A ceiling leak is not only an incredibly annoying problem, but may also lead to some serious damage to your home, and may even pose a threat to your health. Here are signs and causes of ceiling leak and waterproofing solutions in Singapore.
A ceiling leak is when water seeps through the concrete slab from the floor above, and through your ceiling, usually due to cracks and long term wear and tear of the waterproof membrane of the house. This is a common problem among older properties and mostly happens in damp rooms like the bathroom.
This type of leak is quite harder to identify and more difficult to fix compared to a leak from the roof, as water can come from a totally different area of the house from where the leak is, because water can seep in and travel through the concrete.
A simple water leakage can cause significant damage to your home, as well as putting you at risk. It can peel-off and decolorize paintwork for your interior walls and ceilings, and may lead to the formation of mold and bacteria that can lead to serious health problems. It can also cause damage to electrical appliances and electrical outlets, which may be potentially dangerous to the people in your household, as particles in the water may be highly conductive.
Waterproofing in Singapore is a good way to prevent leakage problems. Below is a list of things to consider if you wish to get waterproofing services for your home.
Signs of Ceiling Leakage
Before any further damage happens, it is important to look for signs of ceiling leaks as early as possible. Here are some of the signs your ceiling may need some repairing:
- Spots of water on the ceiling
One of the clearest signs of ceiling leaks is a wet spot in the ceiling due to water seeping through cracks.
- Peeling, cracking, or bubbling of paint
Due to excessive moisture, painted ceilings may peel or crack. This can happen both to the interior and exterior of the house. If it happens to interior walls, it may be a sign that your ceiling is leaking.
- Buckling of the ceiling
If you notice a bend in the ceiling, it may be caused by a huge build-up of water. This requires immediate action before further damage is done.
- Growth of molds and efflorescence
Moisture creates an environment for the growth of molds. It can also cause efflorescence, the development of salt on the surface, forming a coating. Molds and efflorescent are signs that your house has excessive moisture due to water leaks.
- Change of surface color
Dampness can change the color of painted ceilings. If the ceiling leak has been happening for a long time, it may cause a brown or dark color on the ceiling.
- Musty smell
Dampness due to water seepage causes a musty smell around the house that cannot be masked by house fresheners
Sources of Ceiling Leak
Once you see signs of a ceiling leak, it is then important to know where the water is coming from. Different sources of water display characteristics that may make it easy for you to identify them:
- Damaged Waterproofing System
If the ceiling leak is slow, it may be caused by a damaged waterproofing system. If the seepage is caused by waterproofing damage, you can observe dripping every 3 seconds in multiple areas of the ceiling.
- Plumbing or Sanitary Fittings
Water leaks due to plumbing issues can often be seen below areas where pipes are located. If the water is clear, it is likely to be from a leaking pipe.
- Roof Water Leakage
Roof water leakage is usually most obvious during the rainy season. If you observe ceiling leaks due to rainwater, it is time to check your roof for any damage.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing is the process of making the building structure water-resistant, to avoid water from entering your property. Once you notice a leak in your ceiling, move any electrical appliance and cover electrical sockets that may be affected by the leak. Water, in contact with electricity, may be highly conductive, due to the particles in the water. The next important step is to contact a professional waterproofing service to fix the leaks as soon as possible, lessening the chances of further damage.
In order to make sure that the waterproofing of your property is done properly, it will be beneficial if you familiarize yourself with the process of waterproofing. So, here are the steps on how waterproofing is done:
- Removal
First, ensure that there is no water, caused by the leak, present in the interior of the house, especially the foundation joints. Professionals install pumps or draining systems to remove water and prevent it from soaking the foundation.
- Repair
Cracks are the usual cause of leaks, and repairing the foundation is important to prevent further damage. Professionals usually use sodium silicate sealers to cover cracks, using a brush, garden sprayer, or roller to apply it. Most sealants turn into a thick, waterproof foam once a mist of water is sprayed onto it.
- Double-checking
After the initial repair has been completed, it is crucial to check your house’s drainage system to make sure there is no possibility of water clogging or other drainage issues. Overlooked issues may result to further damage, so it’s important to always double-check.
- Restoration
Professionals can offer drying, cleaning, and disinfecting services to restore the area affected or damaged by the ceiling leak.
- Mold Inspection
Because of the dampness caused by the water leakage, mold can form, which may cause harm to your health. Waterproofing professionals can help identify areas affected by mold.
- Finishing
Cracks are not the only things to think about when repairing ceiling leaks. Professionals look for other places like the walls and roofs to check damages that can affect further leakage. Waterproofing services typically include painting and installation of interior membrane as well.
However, waterproofing is not a one-time thing. Cracks may reappear and application of waterproof paint may be needed. To ensure consistency and quality service, stick with a waterproofing company that knows the needs of your house.
M3M: Professional Waterproofing Company
M3 Multiservices Pte Ltd is one of the leading waterproofing contractors in Singapore. For 9 years, the company has built a strong clientele through its excellent waterproofing services, using advanced and innovative technologies. M3M also offers an on-site analysis to figure out the solutions that will best suit the needs of your property.
M3M offers a full range of waterproofing procedures such as waterproofing for RC flat roofs, pitched roofs, fixed roof awnings, open balconies, wet areas (ie kitchens and bathrooms), as well as walls and basements.
Aside from waterproofing, the company also offers other services such as painting and coating, minor works in construction, and other general contract work, to ensure that ceiling leak will not be a problem for a long time. M3M is a reliable waterproofing company that delivers high-quality service every time.