Skip to main content

Ready to hire?

Post your job in minutes, browse real reviews and choose who to speak to.Post a job

Need some tips or advice?

Ask a question
Plumbing

After-effects of a leak through the ceiling

Anonymous user 06/03/2024 - 2.32 PM

My loft conversion was completed a month ago. Just as it was being finished, there was a leak from the new upstairs bathroom through the kitchen ceiling below. The plumber and builders stopped the leak immediately and repainted the kitchen ceiling. 4 weeks on, the ceiling paintwork still looks stained but worse is that a significant amount of mould has appeared. As far as I can tell, there is no longer a leak but I feel the builders & plumber solved the leak but failed to deal with its effects, leaving me with enough damp in the ceiling to produce mould very quickly. Note the ceiling was removed and completely replaced as part of the loft conversion so it cannot be anything pre-existing. I feel the builders have been negligent - they should have done more than just stop the leak getting worse - but my immediate concern is how to prevent mould spreading in my brand new kitchen. The floor upstairs is chipboard, then insulation, plaster etc, all new. Should I ask the builders to replace the relevant section as it is probably damp and causing the mould, or is there an easier solution? The builders, by the way, seem inclined to paint over it. I'm no expert but that doesn't sound like it will solve anything - mould always finds a way through. Any advice very welcome. Thanks

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

4 Answers

KA Contractors Ltd

No reviews yet

Canary Wharf, London
It appears that the underlying issue causing mould in your kitchen ceiling has not been adequately addressed. Mould growth following a leak, especially in a newly renovated area, is a cause for concern. It's essential to tackle both the source of the dampness and the resultant mould to prevent further spread and potential health risks. Given that the ceiling and its components are new, it seems the mould is a direct result of the recent water leak. Painting over the mould is not a long-term solution; it merely masks the problem without addressing the root cause, which is the residual dampness in the ceiling materials. Here's what you should consider: 1. **Moisture Assessment**: Before any remedial work, it's crucial to ensure that the area is completely dry. You might need a professional assessment to check for any residual moisture in the ceiling, including the insulation and chipboard. This can be done using moisture meters or thermal imaging. 2. **Mould Remediation**: Mould should be treated by a professional. This involves not just cleaning the visible mould but also ensuring that the spores are contained and removed safely to prevent health hazards and further spread. 3. **Repair or Replace Damaged Materials**: If the moisture assessment reveals dampness in the insulation, chipboard, or plaster, these materials may need to be replaced to prevent recurring mould problems. 4. **Long-term Prevention**: Ensure adequate ventilation in the kitchen and the upstairs bathroom. Sometimes, installing exhaust fans or improving existing ventilation can significantly reduce the risk of mould growth due to humidity. 5. **Legal and Warranty Aspects**: Since the problem originated from a renovation project, check if there are any warranties or guarantees from the builders or plumbers that cover such issues. It's also worth discussing with them the extent of their responsibility in rectifying the problem. 6. **Expert Opinion**: Consider consulting with a building surveyor or a damp and timber specialist. They can provide an independent assessment of the damage and the necessary remedial actions. In summary, it's essential to address both the mould and its underlying cause comprehensively. Simply painting over the problem is unlikely to be a viable long-term solution.
Answered6 January 2024
10

LJqualitypainting

Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Abbots Langley
Hi it’s good the leak was stopped You can’t just paint over the dumb after leak because mould will grow and show in one year Mould treatment with special chemicals so kill the mould properly and then paint with mould emulsion killer week after when mould disappeared paint with good quality colours minimum twice Sometimes builders do quick job and they forgetting to seal new building specially new roof etc so maybe problem is air flow from outside and affecting walls inside Hope my answer help you Thank you Jan
Answered6 January 2024
2

jt property services

Rating: 5 out of 5
Newcastle Upon Tyne
Just get the builders back in to fix it to your satisfaction, if they refuse, get environmental health to come out to inspect it and threaten legal action against your builder and plumber. Ask your bank to try to reverse some of the payment aswel
Answered1 February 2024
0

Duncs Engineering LMT Ltd

Rating: 3 out of 5
Launceston
I think there is another leak .
Answered5 February 2024
0