Why is there a water stain on my ceiling when the roof looks fine?
Water travels along rafters and decking before it drips, so the stain is often several feet from where water gets in. Small openings around vents and flashing aren't visible from the ground.
Rather book online? Compare roofers on Thumbtack, our partnerIndependent local roofing companies · Repairs, new roofs and re-roofs · No obligation
Answered by RingaRoofer · Roof leaks
Water travels along rafters and decking before it drips, so the stain is often several feet from where water gets in. Small openings around vents and flashing aren't visible from the ground.
What to know
- Check the attic above the stain for wet wood or insulation.
- Look for a pipe, vent or roof valley uphill of the stain.
- Rule out a plumbing or bathroom leak if the stain is under a bathroom.
- Have a roofer trace it to the entry point.
Need a roofer for this?One call connects you with an independent roofing company that serves your area.
Call (855) 635-9281General information for homeowners, not a substitute for a roofer looking at your roof. More on this: Roof Leak Repair.
Roof Questions
More about roof leaks
Why is my roof leaking?Most roof leaks start at flashing around vents, walls and valleys, at cracked pipe boots, or where shingles are…Why does my roof only leak in heavy rain?Heavy, wind-driven rain reaches places normal rain never touches: the edges of lifted shingles, flashing seams and…What should I do right now if my roof is leaking?Catch the water, move belongings, keep out of rooms with a bulging ceiling, take photos and call a roofer. Don't…Can a roof leak be fixed in winter?Yes. Roofers repair leaks year-round. In very cold weather some sealants and shingles don't seal well, so a roofer…
