Wet spots on ceiling in top floor?

Question

We purchased a townhouse. We noticed on our very first walk through that there was a wet spot in one of the kids bedroom. Ask the builder he told us just wet putty so we let it go. So a few months went by and the spot stayed wet and got bigger.

Call the builder back they told us well the shingles was bad they will replace them and they did. Few more months went by started to noticed more spots all over the place. So I called the builder back I also called a few building engineers that told us our AC unit was not working and we have mold in the attic. The builder came out replaced all the insulation and told us it was all fixed and that was all they were going to do. I called several roofers they told me you need to replace soffit vents so I called and paid someone to do it. Well here it is 4 years latter and the problem still there and looks like it is getting worse.

Answer 1

SOMETIMES, RAIN CAN AFFECT THE TOP FLOOR CEILINGS. IT WAS LIKE THAT IN MY BUILING. THE TERRACE TILES HAD TO BE REPLACED, AS THEY WERE LETTING RAIN WATER IN. ONCE THEY WERE FIXED, THE PROBLEM DISAPPEARED.

IF IT IS RAINING WHERE YOU ARE, CHECK THE TILES OF THE FLOOR OF THE TERRACE.

Answer 2

Solve this by a process of elimination.

#1. If these leaks/spots are noticed more in hot weather, I would think you have some ductwork that is either not insulated or a spot or two has insulation pulled away from the ductpipe. Condesation forms when hot attic air hits the much cooler ductwork.

#2. You may have ridge vent at the peak of your roof. Sometimes when ridge vent is used along with soffit or gable vents. Some rain can blow in the ridge vent - see if spots are right in line with the ridge portion of your roof.

#3. Bath fan may have flex pipe that has a hole in it. If these flex pipes are not covered up with attic insulation you can get condensation in them and then if they even have a small hole in the flex pipe it can leak out of these small holes and drip onto the ceiling from the attic.

#4. You may have some plain old roof vents that were not flashed properly and leak.

#5. A long shot is for some reason you have a water pipe that was ran above the ceiling - don't think so but stranger things have happened. This colder water when hit by hot attic air will also condensate.

#6. You may have an air handler  (a/c coil and drip pan) in your attic. Drip pan could be plugged up and overflowing.

Check each item and I'm sure you will find the problem.

Good Luck