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A brown stain spreading across the ceiling, a drip during heavy rain or a musty smell in one room are all signs of a leak above your head. Left alone, a small ceiling leak can rot boards, damage wiring, grow mould and ruin furniture. This guide explains the common causes of ceiling leaks in Kenyan homes, how to find the source, what you can safely fix yourself and when to call a professional. Signs your ceiling is leaking Yellow or brown water stains, often in rings. Sagging or bubbling ceiling boards. Peeling paint or flaking plaster. Dripping during or after rain. Damp or musty smells, or black mould spots. Step 1: Work out whether it is the roof or the plumbing Not every ceiling leak comes from the roof. Ask yourself: Does it only leak when it rains? The roof, gutters or flashing are the likely cause. Does it leak in dry weather too? Look at water pipes, tanks or a bathroom on the floor above. Our DIY plumbing guide covers common pipe and toilet leaks. Is it under a bathroom or kitchen? Check seals around showers, baths and sinks. Is there a water tank in the roof space? Check the tank, its fittings and the overflow. Step 2: Identify the roof type and problem Flat roofs Flat concrete or membrane roofs are prone to water pooling. Standing water slowly breaks down the waterproofing and opens cracks and weak spots. Look for: puddles that remain after rain, visible cracks, blisters or peeling in the surface. Common trouble spots: around vents, tanks, pipes and anything else that passes through the roof, and at blocked drainage outlets. Sheet roofs (iron sheets and similar) On corrugated or profiled sheet roofs, leaks usually come from wear and tear. Look for: rust, holes and gaps where sheets overlap. Common trouble spots: loose or rusted nails and screws, worn washers, damaged ridge caps and flashing around chimneys or walls. Gutters Blocked or broken gutters can push water back under the roof edge and into the ceiling. Check them before the rainy seasons. Step 3: Limit the damage now Put a bucket under the drip and move furniture and electronics away. If water is near light fittings or sockets, switch off power to that area at the board. If the ceiling board is bulging with water, it may collapse. Keep people away and call a professional. Take photos of the damage for your landlord or insurer. Step 4: Simple fixes you may be able to do Only work on a roof if it is safe: dry weather, a secure ladder, someone holding it, and never on fragile or steep surfaces. Flat roofs Small cracks or blisters: clean and dry the area, then patch with a suitable waterproof sealant. Clear drains and debris so water runs off instead of pooling. Sheet roofs Loose fasteners: tighten or replace loose or rusted nails and screws, using roofing screws with washers. Gaps and small holes: apply roofing sealant to joints, overlaps and small holes. Badly rusted or holed sheets: these should be replaced, not patched. Gutters Clear leaves and debris, and check that downpipes are not blocked. Get materials from a hardware shop and ask staff to recommend the right sealant for your roof type. When to call a professional Several leaks, or leaks that come back after patching. Sagging ceiling boards or signs of structural damage. An old roof with widespread rust. Steep, high or fragile roofs that are unsafe to climb. Leaks near electrical wiring. A professional can repair or replace damaged materials, improve drainage with proper gutters and recommend regular maintenance. Browse Construction Companies and Hardware & Construction, and Plumbing Services if the leak is from pipes or tanks. After repairs, you may need painters to restore the ceiling. Preventing future leaks Inspect your roof and gutters before each rainy season. Clear debris from flat roofs and gutters regularly. Check after heavy storms for lifted sheets or new cracks. Repair small problems early. If you rent Report leaks to your landlord or caretaker in writing as soon as you notice them, with phot