Have you noticed a funny stain on your ceiling? If this happens at your upper level, you can be sure that you roof is leaking or your do not have adequate ventilation in your attic. Otherwise you have to check you bathrooms at the upper for any water leaks. Here is how to fix a water stain and some important tips to prevent them.

In the same series of articles:

Why ventilate your attic?
How to Control Moisture in Attics
Attic Moisture and Your Climate
How to Fix a Water Stain on a Ceiling
How to Prevent Icicles and Ice Dams on Roofs
Why and how to 13 possible spots for your roof leak
20 point roof inspection check list
How to replace faulty roof shingles

You have to asses the extent of the damage. Treating light and small stains is much easier than heavier, darker stained areas.

Light stains

For light stains, pour some straight bleach into a small cup. Dip a sponge into bleach and lightly dab onto the stain until it disappears.

Should the stains are small, use white chalk or shoe polish to cover them, instead.

Large or/or darker stains

For large stains you must tape off the work area to protect any trim and ceiling area that you do not need to fix. Remove any light fixtures or fans or protect them by using a plastic bag, painting tape or a cloth.

Apply sealer

Apply a coat of the multipurpose sealer over the area and slightly beyond with a roller or a brush. If the stain is dark you should really apply a second coat of sealer and even a third coat for very dark stains. Between coats you should wait at the minimum the time indicated n the instructions of the sealer you purchased. I have found very effective the xxx sealer, which you can conveniently purchase from our store. Wait xxx hours between coats.

Paint

You can use a brush for small areas or a roll for larger areas. Brush or roll the ceiling paint in even strokes. Wait the recommended time between coats, as per manufacturer instructions.

Remove painting tape

Remove any tape and put back any lights or fixtures, if applicable.

Important tips

• Wear protective eyewear and gloves
• Protect flooring and furniture with tarps or old sheets prior to start fixing the water stain
• If you do not like rolling or brushing, use primer cans
• For dents in the ceiling, use transparent or white caulk
• Last but most important, make sure you find the source of the stain and fix it

In the same series of articles:

Why ventilate your attic?
How to Control Moisture in Attics
Attic Moisture and Your Climate
How to Fix a Water Stain on a Ceiling
How to Prevent Icicles and Ice Dams on Roofs
Why and how to install an attic vent
13 possible spots for your roof leak
20 point roof inspection check list
How to replace faulty roof shingles