When you notice a water stain on your ceiling, your first response might be to paint over it and hope for the best. However, this approach can put your family – and your wallet – in danger.
Instead of hiding the problem, you need to uncover what is causing it and address the issue. Follow these simple steps to identify the leak so you can save money and keep your home safe.
Step 1: Act Quickly
A stained ceiling usually indicates a serious plumbing issue or a leak in your roof. Any type of water intrusion can quickly lead to rotting. This can occur with the wooden decking of your roof and your homes structure – putting your home and family in danger. Additionally, roof decking is very expensive to repair, and that’s why it is so important to act immediately at the first sign of water spots on your ceiling.
In addition to wood rot, mold is a serious concern when water has penetrated your home. Wet materials like sheetrock can begin to grow mold within 24 – 48 hours without proper drying. Further, mold is dangerous for your family – especially for those with allergies and breathing problems. Once it spreads, it can also damage other areas of your home and require costly cleanup.
For all these reasons, it is imperative to address a water spot on your ceiling quickly. This means identifying the source of the leak should be your top priority.
Step 2: Identify The Source of The Leak
If you have easy, safe access to your attic, you can check to see if the water is coming from the roof or another source inside your home. If you believe the leak originated from your roof, contact an experienced roofer immediately to assess and prevent further damage.
A water stain on your ceiling doesn’t always mean that you have a roof leak. You could have overflow or unwanted condensation in your HVAC unit, a broken water pipe, or a leak from damaged gutters. If you identify a leak coming from your plumbing, turn off the water to your home and contact an experienced plumber in your area immediately.
In any case, it is always wise to have your roof inspected when you see water spots on your ceiling – even if only as an added precaution. The best roofers offer complimentary inspections, so you don’t have to worry about a bill for checking your roof.
Step 3: Identify The Right Professional for Repairs
When you hire a professional, be sure to check that they are local, licensed, and insured. You will also want to work with a company that offers a warranty to guarantee their work.
If you need roof repair or replacement, be sure to locate a company that has robust options for covering the costs – like a low-cost financing program. In many cases, insurance doesn’t cover the full cost of roofing services if your roof is old or in ill repair. For this reason, a financing program can help you get the services you need without depleting your savings or accepting a costly personal loan.
Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company to Determine If Your Damage is Covered
After you’ve found the right professional to repair the leak, it is time to contact your homeowners insurance company for assistance in paying for the damage. Your chosen professional should help you organize the information that is needed to file a claim to get the most benefit from your insurance.
Insurance coverage can be difficult to navigate, especially when you rarely use the policy. An experienced professional will be able to help you gather the right information and organize it in the way that insurance companies need to see. By providing your claim information correctly, you are more likely to receive the full benefit of your insurance and avoid the headache of guesswork.
When addressing a water leak, the most important things you can do are act quickly and choose the right company to complete repairs. When you need roofing services on the Gulf Coast, that company is Complete Roofing.
Contact Complete Roofing When You Notice a Water Stain on Your Ceiling
At Complete Roofing, we have the expertise to determine if water stains on your ceiling are caused by a roof leak. Our team will arrive at the agreed upon time, inspect your roof for damage, and offer the right solution for repair or replacement.
We can help you file an insurance claim or apply for our low-cost financing program to get the services you need. To contact a member of our team, select from our general areas below or click your city for express service.
Installation and Repair Services for Roofs and Gutters are available in the following locations:
- Coastal Alabama Main Office with local agents in:
- Coastal Mississippi Main Office with local agents in:
- Greater New Orleans Main Office with a local agent in: