Help! A Roof Leak Is Causing Water Stains on My Ceiling

Roof Leak Is Causing Water Stains on My Ceiling

Homeowners everywhere dread seeing water stains on their ceilings. Although this could indicate another problem like a burst pipe, it often shows a failing in the roof system. Time is of the essence to fix the problem to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.

How can you tell if your water spots come from a leaky roof? The fastest way to get a diagnosis is with a professional roof inspection by a roofing contractor. A roofer will be able to tell you if the source of the water stains is from a roof leak and can provide a quote for professional repairs to correct the issue and prevent future recurrences.

Our contractors at Sundown Exteriors, describe how to deal with a roof leak that causes water stains on your ceiling. Contact us today for help with a leaky roof in and around Bloomington, IL.

What Should I Do If I See Water Stains on My Ceiling?

The problem with water damage is that it can lead to wood rot, drywall damage, mold growth, and health problems for the building’s residents. Water damage can cause structural damage to your home, and you may not even notice it for months.

You may notice water stains from previous damage or new leaks on your ceiling. If the edges of the stain are brown or orange, it has usually been there for a while. Call a roofing contractor immediately to schedule an inspection if you notice new water damage on your ceiling.

How Can I Tell if Water Spots on My Ceiling Are New?

Damp spots without staining could be new. Look for other signs of water intrusion, like bubbling paint on your ceiling or at the top parts of your walls, or drips on interior ceiling seams. If you can safely climb a ladder to feel the spots, see if they feel wet. Contact a professional roofer for an inspection if you suspect a new roof leak.

Can a Roofing Contractor Tell Me If I Have a Leaky Roof?

Yes! A roofing contractor can inspect your attic space and roof exterior to determine the cause of your new water spots and help you find the best way to mitigate the damage quickly. Your roof inspector may find any number of reasons for your leaky roof. Some of them may include the following.

Damaged Flashing or Caulk

damaged flashing roof leaking

Roofs naturally include weak points where different structures break up the roofline, such as skylights, roof vents, chimneys, valleys, eaves, etc. Water may seep into these weak points if the flashing gets damaged or the caulk has deteriorated. Flashing and caulk seal the edges and direct water away from these potential intrusion points.

Fixing flashing or caulk requires climbing on the roof. For your safety, you should hire a professional roofing contractor to fix these issues using special safety equipment.

Ice Dams

Ice dam roof gutters

Ice dams are ice structures that form from snow piling up at the edge of your roof, melting and refreezing into solid ice. The ice may trap water underneath, invading your home over time. Ice dams build up and melt in cycles.

Prevent the buildup of snow on your roof by scraping excess snow off the edges of your roof from a ladder until you can hire a roofing contractor to fix any damage.

Damaged Gutters

damaged gutters leaking roof

Gutters direct rain and melting snow away from your roof, preventing it from pooling and causing water intrusion. If your gutters become bent, loose, or otherwise damaged, water may collect on your roof and work its way under the seams into your home, leading to a roof leak causing water stains.

Ask the roofing contractor for referrals to the gutter service they use.

Condensation

As the weather warms up after a cold winter, frost in your attic could cause condensation to form on the attic floor, which could seep through and cause water stains on your ceiling.

Ask your roofer about installing more insulation in your attic to prevent frost formation during cold weather.

Roof Damage

roof damage from hail

Storms, hail, wind, age and more can cause damage to roofing systems. Different roofing materials may be susceptible to different kinds of damage. No matter what roofing materials you have, once damage creates an opening for water intrusion, you may notice new water spots on your ceiling.

A professional roofer knows what to look for on any kind of roof to find the source of your roof leak. Your roofing contractor can write you a quote and describe the damage they see on your roof so you can get the problem fixed quickly.

Stop Your Roof Leak Today and Prevent Further Damage

If you suspect a new roof leak causing water stains on your ceiling, call our experts at Sundown Exteriors. We specialize in roof leak repair and proudly serve the area of Central Illinois, including Bloomington, Normal, Lincoln, and Pontiac.

Contact us at Sundown Exteriors, today to schedule a roof leak inspection if you notice water stains on your ceiling.