You’re sitting on your couch reading a good book or enjoying a binge-worthy show when you notice a stain on your ceiling. You wonder about how long it’s been there and start to worry about the possibility of a leak. Well, worry not. We’re here to shed some light on what could be causing your mysterious ceiling stain and how to get rid of it.
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Is a Water Stain on the Ceiling Serious?
Take a deep breath. Ceiling stains are not always an indication of a major water disaster, but they can definitely grow into a big problem over time. Water stains on your ceiling are often caused by leaks from your roof, heating appliances, or plumbing system. Contact Cleanup & Total Restoration for a thorough inspection of your roof.
Top 4 Causes of Ceiling Water Stains
Roof Leak
The most common culprit behind a ceiling stain is a leaking roof. Even the most mild roof leak can cause a stain to form. That’s because water trickles down cracks and crevices, finding its way down to your ceiling base.
Leaking HVAC System
Yes, your air conditioner is another suspect. If your HVAC system’s condensation lines or drain pans are overflowing, damaged, or improperly installed, it could lead to leaks that manifest as water stains on your ceiling.
Leaking Pipes
Your home is laden with pipes. If one of them bursts, you could have a major leak on your hands. If a pipe hidden behind your ceiling happens to burst, an unsightly ceiling stain can and will form. If you notice a fast-forming stain, contact a professional to mitigate the issue.
Overflowing Water
Overflowing water from a second-floor toilet, sink, or bathtub can cause a ceiling stain to grow fast. If your ceiling stain is caused by overflowing water, shut off the source (if possible) and contact CTR.
How Do I Know if It’s Caused by a Roof Leak?
How Do I Know if It’s Caused by a Roof Leak?Identifying the exact cause of the water stain is important. If you suspect a roof leak, here are some telltale signs to look out for:
Damaged Waterproofing
Your roof is covered with a waterproof material. Whether it’s cementitious or a polyurethane liquid membrane, roof waterproofing can sustain damage over time. If your waterproofing is damaged, water may find its way into your home.
Leaking Flashing
Flashing refers to the pieces of metal that join two areas of a roof together. Sometimes, flashing can get damaged, allowing water to infiltrate your roof and home. If this is the case, water stains are likely to form on your ceiling.
Leaking Skylights or Vents
Finally, skylights and vents can be susceptible to leaks. Keep an eye out for any amount of water leaking through the vents or seams.
How to Fix Ceiling Water Stains
It’s tricky to identify the root cause of ceiling water stains. Whatever you do, don’t paint over your stains. This only covers up a much larger issue lurking behind your ceiling. Instead, call the professionals at Cleanup & Total Restoration. Our team has the knowledge and tools necessary to handle your ceiling leak with precision and expertise.
Read More: 5 Ways To Tell If Water Damage is New or Old
Fix Your Roof Leak the CTR Way
Dealing with a ceiling stain is one of the last things you want to do, but pushing it to the bottom of your to-do list will only make the issue worse. Don’t wait to get to the bottom—or the top—of your ceiling stain. Get in touch with a CTR professional. Our technicians will be on your property in less than an hour to mitigate the damage and get to work. Contact CTR today to get 24/7 emergency services.
