Don’t Ignore Water Stains on Your Ceiling
Do you ever look up and think, “how long has that water stain been there?” You pass it over thinking it must have been there for years and you just now noticed. You call the handyman and have the ceiling repainted. Done. But did you just hide a problem instead of fixing it?
What Causes Water Stains?
If you have a water leak, the water will seep into building materials, insulation, drywall, and finally come through the paint. The water itself will evaporate; what is left is a stain caused by the minerals in the water and any reaction it may have had with the material.
“A word of caution: If you cover up a water stain without addressing the leak that caused it, you run the risk of additional staining on the ceiling, not to mention more serious structural or electrical damage. That’s why it’s so important to find and repair the cause of the water stain as soon as possible, even if it is no longer wet.” Bob Villa
Water Stains Don’t Just Go Away
Ignoring a water stain can be a mistake, especially if your rainy season picks up the pace. If water came in once, it will come in again. Your building has an envelope to seal it from the elements. That’s the primary reason for a roof, insulation, and flooring.
As roofers, we call water leaks “water intrusion.” It really is an invasion. It can attract algae, mold, and insects. In addition, water can cause corrosion of metal. Rust. Water intrusion is not just unsightly, it’s a destructive process.
Water Stains Mean You May Need a Roofer
Water has a funny way of taking the path of least resistance. When it falls on your roof or melts from snow, it will go somewhere. A well-built roof system will direct the water to your roof drains, scuppers, eaves, and downspouts. If you don’t engineer an escape route for water, it will find its own path.
A qualified roofing contractor like EDCA Roofing can inspect your roof if you have water stains. We can help you replace your roof to prevent further damage. You will have peace of mind that your leak has stopped and you then can focus on any indoor repairs you need completing without worrying about more water returning and doing more damage.
Seattle’s rainy season is upon us. Reach out to EDCA roofing for more information today!