### Identifying Water Damage and Leaks Water damage on ceilings can originate from various sources, such as roof leaks, plumbing issues, or condensation. It's crucial to identify the source promptly to prevent further damage and health hazards. * **Visible Stains:** Discoloration or dark spots on the ceiling often indicate water infiltration. * **Bubbling or Peeling Paint:** Moisture causes paint to lose adhesion and bubble or peel, revealing damaged drywall or plaster beneath. * **Sagging or Bowing Ceiling:** Excessive water weight can weaken the ceiling material, causing it to sag or bow. * **Musty Odor:** A musty or moldy smell often accompanies water damage, indicating microbial growth. ### How to Tell if Water Damage is New or Old? Determining the age of water damage aids in assessing its severity and the appropriate repair approach. * **Color:** New water damage typically appears as dark brown or black stains. As it ages, the color may fade to shades of gray or yellow. * **Texture:** Fresh water damage tends to be soft and wet to the touch, while older damage may be hard or crumbly. * **Edges:** New water stains have defined edges, while older ones may have blurred or fuzzy boundaries. * **Mold:** Mold growth typically develops within a few days to weeks of water damage. The presence of mold indicates older damage.