Updated at: 27-10-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

DIY repairs are possible for minor damage such as dings, chips, and cracks. A professional ceiling contractor should be consulted for any additional ceiling repairs.

Tiny ceiling fixes can take anywhere from an hour to three hours and $40 to $80 in labor expenditures. When water damage or bulging seams necessitate replacement of the ceiling, the process can take anywhere from one to three days.

What Causes Ceiling Water Damage?

Water damage in ceilings can be caused by many different things, however the most prevalent ones are:

● Damaged Roof

If your property just has one story, or if the damage is on the top floor, it may be a symptom of roof damage. The accumulation of water on your roof might be the result of a number of different issues, including loose or missing tiles, material fractures or rot, or damage brought on by debris. That water can seep through your ceiling and erode your foundation if nothing is done about it.

● Leaking Pipes

Ceilings can be damaged by water if pipes in your home leak or burst in the space between floors or above them. This is a common occurrence on the ground floor of high-rise buildings and apartment complexes. A leak in your pipes or deteriorating caulking could be to blame.

● Faulty AC Units

Water damage and leaks can result from a broken air conditioner, just as they do from leaking pipes. Water can seep into your ceiling if the unit isn’t directing condensation in the right direction. It is common for water to leak through the ceiling of a lower floor when using a device positioned in a window.

● Excess Moisture

Moisture buildup is a common problem in bathrooms and utility closets that don’t have enough ventilation. Warping or mold development can occur when moisture remains on the ceiling. The ceiling’s structural integrity will deteriorate with time, paint or paper may peel, and mold will begin to grow.

Signs of Ceiling Water Damage

If water damage to your ceiling has been allowed to progress for a while, it will likely be visible. The good news is that ceiling water damage can be diagnosed and repaired before it worsens. Watch out for these warning indicators:

  • To discolor or stain
  • Damage to the paint or drywall, such as sagging or bubbling
  • Mold or unpleasant odors, especially in the corners or at the ceiling/wall junction
  • a ceiling that is peeling or cracked

Ways to Deal with Water Damage

It’s important to remember that ceiling damage may be more extensive than it appears at first glance. Having more than one storey in your home increases the risk of having problems with the ceilings on all of them. The problem will not be solved by simply clearing the surface if the damage is severe or widespread. Left unchecked, it can weaken the floor above and even cause mold growth.

It’s important to keep in mind that ceiling damage isn’t often as little as it appears. Damage to the ceilings on lower floors can result in damage to the floors above if your property has more than one story. When the damage is severe or widespread, simply eradicating the visible signs of the disease is not enough to restore normal function. If not addressed, it can lead to the collapse of the floor above and the development of mold.

1. Cut off the water source

Step one is to locate the leak and devise a solution to stop the flow of water. If leaking pipes are to blame, cutting off water to the region will stop the leaks from getting any worse. The same may be said for damage to your roof, which can be remedied by simply covering the affected area with a tarp or plastic sheeting.

2. Drain any pooled water

The presence of bubbling in the ceiling indicates the presence of water. Please drain any standing water before beginning any repairs. Place huge containers under the bubbles and puncture them with a knife, screwdriver, or nail to collect the water. You should also move any furniture that might be under the affected area and lay down a tarp to protect the floor.

3. Remove the affected area to assess the damage

Use a sharp workman’s knife to remove the damaged section of your ceiling’s paint or wallpaper. This method is useful for revealing the extent of water and mold damage hidden in the ceiling. To avoid breathing in mold spores or getting sick from rotting wood, always use protective gear like goggles and a face mask.

Because mold can penetrate deeply into wood, compromising its structural integrity, you may want to hire a professional mold removal crew in Utah if the mold development is extensive. Having a professional take out and replace that section is usually the best idea.

4. Dry the affected area

The damaged area should be dried using a combination of towels, wet-dry vacuums (available for hire at most hardware stores), and a dehumidifier. After the ceiling has dried, you will be able to assess the level of damage. It’s important to get rid of any mold or mildew that has grown on the surface, as well as any rotten or damaged wood or plaster.

