Dealing with a Splotchy Ceiling.

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

The ceiling never really stood out until some tile discoloration caught your eye, and now you can’t stop noticing it. The likely culprit is water damage from any number of sources, and if left unrepaired, it could lead to tile mold. Here are a few things you should do to tackle the problem.

Understand How an Unsightly Stain Develops

The first step is knowing where to look. Water damage can happen because of the following:

• A pipe is leaking.
• An appliance such as a dishwasher or washing machine may be leaking.
• The HVAC system may have a problem causing moisture to drip and pool.
• Caulking or sealant has come loose in a shower pan or fixture on the floor above.
• Wear or damage on the roof has allowed moisture to come through.

Stop the Water

The next step in addressing that brown, yellow, or gray stain is to contact a plumber to ascertain the cause of the water that is pooling on the ceiling. The source of the leak should be identified and repaired before any cosmetic repair is done. In arid cities such as Dallas, TX, a coat of paint can make the stain seem to go away, but if the source of the water leakage is not identified, the stain will often return because the discoloration is likely being caused by the growth of mold.

Eliminate the Mold

Besides being an eyesore, an untreated ceiling tile could become a breeding ground for tile mold. Before this causes any more serious issues, an expert can diagnose and correct the severity of the problem. As molds thrive in the wet, dark area above the ceiling, untreated mold could lead to air-quality issues or very serious structural damage.

Generally, professional mold removers follow EPA guidelines. They assess the moldy area, inspect for hidden mold, clean and dry small areas of contamination, remove and replace severely damaged ceiling areas, investigate areas around the damaged zone such as air ducting and wallboard, and safely dispose of moldy, porous materials.

Tile discoloration and tile mold shouldn’t be taken lightly. Proper repair and replacement can prevent more serious problems in the future.