Damp on ceiling in dc's bedrooms - what do I do?

[Onthecuspofabreakthrough]

Discovered damp patches right at the join between ceiling and wall in both dc's bedrooms today (I looked up as wanted to hang some tinsel, almost wish I hadn't!)
Are there things I can try before getting an expensive tradesperson in to replace the roof or something? 🤞
I'll attach a photo.

Are there gutters outside in those spots? If so they are likely blocked

You need to have a look outside around the area of the damp to see if there is anyway water can get into your property e.g. guttering. Then if you can't see anything get someone to go into the loft to have a look at the area above it.

Yes! There is a gutter the length of the house front and back. Would it just cause damp in certain spots if it's blocked?
Our attic is floored for storage so I can go up and have a look, once I move all the random crap aside. There is a little and ancient roof window in the attic so I could lean out and see if I can see the gutter too.
I thought it might be connected to the windows (it's above a window in both cases) as they are crazy wet in the mornings these days.
Thank you both so much for replying

Yes it will cause damp patches if blocked as the over spill of water has to go somewhere.

Lots of things you can do in the meantime.
Clean with specialist mould sprays or diluted bleach.

Wash the curtains
Check all walls and pull furniture away from external walls a bit so air circulates.
Work out if there is a reason for it externally.
Dry windows daily
Air out the rooms daily and keep internal doors open.
Do not dry washing indoors if you can and certainly not in the rooms.
Use a dehumidifier
Repaint with mould resistant paint once damp is under control

That's so helpful, thank you.
It's in a teenager's bedroom so I think he rarely opens the window, though I do it when I'm at home - will increase this.
I have those disposable dehumidifier things but think I need to get a proper one.
Though anything I do won't help if the gutters are blocked so will get onto that.

It's a leak. Cleaning it is pointless until it has been repaired. Look upstairs for pipes and tanks.

It could be that the room isn’t ventilated enough. In the damp weather recently we developed wet patches around the edge of the ceiling. They grew damp very quickly! I was having heating on less and not opening windows as much trying to save on bills. I was panicked it was a leak but luckily just lack of heating and ventilation.

Thank you both. I've certainly been scrimping on heating until the last couple of weeks. The windows are covered in condensation in the morning too.
I will get up into the attic in daylight and see what I can find out.
Heaven help me if I need a big roof repair!

Make sure you're getting rid of the condensation each day, I ignored mine hoping it would evaporate and ended up with mould on the window frames.

You must check your gutters. When did you last clear them? If you have a lot of trees nearby, or moss on your roof tiles, your gutters can get blocked. Or, in very windy weather the gutters can get damaged and the rain can run down into the wall. Also, you should check that you have no missing or broken roof tiles. Binoculars are useful for having a look from ground level.

Gutters probably last cleared a couple of years ago. During some part of covid, I seem to remember. There's probably a pigeon's nest there or something!

It's most likely the gutters rather than a leaking pipe.

The torrential rain we've had recently will have come over the top of the blocked gutter.

The mould doesn't look too old.

Warm the room up and use a dehumidifier to dry it out.

Yes, that will be your gutters

Thanks I actually feel quite reassured and like I have a plan for what to do next!

Gutters need cleaning at lease once per year. Our window cleaner does it as a sideline. He has specialist equipment including a drone and a camera on a pole so he can see where hes cleaning. I'm usually home when he does it but he always sends me the drone footage and before and after pics

That's so high tech, I love it!