Brown ceiling stain

Read the pattern before repainting

A stain describes where water or dissolved material reached the finish. It does not identify the source by itself.

Patterns that change the likely cause

• Worse after rain: compare roof geometry, penetrations and wind direction.
• Worse after water use: consider plumbing, drains and wet-room layers.
• Mainly in winter: compare condensation, air leakage and cold surfaces.

Safe first checks

Photograph the edge, note the date and correlate visible change with rain or water use.