do these issues leave hideous damage, but they can also weaken the building’s structure.  When water seeps through the roof or a pipe above the ceiling, it can cause significant harm, often seen as a water bubble on the ceiling.

If you notice water accumulating, it is essential to reach out to a professional water damage restoration company, as it signals the vulnerability of structural integrity. While waiting for help to arrive, there are a few immediate actions you can take.

Why Do Water Bubbles Form on The Ceiling?

Water bubbles form on the ceiling as a result of water accumulation between the ceiling material and the surface beneath it. Typically, water bubbles develop from water damage caused by various factors. This is a severe form of water damage that needs to be addressed promptly.

It can happen due to many different reasons:

• Water Leaks: The most common cause of water bubbles is from a leak in the roof, plumbing, or upper floor. When the water leaks, water seeps through the ceiling material.
• Absorption and Saturation: As ceiling materials absorb water, they become more saturated. This causes the material to swell and weaken, compromising the structural integrity.
• Trapped Water: Without anywhere for the water to go, it will pool in one area and create a bubble. The materials in the ceiling act as a barrier, trapping the water beneath the surface.
• Low-Quality Paint or Plaster: Paint or plaster that is not waterproof lacks the durability and water resistance of higher-quality materials. A weaker barrier increases the likelihood of absorbing moisture.
• Improper Preparation Before Painting: The paint should be applied to a completely smooth and drywall. If there is any dirt, dust, or grease on the ceiling surface, this prevents the paint from adhering properly. When a leaking situation occurs, water will pile up, get logged in one area, and drop down to the ceiling.

If water collects above the ceiling, it causes the building materials to separate, resulting in a visual bubble. It is important to address the issue quickly, as it is often an early sign of extensive water damage.

How Can I Tell If The Water Bubble Is Serious?

To determine the severity of a water bubble on the ceiling, several factors need to be assessed. The first step is to identify the size of the water bubble. If the water bubble is small, it may indicate a minor leak that could be addressed with a simple repair. Larger water bubbles can be an early sign of extensive water damage, as they are usually a result of a substantial leak.

Next, the areas need to be checked for mold growth. Although mold growth can occur within the ceiling materials, checking for signs of visible mold is an important step. If mold spores are present, it can indicate prolonged water exposure and pose health risks, as mold often is a result of water damage.

Finally, the source of the leak should be identified. If the source has been addressed, the damage be less severe. On the other hand, an unknown source can indicate a more serious issue that requires professional investigation.

If you conduct these steps and still have a hard time determining the severity of water damage, it is always best to consult with a professional water damage restoration expert.

Steps to Handle Water Bubbles on the Ceiling

1. Identify the Source

Whenever you experience a water damage issue, you should first detect the source of the water and stop the influx. You should then contact professional water damage restoration technicians immediately for emergency dry-out services to prevent water from spreading into porous building materials and furnishings. The more bubbles emerge on your ceiling, the more pressure it places on your plaster, potentially leading to a collapse.

2. Drain the Bubble

After identifying the source of the water damage, grab a large bucket and place it underneath the water bubble. Carefully puncture it with a small sharp object, and allow the water to drain into a container. Be cautious as this step could lead to further damage if not done correctly.

If you are uncomfortable with draining the bubble yourself, call the professionals to remove it.

3. Thoroughly Dry the Area

It is imperative to thoroughly dry the area to prevent further damage such as mold growth or weakened building materials. Use fans or a dehumidifier to help dry out the affected area. Ensuring there is proper ventilation is important for the drying process.

4. Repair the Damage

Water damage can impact a variety of materials and surfaces in buildings. Checking and repairing some of the following materials is recommended to prevent moisture buildup.

• Brick Skirting: If the water hasn’t been absorbed by all the wall panels, you’re still safe and don’t have to worry.
• Painted Wall: You can try to limit deterioration by using high-pressure sodium lights to shine upon the ceiling.
• Wood-Paneled Wall: There’s no other option but to remove and clean the wooden wall and cover it again.
• Wall Decals: If the old decal layer is unavoidably damaged; it should be removed and cleared up.
• Laminate Flooring: Laminate flooring typically has poor moisture resistance. The wood will be retracted when it encounters flooding. In that case, you should have the boards removed, cleaned, and re-paved.
• Natural Wood Flooring: Natural wood is more resistant to moisture. However, it doesn’t protect it from water damage. You should lightly dry the wet area with a towel.

5. Call Professionals

The cost of self-troubleshooting can end up two or three times more expensive than restoration services. Most insurance carriers would cover house restoration fees; a trusted restoration company can assist you with filing a claim and work with the provider on your behalf. Do not hesitate to call a water damage restoration professional in your region if your home or business is affected by water damage or flooding. RestorationMaster’s IICRC-certified technicians will provide emergency cleanup and drying to remove the excess water and restore your property to its pre-loss state.

Things to Avoid With a Water Bubble

Although it is recommended to call professional water damage experts to drain water bubbles, there are some important tips to follow to prevent further damage. The most important tip is to not pop the water bubble if you are unaware of the water source.

It is also suggested that large bubbles should not be popped without professional assistance to prevent further damage. Restoration specialists can fully dehydrate the affected areas and structural materials by strategically using advanced extraction equipment to create airflow.  It is critical to implement the appropriate dehumidification process to prevent mold growth.

Contacting the professionals to restore your property will save you a significant amount of time and money instead of going through the struggle and resolving the problem yourself.

How Can I Prevent Water Bubbles on The Ceiling?

Dealing with a water-damaged ceiling can be a real headache. Therefore, it’s better to be cautious and take preventive action instead of hustling through the complication and attempting to fix the damage. There are several methods to mitigate the effect when water damage happens, but the two simplest available options are:

• Ceiling Waterproof Stickers: Ceiling waterproofing stickers, also known as self-adhesive waterproofing membranes, are one of the materials that are common for waterproofing. They’re effective and affordable. The process is straightforward. Directly apply them to the area having ceiling cracks to prevent rainwater from entering. There is no need for high technology, but you should choose the best stickers on the market to avoid the problem of ceiling seepage.
• Ceiling Waterproofing With Sika: Waterproof sika or sika latex is a kind of waterproof material with additives. Sika can waterproof civil, industrial, and factory construction including floors, ceilings, water tanks, etc. It gives you the ability to prevent seepage and effectively handle the chance of cracks and water leaking. The price of ceiling waterproofing sika will depend on each type. However, it is generally not too expensive, and sika is highly recommended for ceiling waterproofing.

If you experience water damage in your home in business, call RestorationMaster for professional water damage restoration services. Our team of certified technicians will safely remove the water damage and repair your belongings.