Ceiling Leak and Waterproofing in Singapore

In addition to being an extremely annoying problem, ceiling leaks can cause serious damage to your home, as well as pose a health risk. In this article, we examine ceiling leak causes and waterproofing solutions in Singapore.

Water seeps through your ceiling into the concrete slab from the floor above due to cracks and long-term wear and tear of the waterproof membrane. This is a common problem among older properties, especially in damp rooms such as bathrooms.

As water can come from a different part of the house than the leak because water can seep in and travel through concrete, it’s more difficult to fix this type of leak than a leak from the roof.

Even a simple water leak can cause significant damage to your home, as well as put you at risk. It can peel off and discolor your interior walls and ceilings, and cause the formation of mold and bacteria that can cause serious health problems. Water can also cause damage to electrical appliances and outlets, which is potentially dangerous for your family, since particles in the water can be highly conductive.

Singapore waterproofing is a great way to keep leaks at bay. You can find below a list of things to consider if you are looking for 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

Knowing where the leak originates is crucial once you see signs of a ceiling leak. There are certain characteristics that can help you identify different sources of water:

• 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 preventing water from entering the structure of a building. If you notice a leak in your ceiling, you should move any electrical appliances and cover electrical sockets that may be affected. As a result of the particles in the water, water is highly conductive when it is in contact with electricity. As soon as possible, you should contact a waterproofing service to fix the leaks, which will prevent 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 isn’t a one-time task. It may be necessary to apply waterproof paint if cracks reappear. You should hire a waterproofing company that knows your home’s needs to ensure consistency and quality service.