Dark stains in attic

[mjr6550]

I saw these stains at several areas in an attic. They are not from condensation. No apparent odor to them and I was not in the mood to taste them. I'm thinking it is asphalt or something leaching out of the moisture barrier on the insulation. I think I have seen this in the past, but not often. Any thoughts?

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[John Kogel]

I think black gunk from a caulking gun.

He glued the batts to the rafters.

[Marc]

I saw these stains at several areas in an attic. They are not from condensation. No apparent odor to them and I was not in the mood to taste them. I'm thinking it is asphalt or something leaching out of the moisture barrier on the insulation. I think I have seen this in the past, but not often. Any thoughts?

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Looks like you've hit the nail on the head.

Marc

[Rob Amaral]

Looks like classic ice-dam leaks guys.. tannin-colored stains.. Eaves, etc..

[Erby]

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I'd bet the line in this pic is directly under a valley.

[Eric B]

That photo appears to be looking up at the base of a vaulted ceiling. In my experience is usually associated with a ventilation problem (condensation).

[Rob Amaral]

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Tannin-stains in snow yesterday.. Concord, MA.. classic ice-dam above...

[mjr6550]

leakage from ice damming could be a possibility, but the stains were much darker than usual. No signs of condensation-the sheathing was not discolored.