Water Bubbles on the Ceiling – How to Fix It?
Water bubbles on the ceiling are always a serious concern; they can cause drywall or plaster to collapse, so repair it as soon as possible. Water bubbles on the ceiling usually indicate a leak causing water to pool.
Water damage can occur from a variety of natural and man-made sources. A large amount of water can enter the home from below or above. When water falls from above, there is a significant risk of ceiling water damage. A water bubble on ceilings is a major sign of water damage.
This article will discuss some of the most common issues associated with water damage from above, as well as steps you can take to deal with water bubbles on the ceiling before restoration professionals arrive.
Water Bubbles On The Ceiling: What Does It Mean?
Leaking water into your ceiling can cause significant damage before you realize it. Symptoms of water bubbles on the ceiling indicate that water has collected below and begun to pool, causing bubbles and sinking of the ceiling.
If you notice a bubble forming, it is better to begin repairs while still small. Larger bubbles can cause water damage, which can cause significant problems and be costly to repair.
Water Bubbles On The Ceiling: How Do They Form?
The issue with the water bubble is with the paint on the ceiling, in contrast to a ceiling dripping water or sweating. A properly constructed ceiling should only have water stains rather than bubbles in a water leak situation. So, a water bubble on your ceiling indicates a problem with how it builds.
Water bubbles don’t form by themselves; it requires the presence of moisture. It is because the paint you used shouldn’t have come away from the drywall. And when water bubbles pop, that is what happens.
So, when do the water bubbles form?
Painting over an unprepared drywall
Before painting, experts take their time to prepare the drywall. The drywall needs to be tidy and smooth. A heated or wet surface will prevent the paint from adhering correctly.
Unsurprisingly, a water leak results in a bubble if you or another person paints over a dirty, damp, or warm surface. The paint won’t adhere to the drywall if there is moisture present.
This water will accumulate in your ceiling’s space where the paint and drywall are only marginally separated. And this causes water bubbles to form in your ceilings.
Drying paint in contact with moisture
Most experts suggest staying away from home for 24 to 48 hours after painting the walls. Moisture releases during regular activities like cooking and taking showers. The paint may prevent from drying by that moisture. Being away from home eliminates this possibility and prevents chemical inhalation.
Long exposure to moisture
In this case, the bubble will still form if the ceiling is properly built. Excessive moisture can cause the paint to separate from the drywall.
Showers without a fan or a window are prone to this. These are the reasons why most water leaks produce a bubble. Other causes, such as mixing different types of paint, are less critical now.
5 Common Signs Of Water Bubbles On The Ceiling
1. Keep an eye out for bubble spots on the ceiling
If you notice a spot in the paint or plaster of your ceiling that is bubbling, the rest of the smooth surface may also be bubbling. A forming bubble may indicate the water seeping down from below and pooling just out of sight.
2. Check the ceiling for swirl marks
Occasionally, you may see water bubbles on the ceiling due to swirls in paint or plaster.
The appearance resembles when you stir the water with your hand to create whirlpools. This is an undetected ceiling leak that causes a water stain.
3. Check the ceiling and floor for hairline cracks
Very few hairline cracks may form in the paint or plaster. If you’ve painted over them, it indicates that the water from higher up has been leaking down and causing ceiling water damage for a long time without your knowledge. It is best to begin repairs as soon as possible before the ceiling collapses.
4. Check for peeling plaster and paint
Paint or plaster may begin to peel away. This could be because your ceiling is sagging due to water pooling above it. If this is the case, you should act quickly before the entire ceiling collapses.
5. Look for sagging floors above
The floor of the room above you may begin to sag as well. This could indicate that water has leaked into the area below and is causing damage.
So, these are the 5 common signs to look for to determine whether your home’s ceilings are forming water bubbles or not.
Water Bubbles On The Ceiling: How To Fix Them?
The following tips can help you save your home if you notice water bubbles on the ceiling.
Tools Needed
- Moisture meter
- Drywall knife
- Wet Vaccum or mobile sump pump
- Paintbrush
- New paint
Repair any leaking pipes or roofs as soon as possible. When you notice water bubbles on the ceiling, you should first try to determine how much the damage is and the reason for it. If there have been any recent plumbing or roofing repairs, this could be where the leak began.
You can find out how much water is in your ceiling using a moisture meter to test for dampness or a crack detector to detect hairline cracks. If the amount of water pooling in your ceiling exceeds 10% of the floor area, you should consider hiring a professional to repair the area and inspect for mold growth.
To repair water bubbles on the ceiling, remove any loose paint or plaster around the area and cut a section of drywall more extensive than the pooling area. If there are no hairline cracks, you can use a drywall compound to patch the hole and sand it smoothly before painting over it.
Once the ceiling is dry, drain the remaining water. Use a wet vacuum or sump pump to remove as much water and condensation as possible. After draining the area, you must ventilate it to ensure no pockets of water are left for mold and mildew to grow in.
Finally, repaint the new drywall to eliminate water bubbles.
If the area is too large for you to repair or the damage exceeds 10% of the floor’s surface, it would be better to call a professional.
Water Bubbles On The Ceiling: What Not To Do?
It’s tempting to pop the water bubbles on the ceiling, let the water collect, and pour it into a large bucket.
However, due to improper handling, this approach may cause additional damage. Restoration specialists can completely dehydrate the affected areas and structural materials by strategically using advanced extraction equipment to create airflow.
Do not even poke a hole in the bubble to allow water to escape. It is critical to use the proper dehumidification process. In addition to drying out the moisture, the technician team may need to remove, clean, and re-pave the planks.
Contacting professionals to restore your house will save you significant time and money over attempting to solve the problem yourself.
Water Bubbles On The Ceiling: How To prevent?
Dealing with a water-damaged ceiling can be a real pain. Therefore, it is preferable to be extremely careful and take preventive measures rather than rushing through the complication and attempting to repair the damage.
There are several methods for minimizing the consequence of water damage, and they are:
1. Waterproof ceiling stickers
Ceiling waterproofing stickers, or self-adhesive waterproofing membranes, are common waterproofing materials. They are efficient and cost-effective. Apply them directly to the area with ceiling cracks to prevent rainwater from entering. There is no need for advanced technology, but you should select the best stickers to avoid ceiling seepage.
2. Waterproof ceiling with sika
Waterproof sika, also known as sika latex, is a type of waterproof material that contains additives. Sika can waterproof civil, industrial, and factory structures such as floors, ceilings, and water tanks.
It enables you to prevent seepage and effectively deal with the possibility of cracks and water leaking. The cost of ceiling waterproofing sika will vary depending on the type. However, it is not overly expensive in most cases, and sika is an excellent choice for ceiling waterproofing.
Conclusion
Water bubbles on the ceiling can indicate a potential failure or attic damage. This type of water damage is tricky to detect and needs a professional inspection before you can be sure it has happened.
Roofing is typically covered and maintained by a professional company, while most homeowners are responsible for maintaining the ceilings. If you notice the presence of water on the ceiling, the water may penetrate through the roofing tiles, causing damage.
Moreover, you may also experience problems related to a potential water leak in your attic.
A leaking roof or attic is usually a sign of a more significant problem. Narrow cracks in the ceiling or some stains visible in the paint or plaster are a sign of this problem. It is best to contact a restoration specialist immediately.
Although water bubbles can be damaging to flooring, they are a common sign that a leak has occurred. You will likely hear tiny water drops when a shower or other water pipe leaks. If you hear more than a few drips in a short amount of time, you should contact a professional.
Should I pop water bubbles on the ceiling?
If you notice a water bubble in your ceiling, it’s best to leave it alone until you can begin repairs. Water may flood out if you pop the bubble! If water is pooling above, leaving it can cause more damage before you know what you are dealing with.
What causes a ceiling to bubble?
Water bubbles on the ceiling can occur by various factors, including water pooling on the roof. They can absorb into the plaster, leaks in outdoor pipes, or leaks through another part of your property, such as windows.
How do water bubbles form on the ceiling?
Water bubbles on the ceiling occur when water enters the space and pools, causing enough pressure for the paint or plaster to bubble. If left for an extended period, it can cause water damage in other parts of your home, such as brickwork or walls.
How long do water bubbles on the ceiling last?
Water bubbles on the ceiling will remain until you begin repairs. By acting, you can minimize damage and avoid serious water leakage issues such as mold or mildew growth inside the ceiling, which can cause serious health problems for your family.
Should I be worried about water bubbles on the ceiling?
If you notice a water bubble forming, call a professional right away so they can determine where the leak is coming from and inspect for more severe damage.
How do you know if your ceiling has a water bubble?
The presence of watermarks on the paint or plaster is a common sign of water bubbles on the ceiling. This watermark is due to the water leaking from above and will be most noticeable near light fixtures.
FAQ
Should I pop water bubbles on the ceiling?
If you notice a water bubble in your ceiling, it’s best to leave it alone until you can begin repairs. Water may flood out if you pop the bubble! If water is pooling above, leaving it can cause more damage before you know what you are dealing with.
What causes a ceiling to bubble?
Water bubbles on the ceiling can occur by various factors, including water pooling on the roof. They can absorb into the plaster, leaks in outdoor pipes, or leaks through another part of your property, such as windows.
How do water bubbles form on the ceiling?
Water bubbles on the ceiling occur when water enters the space and pools, causing enough pressure for the paint or plaster to bubble. If left for an extended period, it can cause water damage in other parts of your home, such as brickwork or walls.
How long do water bubbles on the ceiling last?
Water bubbles on the ceiling will remain until you begin repairs. By acting, you can minimize damage and avoid serious water leakage issues such as mold or mildew growth inside the ceiling, which can cause serious health problems for your family.
Should I be worried about water bubbles on the ceiling?
If you notice a water bubble forming, call a professional right away so they can determine where the leak is coming from and inspect for more severe damage.
How do you know if your ceiling has a water bubble?
The presence of watermarks on the paint or plaster is a common sign of water bubbles on the ceiling. This watermark is due to the water leaking from above and will be most noticeable near light fixtures.
Michael Bowen
Michael Bowen is an ambitious entrepreneur who has been in the business of building homes since he was 19. Michael's commitment to honesty, integrity, and high-quality workmanship has earned him a reputation as one of the best in the business.
