Water was collecting above the ceiling, tiles were filling up, and drips were reaching multiple areas of a Moncks Corner commercial space. The call sounded like an air conditioner leak. Once we arrived, our inspection showed that the source was an airflow imbalance affecting the building.
Replacing wet tiles would have left the underlying condition untouched. We needed to learn why moisture was forming above the kitchen, dining room, and office areas, then correct the airflow conditions behind it.
Following the Water to an Air Pressure Problem
On July 13, 2026, we checked in at the Moncks Corner property and inspected the space above the ceiling. Water had been dripping from ductwork in both the kitchen and dining room.
The makeup-air unit was running, but the grates inside the exhaust hood were heavily clogged. In plain terms, the exhaust system was pulling more air from the building than the makeup-air system could deliver through those blocked grates. That created negative pressure.
Under negative pressure, humid air was drawn into the store through available gaps. When that moisture met the cold duct surfaces, the ducts began to sweat. Condensation collected above the ceiling, soaked tiles, and produced the dripping that prompted the service call.
We determined that the clogged grates needed to be cut out and replaced, then prepared a quote for the corrective work.
Restoring Airflow and Checking the Full System
We returned on July 18, removed the old hood grates, and discarded them. After vacuuming the accumulated dirt from the grate area, we installed new grates and restored power to the makeup-air unit.
Airflow into the hood improved noticeably, but we kept testing. The building remained slightly under negative pressure, so we inspected both air conditioning units and found air escaping around their horizontal supply discharge panels. Stripped screws were preventing the panels from sealing properly.
We replaced the screws and secured the panels.
A flow of cool air at the gap around the nearly closed roof hatch then indicated positive pressure inside the building. That change was expected to improve comfort and stop condensation above the ceiling.
We also confirmed that the makeup-air damper above the ceiling was fully open. During that inspection, we found two supply diffusers with loose fiberglass backing that had not been taped to the diffusers.
Cold air was leaking into the ceiling space at those points. We documented the condition as a remaining repair item, especially if the kitchen continued to feel uncomfortable.
A Satisfied Client and a Clear Next Step
Our customer was satisfied with the completed work. More importantly, we addressed the pressure condition driving the condensation instead of treating the damaged ceiling tiles as the whole problem.
For Moncks Corner business owners and property managers, wet ceiling tiles, dripping ductwork, or uneven kitchen comfort can signal a broader ventilation issue. Arctic Air Inc. provides commercial air conditioning repair for systems serving local businesses.
Call us to schedule an on-site evaluation in Moncks Corner. Acting early can help limit additional ceiling damage and give us a chance to identify airflow leaks before they disrupt staff, customers, or daily operations.
