Your ceiling or walls can feel like the unwelcome weather that a flood brings. You don’t see it coming until it’s right in front of you (or, more appropriately, right above you or beside you). But when the water finds its way into your home, you can bet it’s in it for the long haul, intent on damaging everything in its path. Water works in ways that are half magic and half insidious. It carves a way through solid rock and tunnels concealously (and sometimes with a bit of help from gravity) through wood, compromising the structural integrity of your home and opening the way for nasty mold to set up camp. The great news is that not every instance of water misbehavior brings with it the kind of disaster that you see on the evening news.
When discussing ceilings, different materials exhibit varying reactions to water. Drywall, for example, can droop or break apart if it takes on too much moisture. Plaster performs better against slight dripping, but when it is soaked, it can begin to flake or crack. Knowing which material is above your head can help you know how much attention to pay to the situation and what kind of repairs to make (if any). There are some warning signs that your ceiling could be giving you. If it's sagging, even a little, or you see any water stains, you can be pretty certain that it's time to investigate. Following water's trail can help you find its source and keep it from becoming a full-blown problem.
Walls, conversely, frequently play second fiddle in this water damage duet. You might see the paint bubbling. Or perhaps your wall's holding an unsanctioned balloon party. While a patch-up might seem tempting — and sometimes it works — getting to the bottom of the moisture situation is crucial. The biggest instigators? Leaky windows, dramatic pipes, a sneaky roof, or even the roof again. It's essential to address the foundation of the problem in a way that allows for long-lasting repairs. After all, in Cheney's unpredictable weather, a home that allows for repairs to plumbing, walls, and roofs any time of year is crucial.