5. Repair the cause of the water damage

If you have any leaking pipes or spots on your roof that have been damaged, you should get them fixed by a professional. Now is the time to fix whatever leak or flood caused this problem. The damaged or warped section of your ceiling can be replaced after you’ve eliminated the underlying cause. Just repaint or plaster over the damaged spot and take pride in your handiwork.

Water damage is an inconvenience but is usually repairable. Don’t take on more than you can handle; if the job seems too big, it’s best to bring in an expert. Also, if you notice mold, it’s best to have a professional mold removal technician in David County take a look at the situation. You definitely don’t want mold to keep spreading and endanger the health of you and your loved ones.

Ceiling Repair Cost Per Square Foot

Depending on the type of material used (drywall or plaster), the amount of the damage, the cost of materials and labor, and the rate per square foot, the price per square foot to restore a ceiling can range from $50 to $100. Call-out fees for most contractors range from $50 to $150.

Drywall Ceiling Repair Cost

The average price to fix a ceiling made of drywall is between $150 and $400, or $50 to $100 per square foot. Fixing drywall on a ceiling requires a minimum investment of $50 to $150, with labor costs ranging from $40 to $80 per hour.

  • Joint tape and spackle are all that’s needed to fix minor damage like cracks, dents, and ruptured nail heads.
  • A mesh patch kit and joint compound can be used to seamlessly repair small holes in the ceiling.
  • Medium- to large-sized holes require a new sheet of drywall, furring strips for support, tape, and joint compound.
  • Water damage to a ceiling necessitates fixing the leak, then patching the drywall or installing a new ceiling.

Lath and Plaster Ceiling Repair Cost

Patching tiny to medium holes and cracks in a lath and plaster ceiling typically costs between $50 and $125 per square foot, or $200 to $500 on average. Plastering an entire ceiling can cost anything from $5 to $15 per square foot, or $60 to $90 per hour (including materials).

*The typical starting rate for a handyman is between $100 and $150.

Ceiling plaster may collapse with considerable damage, driving up prices significantly. To perform a partial restoration, a handyman must fix the wood lath that holds up the plaster on the ceiling.

When repairing water damage or crumbling plaster on a ceiling, it is necessary to remove the affected portions and replaster the entire ceiling. Other fixes include covering the ceiling with thick lining paper and painting to hide shallow, massive spiderweb gaps, or putting a plaster skim coating.

Drywall with a plaster texture finish can be installed for less money than removing the old plaster and starting over, and laying drywall directly over the original plaster is much cheaper.

Drop Ceiling Tile Replacement Cost

For materials and labor, expect to pay around $2 to $4 per square foot for ceiling tile replacement. The typical minimum charge for hiring a contractor to do repairs is between $100 and $150. It costs from $3 to $7 per square foot, including materials and labor, to install a new ceiling grid and tiles.

Most homeowners can replace a few ceiling tiles themselves, and doing so can save them anywhere from $4 to $40 per tile, depending on whether they are standard 2’x2′ or 2’x4′. If the damage is extensive or if you need a new ceiling grid installed, you should call a professional who charges $40 to $80 per hour.

  • Affordable
  • The ability to be easily replaced
  • Insulates from noise
  • Water, mold, and mildew susceptibility
  • Bad news for cellars
  • Finely crafted, one-of-a-kind designs
  • Tough, non-combustible
  • Expensive
  • Constructively Difficult
  • Affordable and portable
  • Simple to set up
  • The ability to resist moisture and spills
  • Long-lasting
  • Expensive
  • Sound exposure is reduced.
  • Classy wooden design
  • Simple to set up
  • Expensive
  • perishable in wet conditions

There is no price difference between glue-up and peel-and-stick ceiling tiles, although installation may call for panel adhesive or staples.

Concrete Ceiling Repair Cost

Repairing a cracked, chipped, or spalling concrete ceiling costs between $50 and $100 per hour, depending on the contractor. Epoxy compound, which is needed to repair concrete ceilings, ranges in price from $30 per gallon to $100 per gallon, depending on quality. Normal cement cannot be used for repairs because it contracts as it dries.

Concrete ceilings are quite resistant to breaking. If you see cracks in your concrete ceiling, it’s important to have a structural engineer take a look at it.

