Understanding Ceiling Stains

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

A water stain on your ceiling could be caused by a leaky pipe.

An unwanted yellow ring or streak of discolored substance is undoubtedly one of the worst discoveries to make when glancing up at the ceiling in passing. The visible markings of a water leak, these stains indicate water damage in your ceiling, which can not be expunged with a new coat of paint or averting your eyes from the stain. Ignorance will only cause the problem to grow, facilitating the growth of mold and mildew. Therefore, it is crucial that the damaged area of the ceiling is quickly remedied. However, before taking action, it may be beneficial to understand the common causes of ceiling water stains.

Common Causes

With a solid understanding of the common causes of these stains, the root of your ceiling’s stain can be determined, which can help identify the best course of action to take. Ceiling water stains are primarily formed from three scenarios: clogged gutters, caulking issues, and leaky pipes. If a heavy rainstorm has recently occurred, clogged gutters may be the cause of your ceiling’s water stain. When gutters overflow, rain water can seep into your home and stain ceilings. If the ceiling stain appears soon after a shower or bath was taken in your home, the stain may be due to a caulking issue. Old caulking is prone to cracking and deteriorating, which can lead to leaks when water escapes a shower or bathtub. Finally, water can leak from pipes that run throughout your home. If a dishwasher, bathtub, refrigerator, or even an air conditioner are situated directly above the stain on the next floor up, your ceiling stain may have been caused by leaky pipes. Take a moment to recall the last time someone took a shower or bath, last week’s heavy rainstorm, and the last time you ran the dishwasher. Your leak may have been connected to one of those situations.

Taking Action vs Calling a Professional

Drilling into your ceiling in order to verify the source of the leak can be a daunting task for many homeowners. If you have any hesitation, calling a professional may be the right call. With the tools, knowledge, and experience, a professional can remedy the water stain quickly and effectively.