What is Causing Those Water Stains on Your Ceiling?

Water stains on your ceiling indicate that there has been some sort of water intrusion – and moisture intrusion into the interior of your home can definitely cause some angst. The most insidious thing about water damage is that by the time it shows up on your ceiling, it has likely been lurking behind the scenes for weeks.

If you spot water stains on your ceiling or walls, you should immediately act to find and stop the leak. But where is it coming from? These areas are the prime suspects.

5 Possible Causes of Water Stains

Water stains indicate moisture has intruded and is seeping through. Even though the area may be dry when you notice it, you should still quickly investigate where the water may have come from. In the Sarasota area, we have many months of dry weather – if the leak is not identified, the problem will return when the rain does.

Water follows a path of least resistance, traveling along the easiest downward path it can find. Therefore, the location of the water stain may not be indicative of the exact location of the leak. Here’s where to look!

1. Leaky Roof: The most obvious culprit is a leaky roof. Begin by inspecting the roof for signs of damage – such as missing or broken tiles/shingles. If you have access to the attic, you can look during a rain storm to see where water is intruding. Warped, damp, or discolored eaves or framing can also point out the route the water is traveling. Here’s a Hint: If you are looking for the source of a leak and it is not raining, simply have a friend run a water hose while you are watching from the attic.
2. Gutter or Soffit Damage: Water stains can be the result of moisture coming in through unattached gutters, or soffits which have become rotted. You can generally locate this type of damage by doing a visual inspection. Simply walk around the home looking at the roof line for any signs of weakness.
3. Skylights or Roof Vents: Any feature which required a hole to be cut in the roofing structure may be the location of your problem. Check the sealant around these features, and if necessary, reapply according to professional specifications.
4. Plumbing Leaks: If a pipe running through your ceiling begins to leak, it may be the cause of your water leak. You will need to call a professional plumber to take care of the issue before too much damage is done to your ceiling and drywall.
5. Past Problems Which Have Been Rectified: If you move into a home which has water stains on the ceiling, it is possible that they are the result of a past issue – such as a leaky roof – which has been resolved. You can ask the prior owner, or look at official permitting records to see if a new roof had recently been installed. If the water stains appear old and never seem to get wet or get larger, you may not have a current problem.

Water stains are a sign of a bigger problem which, left unchecked, can cause damage to your walls, ceiling, electrical systems, and even your property. The presence of water can also instigate the growth of mold, which can cause illness. Therefore these stains should never be ignored.

If you need help identifying the source of your water leak, give the professional roofers at Avery Roofing Services a call. We can do a thorough roof inspection, and assist in identifying and stopping the water intrusion before it becomes a major issue. The Sarasota winter months are generally dry and therefore a great time to investigate – call us today.