There are certain parts of our homes that we do not really notice right away. Like our ceilings for instance. We never pay them any attention unless there is water plopping down on us while we watch television. And then one day, we are sick in bed or lying on our couch and we look up and horror of horrors! Spots! Water damage can be something as simple as a few discolored spots on the ceiling, or they can be even more involved, but they must be dealt with, including the cause of them.

If what you have spotted first are the brownish, discolored spots on your ceiling, your roof is more than likely the culprit. Removing a section of the ceiling tile may reveal more extensive water damage, or in some cases it may not. If you are lucky, then replace the tile or repaint the ceiling- but have the roof checked and repaired as soon as possible. Be prepared for the worst when you remove the tile- you never know exactly what you will find under it. If the water damage is concentrated in the corners or along the edges of the ceiling, it may not be the actual roof, it may be the house's eaves allowing water to seep under the siding and into the home. Simply repainting or replacing ceiling tiles without finding and repairing the cause of your water damage is fool hardy at best.

After you notice damages to the ceiling, check the walls and floor in the area as well. With a bright light, check for brownish dripped areas on the wall, or a damp, moldy or musty appearing/smelling carpet. Hardwood floorings may take on a grayish appearance when exposed to water damage, so monitor them as well, even if you never feel any water. Again, make sure that you do not just do the cosmetic repairs without finding the cause of the water damage.

Once the cause of the water damage has been found, and repaired, assess the area to see if it is simply cosmetic damage or if there is a structural issue to be cared for as well. Ceiling tiles that are molded or weakened must be removed and replaced, otherwise you can repaint to cover the darkened spot. (If you have the time, the energy and the budget, you might consider using this as an excuse to repaint the entire room.)

Once the ceiling has been repaired, you can then focus on the wall and floors. Again, if there are no structural damages to contend with, you can focus on making things pretty once again. Repainting or repapering may be all that is necessary, but you must understand that wood paneling may be more involved to repair. If this is beyond your scope of expertise, then consult a handyman or contractor, otherwise, sand and refinish the wall. (Do this carefully or you will end up having to do the entire room.