Could a broken vent that hasn’t worked in over 10 years be the cause of the water stain that appeared last year on a new roof installed in 2018?
Asked by Sanna Grønning 
2 months ago
Last Updated: November 6, 2024
So, the vent has been around for more than two decades and hasn’t been functioning for over a decade. Do you think the non-working vent might have caused the water damage? A new roof was put in place back in 2018, but this water stain only showed up last year. Any thoughts on what could be going on?
Oh, and don’t forget to double-check if the cap is securely in place or if it has gone missing.
Did you see up on the roof?
If there are no leaks at the moment, it could be due to the moisture in the bathroom or shower. I don’t think it’s water damage, or else it would have damaged the popcorn texture.
Does it resemble a shower rod? If so, the moisture/humidity from the showers may have caused that.
Hey , there’s a chance it might not grow any larger.
You can try mixing water and bleach in a spray bottle and spraying it. Some of the stains should disappear. Repeat the process a few times over the next few days. Those marks should come off your white ceiling.
Hey , thanks a bunch!
It sounds like the issue might actually be the opposite. I suspect the steam from the shower is causing problems for the popcorn texture. You might want to consider repairing the fan so it can properly ventilate during showers to prevent this. Another suggestion to try could be keeping the bathroom door open while showering to increase airflow.
Inspect the fan and ductwork from that grill all the way to the outlet on the roof (or end wall). Start with a simple test using a piece of paper to check if it sucks the paper up against the ceiling when the fan is running. Ensure everything is in good condition. I suggest using rigid (not flexible) duct. Confirm that it’s properly sealed. Check if the damper is functioning. Verify that the fan is operational. Make sure it’s not venting into the attic – it MUST vent all the way outside!
When the fan isn’t working, I usually take the $20 ones and remove the motors to swap out so I don’t have to change the ductwork, etc.
I purchased two inexpensive ones to salvage the motors from. That’s my plan.
Just a heads up, proper ventilation is key for showers. Textured ceilings tend to trap moisture, so it’s best to replace them with something more suitable.