Are you noticing brown stains on your ceiling? Those brown stains aren’t just an eyesore. They are signs of water damage that will likely worsen if you don’t take action. Covering up the stain with a fresh coat of paint may fix the way it appears, but it doesn’t address the underlying issue. If left untreated, that water stain could grow larger, cause structural damage, and require extensive repairs. We have created an extensive outline of common causes of stains on ceilings and ways to fix it.
Table of Contents
Top Causes of Water Stains On Ceilings
1. Leaking Roof
When was the last time you checked your roof for signs of damage? A mild to severe roof leak can cause water to find its way through cracks drip down to the ceiling. Over time the excess water causes water stains on your ceiling, flooring, and walls. Check your roof for common signs of water damage including exposed nail heads, missing shingles, unfastened gutters, sagging spots, or gutter clogs.
Leaking Ventilation System
The roof of your home or commercial building might have an extensive ventilation system consisting of air vents, plumbing vents, and more. When installed, roofing materials are cut around them, making this area the likely culprit of a water leak.
Leaking Flashing
Roof flashing is the pieces of metal placed on the roof where two sections are combined. When intact, flashing helps prevent roof leaks. However, if damaged, roof flashing can allow water to slip through and stain the ceiling.
Damaged or Old Waterproofing
Your commercial building likely has a waterproofing layer on its roof. However, storms, mechanical damage, and more can damage the membrane meant to stop the water. If you notice stains on the ceiling in your building, this is an indicator of a damaged or deteriorated waterproofing membrane. Even if it’s not physically damaged, leaks can form in waterproofing layers over time. The average lifespan is about 15-20 years depending on the material.
2. Malfunctioning HVAC Units
If water stains are forming on your ceiling, you should have the HVAC system in your home or office inspected by a professional. The cause of the leak may be related to system installation errors, an HVAC drip pan overflow, leaks, or drainage issues.
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3. Leaking Pipes
Your water pipes could easily be the cause of your water-stained ceilings. A variety of issues can cause leaking pipes including deterioration, inadequate insulation, hard water, or improper installation.
4. Leaking Bathroom
If the water stain on your ceiling appears to be due to an issue in your bathroom, you will need to quickly identify the source of the water leak. The main causes of water leaks and damage in bathrooms include old caulking that needs replacement, a pipejack boot, clogged sink drains, or a toilet overflow.
How to Fix Ceiling Water Stains
Fixing the ceiling stain starts with addressing the cause of it. You need to get the leak repaired so your repair efforts aren’t for nothing. Plus, it puts you one step closer to getting your commercial property back to the way it was.
Here are a few ways you can fix the water stain on your ceiling after repairing the leak.
- Remove and replace all affected areas of the ceiling with new ceiling tiles or drywall
- Carefully mix some bleach with water and try wiping the stain away
- Allow the ceiling stain to dry out and paint over it
- You can sand down the affected layer and seal it if you have a wood ceiling
This Is How We Handle Water Removal and Restoration
1. Initial Loss Discovered
Our water removal and restoration process begins with you calling us as soon as you notice water damage. We strive to be on-site within 60 minutes.
2. Assessment
Immediately after arriving, our team will inspect the stain on your ceiling and diagnose the issue. Our professionals utilize advanced equipment like moisture meters, digital thermal cameras, and hammer probes to identify all affected areas.
3. Equipment Setup
Our technicians come equipped with the latest and most efficient equipment available. Our Dri-Eaz Velo’s produce less sound and have less of an impact on the environment than traditional large fans.
Need Assistance? Our Team Offers Emergency Residential and Commercial Water Restoration Services in Dallas, TX and Other Areas
4. Remote Monitoring System
Remote monitoring allows our technicians to take readings every 5 minutes, which means you will have proper documentation of our progress. Our monitoring system also allows you to continue with business as usual as we continue with water removal.
5. Documentation
Once the job is complete, our technicians will provide you with extensive documentation, including readings from the remote monitoring system and pictures from before and after.
Trust Dry Force With Your Water Damage Restoration Issues
If you encounter visible moisture damage on your ceiling, give our professionals a call by phone at (877) 589-7504 to book an appointment. Our specialists provide trusted water damage restoration services in Dallas, TX for homeowners and commercial facilities. No matter the amount of water damage your business suffers, the team at Dry Force is here to help.
As soon as you call us, we will arrive in an hour to get the process started. Our team provides a variety of water damage restoration services including storm damage repair, burst pipe maintenance, roof leak repair, and flood damage restoration. Our technicians are available 24 hours a day. 365 days a year. We work with all insurance providers and offer 100% financing, which means no down payment for you. Get started with a free evaluation.
