Our roofs have one job — to defend our homes against nature’s elements. Unsightly water stains on your ceilings are a sign that your roof isn’t doing its job. Somehow, water has intruded into the interior of your home. But what should you do if you spot water stains? Good question. Here’s the problem: by the time water stains appear on your ceiling, the water that caused them has been leaking into your home for a while. To prevent further damage, you need to find the cause of the stains and address it as quickly as possible.
Not sure how to do that? These tips will help you pinpoint the exact cause of the water stains on your ceiling, and what you need to do to fix them.
Ceiling Water Stains: What You Need To Know:
What caused the water stains on my ceiling?
There is only one answer to this question. Somewhere, water is leaking — likely through your roof. For roof leaks, it’s important to find the origin point of the leak. A contractor with knowledge of roofing in Woodbridge can help with this task.
Roof Leak Cause #1: Ice Dams
Stains that appear along outside walls are typically caused by ice dams. Ice dams are the result of melting and refreezing snow and ice on your roof’s edge. This can build a thick layer of ice that traps water behind it and forces it into your home.
Ice Dams Solution
Builders who focus on roofing in Woodbridge know ice dams are a pain to deal with, but they can be resolved. An easy solution is to remove snow from your roof’s edges before it can melt and refreeze. A more permanent solution is to install an ice-melt system along the edges of your roof. This will melt the snow as it falls. A good contractor with experience in roofing replacement in Woodbridge VA can offer guidance on a system that will work for you.
Roof Leak Cause #2: Condensation
If water stains appear at random places on your ceiling, they are likely the result of condensation. Condensation occurs when excess frost builds up in your home’s attic during cold weather. When the weather warms and the frost melts, it can leave enough water to create stains.
Condensation Solution
Dealing with condensation generally means installing more insulation in your attic. This will keep your attic warmer and prevent the build-up of frost. Talk with a roofing contractor about how much insulation you need to install.
Roof Leak Cause #3: Bad Flashing
Water stains near valleys, transitions, or junctions in your roof are generally due to improperly installed or damaged flashing. This is also true if water stains appear around chimneys or skylights. Roofing companies in northern Virginia can quickly spot these problems.
Bad Flashing Solution
There’s only one way to rectify damaged or improperly installed flashing, and that’s to replace it. This involves some know-how and also having to climb on your roof. This is a job best left to professionals with experience in roofing replacement in Woodbridge VA who regularly deal with these types of problems.
Roof Leak Cause #4: Roof Damage
Roofing companies in northern Virginia will all tell you the same thing: winter is tough on our homes — especially our roofs. Falling tree branches, high wind, and heavy wet snow can all cause damage to our roofs and create leaks.
Roof Damage Solution
Repairing a damaged roof isn’t something we want to deal with, but it needs to be done as soon as a problem is discovered. If your roof has been damaged by harsh winter ( or harsh summer ) weather, don’t put off repairs. A contractor who specializes in roofing replacement in Woodbridge VA can get an estimate for the work and get you scheduled asap!
Prevention is the best remedy
Having your roof regularly inspected and maintained is the best way to prevent leaks. At MidAtlantic Contracting we’re experts when it comes to keeping your roof in tip-top shape. If you’ve recently spotted unwelcome water stains inside your home and require roofing replacement in Woodbridge VA, give us a call. We’re available at 703.492.4663, and our staff is ready to assist you. You can also visit us online at MAContracting.com.