Water Bubbles in Your Ceiling? Here’s What You Need to Do

An odd, semi-circular shape in the ceiling has caught your eye—and it’s not a pleasant sight.

You reach out to touch the lump. Your suspicions are confirmed. Beneath the surface, the unmistakable texture of trapped liquid behind the ceiling’s paint or drywall pushes against your finger.

Commonly referred to as water bubbles, these pockets of moisture indicate underlying leaks in your roof. Even if these bubbles appear harmless on the surface, they can wreak havoc on your house’s structural integrity if left unchecked.

While your roofing contractor can replace your roof, the responsibility to remove these water bubbles before they cause further damage falls squarely on you. Roof repairs will save you money in the long run, so it’s best that you address issues as soon as possible.

If you’re currently dealing with these water bubbles, you’re in the right place.

What is a Water Bubble in Your Ceiling?

Before you attempt to deal with your ceiling’s water bubble problem, it’s important to understand the nature of this formation.

Water bubbles are an accumulation of a liquid source that leaks from an open section of the roof or a water line into the vulnerable, non-waterproof framework of the building.

The pooled liquid has nowhere to go and becomes stagnant—applying constant pressure on the roof’s structural integrity.

The constant force of the water deteriorates the roof’s sheathing and underlayment over time. This eventually manifests as a bulge of water in the house’s ceiling.

If you neglect the water bubbles, they can continue pooling on your roofing and eventually lead to a structural collapse.

Why Do Water Bubbles Form in the Ceiling?

Water bubbles can appear in ceilings (and walls and even floors) for a variety of reasons.

• Roof leaks: If parts of your roof, like its shingles and flashing have been damaged, rainwater can seep into the ceiling lining and collect between its layers.
• Burst pipes: A burst pipe can result in a buildup of water and moisture in your ceiling, causing the formation of bubbles.
• Condensation buildup: Hot and cool air mixing in poorly ventilated spaces, like attics and crawlspaces, can cause condensation buildup—which can lead to a significant case of moisture entering the surfaces of the ceiling.
• Improper waterproofing: Waterproofing your roof is something that should be done before moving in, but a poor waterproofing job can lead to water seeping into places where it shouldn’t collect.
• A bad paint job: If dust, gravel, or dirt has dried up inside a painted wall, this can make the painted structure less water resistant.
• Structural damage: Storms, earthquakes, and natural events may break parts of the house and roof, leading to water pooling into unintended places.

Just one of these things can be costly to repair, as you’ll have to conduct a roof inspection and get professional repair work done from roofing specialists. However, if you’re eligible, some roof warranties can shoulder the cost.

To mitigate this problem, it’s important to address water bubbles at home urgently to lower associated repair costs and prevent further damage.

Even if it may not look like it, a small water bubble can be enough to reveal extensive water damage underneath. Naturally, the bigger these water bubbles are, the more severe the damage.

So, if you notice a bunch of large water bubbles hovering overhead, stop what you’re doing, contact a trustworthy roofing company, and apply temporary fixes to mitigate further water damage quickly.

Signs You’re Dealing With a Major Water Bubble Problem

Water bubbles can manifest in different ways. Some cases are pretty minor and have an easily identifiable source, like a broken shingle that needs to be covered up and repaired.

However, some water bubbles may indicate major issues underneath the surface. Here are signs that you’re dealing with an especially bad case:

• Multiple bubbles
• Large bubbles
• Stained ceiling
• Sagging ceiling
• Dripping ceiling (especially during rain storms)
• Mold growth
• Musty odors

If you’re dealing with significant water infiltration, calling a professional to assist you is the best thing you can do at the start. Delaying it increases the chances of rapid structural collapse.

How to Address Water Bubbles Before the Professionals Arrive

1. Contain any dripping water

Sometimes, if a bubble has already begun to burst, dripping water will be your first sign. Before trying to identify where a leak is coming from or if a water bubble is present, contain any water that may be dripping onto your floor and carpet to prevent further damage. If you have a tarp, lay it down. If you’re short on supplies, a bucket, bowl, or bath towel can be a quick and effective temporary solution. Keep a close eye on the situation until you can fully resolve the leak.

2. Find the Leak Source

The first thing you must do is address the source of the leak. If you don’t, water will continue to pool in the ceiling. When fixing the leak, it’s important to consider the severity of the leak source. If it requires repair work from a professional, you can put up a waterproof tarp as a temporary solution to prevent water from leaking to the ceiling.

3. Puncture the bubble

Using a sharp-pointed object like a pin or needle, poke the water bubble to let water out and gather in the bucket and rags. If you’re working with sturdier material like drywall, consider using a sharp knife or drywall saw to make an incision on the ceiling. Be careful not to make the hole too big, as the drywall is fragile at this point.

4. Absorb the water

With a dry towel or rag, wipe the top of the ceiling to fully remove the moisture still stuck in the ceiling and speed up the drying stage. You may also consider using a fan to quickly dry the ceiling and dispel humidity in the room.

Treating Ceiling Spots with Roofing Professionals

After successfully draining the water from your ceiling, you can sigh with relief, knowing that roof repair professionals are equipped to address the situation more permanently. These experts will carefully assess the extent of the damage, examining not only the visible signs but also underlying issues that may not be immediately apparent. This peace of mind lets you focus on other essential aspects of your home while knowing your roof is in capable hands.

At Trenton Roofing, we address the full spectrum of roofing issues with seamless efficiency. Say goodbye to roof problems for good—just give us a call!