Water stains on your walls and ceiling are not only unsightly, but they’re also a strong indicator that something is seriously wrong with your house. Nothing good will ever come from moisture building up inside your ceiling and walls. If you notice a water stain developing, here are a few things you must immediately investigate.
Leaking Roof
A leaking roof may not be readily apparent, especially if the water is running down the inside of the walls. If you suspect a roof leak, you’ll want to have your roof inspected. If there is a leak, you’ll need to get your roof repaired as soon as possible. If you have a metal roof with a leak, be sure to call someone who specializes in metal roof repair.
Leaking Pipes
Water pipes inside your walls may develop seepage at the joints or even tiny pinholes due to age. These can leak intermittently or continuously, saturating the insulation inside the walls, as well as damaging the wood and drywall. Likewise, uninsulated copper pipes can “sweat” condensation in amounts large enough to do damage. A plumber can use a moisture meter to scan the wall and to see where the highest concentration of water is behind the wall.
Mold and Mildew
One insidious side effect of moisture inside your walls is it fosters the growth of mold and mildew. Mold is not only ugly, but it could also be a potential health hazard. Not only that, but mold can also slowly eat away at the structural integrity of the wood inside your walls. Mold inside your walls or ceiling will likely need professional intervention.
Rotted Wood
If the leak has been ongoing for quite some time, it may have caused damage to the wood beams and studs of your home. Likewise, the plywood of your roof could be damaged and rotting. Removing all of the rotting lumber is important, because dry rot can spread to the surrounding wood. Likewise, damp, rotting wood will attract insects, such as termites, that will cause even more damage.
Water stains are never a good sign inside a home, and the fix is rarely simple. Painting over the problem is not a solution, it’s only a cover-up for a much more serious issue. If you see a water stain inside your home, investigate the cause, then immediately take action to stop it where it starts.
