A water stain on a ceiling should never be ignoredeven if the water damage has dried out.
It could indicate a larger problem, such as faulty plumbing or a failing roof.
This could be because of an aging roof with cracks or a chimney with deteriorating flashing.
Or maybe a storm has recently rolled through your area, causing a few shingles to fall off.
The leak isnt always going to be located directly above the stain.
Water can travel quite a distance before accumulating at a low point and permeating the surface below.
Leaking Pipes
Some houses haveplumbing linesthat run through the ceilingmainly to minimize tear-down during plumbing disasters.
Only this time, the ceiling suffers from water damage.
In other cases, the upstairs bathroom or toilet is to blame.
Check your bathroom fixtures for leaks at the base of your toilet or around your shower.
Water pooling on an upper floor will eventually make its way downstairs if the source isnt addressed promptly.
The same can be said for clogged drain lines, which cause water to overflow from the pan.
Warm steam from showering, cooking, and ironing clothing rises to the ceiling.
This issue is common in rooms with poor ventilation.
The last thing you need is electrical problems, or worse, structural damage thatll cost plenty to fix.
A professional can also helpreplace your ceilingif the water damage is too extensive.
After you have addressed the problem that caused the stain, you’re free to paint over it.
Use a stain-blocking primer when covering it up.
A professional water damage remediation company can assess the problem and help with significant restorations.
A brief guide to mold, moisture and your home.U.S.
