Although brown spots on ceilings are stereotypically thought of as being an “older home” problem, they can actually occur in houses of any age, even those that have just been built! Brown spots are caused by water damage, which can be the result of missing shingles, burst pipes, incorrectly installed flashing, and several other issues. If you’ve recently noticed brown spots on your home’s ceiling that weren’t there in the past, the information in this guide will be especially pertinent to you. Continue reading to discover more about dealing with unwanted ceiling stains.
Do not ignore the issue
Sometimes, when homeowners notice new brown staining on their ceilings, they find that it is easiest to ignore the issue at hand and simply put a fresh coat of paint over the problem area. This is a bad idea for a number of reasons. For starters, the spots are likely to come back because they undoubtedly signify a leak somewhere above the ceiling, so painting over them is merely a temporary fix.
Secondarily, by ignoring the brown spots, homeowners are essentially saying they aren’t interested in learning what the underlying cause is. In many cases, roofing problems and plumbing problems, which are the two main causes of brown ceiling stains, can lead to long-term severe structural issues if they aren’t dealt with.
Look around for the source of the leak
Since ceiling stains are a sure indicator that there is a leak somewhere in your home, it’s a good idea to take some time to try to figure out what the source of the water damage is. Your attic is the prime place to begin your search. Carefully inspect the rafters, walls, and floorboards for water damage, which may include rotten sections of wood or mold growth.
It is also smart to take a look at your roof for any obvious signs of damage. Some roofing issues, like missing shingles along the edge and broken gutters, are visible from the ground. Other problems, though, require going onto the roof. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this on your own, don’t hesitate to call a professional inspector.
Call a reputable contractor
Whether or not you are able to determine the source of your home’s ceiling staining during your personal inspection, you ultimately need to hire a reputable Charlotte, NC roofing contractor to repair either your roof or your plumbing system. The faster you deal with the spots on your ceiling; the less likely your home’s water damage is to cause major issues that could cost thousands of dollars to fix. Therefore, as soon as you notice the staining, you should make a point of handling it.
At Hatch Homes, we understand that dealing with interior water damage and potential roof repairs can be frustrating. That’s why our team is here to assist you every step of the way. We take pride in helping families throughout North Carolina, and South Carolina make their homes the best they can possibly be. If you would like to learn more about our services and talk to a member of our team, give our office a call today.