Water damage · Emergency service
Ceiling water damage repair
Ceiling water damage is usually caused by a roof leak, an attic AC drain overflowing, or a plumbing line above. The source has to be found and fixed, then the ceiling and attic insulation dried or replaced before texture and paint.
Causes vary by region. In the South and Southwest, attic AC air handlers produce gallons of condensate a day, and a clogged drain line or rusted pan sends it into the ceiling. In snowy states, ice dams push meltwater under shingles.
Ceiling drywall holds water like a sponge and can fail suddenly when it sags. Wet blown-in insulation adds weight and stays wet for a long time, so it's often replaced.
What you can expect
- One call connects you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP code.
- Fast call-back during business hours
- Serving All 50 states + D.C.
- Photo and moisture documentation for insurance
Ceiling water damage repair at a glance
- Category
- Water damage
- Emergency service
- Yes, call for fastest response
- Typical first step
- Find the source
- Area
- All 50 states + D.C.
Signs you need ceiling water damage repair
- Brown or yellow ring on the ceiling
- Sagging or bubbling drywall
- Dripping from a light fixture or vent
- Water in the AC secondary pan
- Wet attic insulation
How the work is done
- 1
Find the source
Roof, AC condensate or plumbing is identified so drying isn't wasted.
- 2
Remove failed materials
Sagging drywall and wet insulation are removed under containment.
- 3
Dry the cavity
Air movers and dehumidifiers dry joists and remaining drywall to standard.
- 4
Restore
New drywall is hung, textured to match and painted.
What affects the cost
Prices depend on the job, so restoration companies quote after an assessment. These factors drive the number:
- Size of the stained or failed area
- Insulation removal
- Texture type (popcorn, knockdown, smooth)
- Source repair by a roofer, HVAC tech or plumber
What to do right now
Safe to do yourself
- Put a bucket under drips and move valuables
- Shut off the AC if the drain pan is overflowing
Call a professional if…
- Ceiling is sagging
- Water is near light fixtures
- A popcorn ceiling in an older home is damaged (possible asbestos; test before disturbing)
Ceiling water damage repair questions
Will a water stain on the ceiling go away?
No. A stain means water got through, and the source needs fixing. After drying, the area needs stain-blocking primer and paint, or replacement if the drywall weakened.
Is a sagging ceiling dangerous?
Yes. Wet drywall can drop without warning. Keep people out from under it and relieve the water with a small hole into a bucket if it's safe.
Where this service is available
Available in all 50 states and D.C. These cities have their own local pages:
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One call connects you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP code. Fast call-back during business hours.