It’s important to keep an eye on the condition of your roof, as even minor niggles can lead to expensive problems in the future. While you should be conducting yearly roof inspections, you should also make sure to take note of other signs that your roof may need attention. One of the biggest signs of a leaky roof is water stains on your ceiling or puddles on your floor.
If you think your roof may need some attention, give Polaris Roofing Systems a call on (928) 699-4840. Our professional roofers will be right over to check out your roof and provide you with solutions to your problem.
What Causes Brown Water Stains?
Brown water stains on a ceiling mean that water is collecting on the ceiling and that there is some form of leak. The obvious culprit is a leaky roof, but other issues can result in brown spots on the ceiling as well.
Vents
Some roofs, particularly commercial roofs, have a variety of accessories on the roof, such as skylights and air and plumbing vents. While professional roofing contractors do their best to ensure these areas are waterproof, they aren’t seamlessly integrated into the roof and leaking can occur.
An easy way to check if your water spot on the ceiling is a result of leaks around vents or skylights is to examine the area yourself. If you see stains around the vents, you can safely assume your leak is coming from there.
HVAC units
HVAC units produce water vapor as part of their ordinary functioning. This water is usually pumped out through a vent, but the improper installation of either the HVAC unit or the ducting can result in ceiling leaks. In some cases, these leaks may not actually be due to a roofing problem and may indicate an issue with the HVAC unit itself.
Water may accumulate around the HVAC unit, too, which doesn’t drain properly and damages both the roof and the ceiling. Either way, it’s a good idea to call your HVAC contractor to come and help resolve the issue.
Burst pipe
Pipes, especially aged pipes, can be subject to leaks or bursts. This accumulation can lead to water spots on ceiling surfaces and ceiling stains, as the water slowly penetrates the material. In this case, you should hire a plumber to take a look at your pipes and replace them if necessary.
You should also contact a builder to assess the water damage done by the pipe, especially if it’s been leaking for a while.
Leaky roof
Roofs can leak for several reasons. Commercial roofs have a waterproof membrane that is designed to prevent water from entering the building. This membrane can be worn down due to age, mechanical damage, and even heavy storms.
When it is worn, it will allow water to seep through and saturate the underlying insulation. If left unattended, this can lead to a water stain on ceiling surfaces and other structural issues.
Commercial buildings that use metal roofs will have flashings where two roof pieces have been joined together. These flashings are designed to keep the area waterproof, but if they degrade you may notice water seepage, brown spots on ceilings and even down walls.
How Can I Repair Water Stains?
The best way to repair water stains is to address the root cause. If you have a leaky roof, get in touch with Polaris Roofing Systems on (928) 699-4840 today. We’ll be able to help you find the source of the leak and repair it as quickly as possible. The longer you delay, the more serious the problem will become, so call today!
