Storms can cause significant damage to your home, especially the roof. If you notice unsightly stains on your ceiling, it may be a sign of water leakage.
Unfortunately, failing to resolve this issue exposes your property to further destruction throughout the rainy season. Here, we cover common causes of water stains after a storm and how to fix them. We’ll also provide short answers to frequently asked questions about the topic.
What Causes Water Stains?
Condensation is a prevalent cause of ceiling stains after a rainy season. This issue often results from poor insulation in improperly connected roof caps and vent pipes. If these sections are not airtight, they let water and moisture seep through the roof, condense on the ceiling and stain it.
Leaky pipes and gaps on the roof joints allow water to flow to the ceiling. When you suspect you have such an issue in your home, inspect the surfaces above spots with pooling water. If you notice discoloration, contact a roofing expert for a comprehensive inspection and repair.
Caulking and flashing protect the ceiling against water incursion. If these materials are missing or worn out, your home no longer has sealing to protect the surface from stains.
How to Deal With Ceiling Stains
Ceiling stains can lower your home’s aesthetic appeal and lead to high maintenance costs. Once you notice discoloration, inspect all rooms, and identify the root cause. Based on the level of damage, you may decide to fix the issue or get professional help.
Do It Yourself (DIY)
DIY jobs are only suitable for minor damages that don’t require expert skills. You may paint over the ceiling stains to conceal them if you choose this option. However, this is a temporary solution since it doesn’t seal perforations.
Another DIY for fixing water stains caused by storms is reapplying caulking to prevent water penetration. Once the surface dries, paint the discolored parts to restore their beauty.
Hire a Professional
Hiring a roofing contractor is the best way to deal with ceiling stains. These experts will inspect your home to identify the leak. They will then use high-quality material to fix it and prevent such issues in the future.
Another reason to consider roofers is that they can assess the damage. This measure allows the experts to determine if you need a minor fix like reapplying caulking or a bigger one like replacing your pipes. Other repairs the experts may suggest based on their inspection are:
- Installing proper insulation
- Fixing loose duct joints
- Installing a new roof cap
- Installing a water softening system to prevent pipe damage
Another solution roofing experts may propose to deal with the stains is sealing attic gaps. They may also ask you to replace damaged ducts to improve insulation and prevent condensation in the ceiling.
If the issue stems from an old structure, the professional can recommend a roof replacement to avoid leakage and protect your property from water damage.
How Do I Remove Brown Stains on The Ceiling?
An ideal way to remove ceiling stains is by wiping the surface with bleach and water. Alternatively, sand the discolored layer then paint it to achieve a fresh look.
What Kind of Primer Should I Use?
The best primer to use when fixing water stains on your ceiling is an oil-based and stain-blocking one. Such will seal the surface then prevent water penetration and stains.
Can I Paint Over the Water Damage?
Yes. You can paint over a stained ceiling to temporarily cover the affected area. However, make sure the surface is not rotting to avoid secondary damage.
Get Professional Storm Restoration Services Today
Getting rid of unsightly stains on your ceilings can be time-consuming without professional help. At Absolute Construction, we can inspect your home for signs of water damage.
We will then fix the affected area or recommend replacements to prevent water penetration to your ceiling. Call us today for reliable storm restoration services.