Drywall Water Stains

A Leaky Roof is often the Culprit for Drywall Water Stains on Ceilings

By Mark J. Donovan

Drywall water stains on ceilings and upper walls are typically caused from roof leaks. Check your attic to look for signs of water infiltration from the roof. Look for dark stains on the roof sheathing or roof rafters. If you can’t find any telltale signs of water infiltration, inspect your attic on a rainy day to see where the water is coming in. If you find the offending area, wait until a dry and clear day and inspect the roof for damaged shingles or popped nails. Often the leak occurs higher up than where the water is entering the attic. Also check around chimney flashing and roof flashing. If the flashing becomes lose, water can get behind it and work its way into your home. If you live in a climate where there is heavy snow, roof snow melt can occasionally find a way underneath the flashing that is connecting a roof to an intersecting wall. Water can then work its way down the drywalled walls and form stains and large water balloon shaped bulges.

Air conditioning systems located in attics can also cause drywall water stains on ceilings and walls. If an air conditioner’s condensation drip line becomes clogged, or there is condensation forming on any part of the duct work, the water droplets can drip onto the drywall ceiling and form drywall stains on the ceilings.