Water damage is a pesky problem that most homeowners will experience at one point or another, especially those who own older homes. Although it may seem impossible to fix, there are some fairly easy solutions to your water problems that can be applied to water damage to floors, ceilings and walls.

Identify the Cause

With any water damage situation, it is important to pinpoint the cause of the leak, seepage or mildew. This is often easier with ceiling leaks; a brown-tinged spot on the ceiling that continues to grow in size can usually be traced to a leak in an upstairs bathroom, rotting roof tiles or a poorly ventilated attic. However, the causes of water damage to floors and walls can be less easily identified.

Water Stains on Ceiling

Water damage to ceilings happens for many reasons. If there is a sink, toilet or any water hookup above the affected area, your problem can often be easily identified. If the stain is below an attic or crawl space, the space may not be adequately ventilated, leading to humidity buildup in the area above the ceiling. If your roofing hasn't been replaced in a while, you'll want to examine that for any signs of rot or aging. But whatever the cause, water damage can often be repaired without too much hassle. You will want to begin by wiping down the area with a bleach solution to kill any bacteria or mold growing there. Fill any holes in the ceiling with a plaster compound and let dry. Next, sand the area with a fine sand paper and paint it the original color.

Peeling Wallpaper

Peeling wallpaper in the bathroom or kitchen is usually the result of humidity caused by cooking or running hot water for showers and baths. To solve this problem, properly ventilate the area by leaving a window open, and then install a ventilation system if there isn't already one in place. If there is, you'll want to check to make sure it's working correctly and make any necessary repairs. If there is no mold, fungus or bacteria growing on the walls, you can simply re-glue the wallpaper; if there is, you can wash down the walls and wallpaper with detergent and ammonia, let it dry and then reapply. Make sure to always use the ventilation system in the future.

Basement Water Damage

The possible causes of water damage in the basement of a home are too numerous to name but can include improper grading, blocked gutters, overflowing underground wells, broken piping, sewer backup, etc. In any of these cases, you will have to find the cause and repair it so that it does not continue to cause damage. If the basement is carpeted and the carpet has started to mildew, it will have to be either removed or replaced. Make sure the area is adequately ventilated and determine how severe the damage is. If the floors or moldings are damaged, they will need to be wiped down with bleach, dried, sanded and refinished.

Source:

Repairing a Water-Damaged Ceiling

Water Damage Repair Guide

Water Damage Makeover