Cost To Texture Ceiling

Depending on the size of the room, the price to texture the ceiling might range from $1.30 to $440. Materials, design, area, complexity, and hours of labor all go towards the final cost. Retexturing a small area of ceiling can cost between $50 and $100.

Repairing a ceiling adds to the overall cost because finishing and texturing it so that it matches the existing ceiling and walls is usually required. Painting and finishing may or may not be factored into some contractors’ bids.

Popcorn Ceiling Repair Cost

To repair holes, cracks, and seams in a popcorn ceiling and apply a patch, expect to pay between $50 and $100 per square foot, or $200 and $600 on average. To restore the popcorn texture and paint a whole home can set you back between $2 and $5 per square foot.

  • In extreme cases, it may be less expensive to simply lay new drywall over an old, broken popcorn ceiling than to try to fix it.
  • Popcorn ceiling removal can cost anywhere from $1.50 to $2.00 per square foot.
  • Popcorn produced with dangerous asbestos may have been used in older homes built before 1970. The price per square foot to get rid of asbestos ranges from $20 to $65 depending on the size of the affected area.

Interior Stucco Ceiling Repair

Repairing a stucco ceiling in an interior might cost anything from $3 to $6 per square foot. The cost per square foot to repair minor surface cracks with a stucco finish of between $0.65 and $1.15 is quite low.

Additional Cost Considerations

  • Once the ceiling is fixed, electrical fixtures may need to be taken down and put back up. Most electrical work will incur an hourly rate of $40 to $100, plus a $75 service call fee.
  • Extensive drywall repairs necessitate site preparation, including the removal of furniture and the suppression of dust and debris.
  • Depending on the severity of the damage, applying drywall joint compound may require numerous coats, each of which takes 24 hours to dry.

Ceiling Water Damage Repair Cost

Repairing water damage to a ceiling typically costs between $ 500 and $ 2 500. This includes locating the leak and repairing the drywall. It can cost $200-$500 to fix a tiny area of water damage in the ceiling made of drywall. Water damage and the ease of locating the leak are two factors that affect the final cost.

Plumbing leaks, burst pipes, malfunctioning appliances, roof leaks, blocked gutters, tenants living above, and overflowing toilets, bathtubs, or sinks are common causes of water damage to a ceiling.

  • Costs range from $40 to $60 per square foot to remove and dry up water damage, not counting drywall repairs.
  • The cost to replace damp attic insulation ranges from $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot.

Ceiling Leak Repair Cost

A ceiling pipe leak repair can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,500 on average, depending on how extensive the damage is and what materials need to be replaced. Repairing a roof leak often requires replacing shingles, sealing the water-damaged area, and replacing damaged wood supports, for a total cost of $400 to $1,500.

A plumber will drain the water, remove the damaged drywall, mend the leaky pipes, dry the area, and then reinstall the drywall after repairing a ceiling leak. If the leaky pipe’s origin can’t be found, expect to pay an extra $80 to $150 for a plumbing inspection.

  • Stains and mold can develop from a ceiling that leaks slowly. There is a $15-$30 per square foot expense to get mold removed.
  • When pipes rupture or water escapes from a faucet, it can cause the ceiling to buckle, sag, or even collapse.

If you see any water damage, you should call a plumber right once to stop the problem from getting worse and the growth of mold.

Remove Water Stains From Ceiling

Ceilings with small water stains can be painted over. Even if the surface is dry, the leak must be fixed before painting can begin. Bleach can be used to get rid of mildew, grease, and grime that may have settled into the stain. After that, prime the ceiling to prevent stains before painting.

Cleaning and repainting dry stains might cost anything from $20 to $50 an hour for painters. Water damaged or moldy drywall ceiling panels necessitate either a partial or full ceiling replacement.

Ceiling Replacement Costs

Drywall ceiling replacement costs $2 to $4 per square foot on average, whereas replastering runs $5 to $15 per square foot. The price tag for a new ceiling can vary widely based on a number of factors, including the type of material used, the scope of the work, the going rate for labor

Damage to the ceiling that cannot be patched includes things like cracks, holes, drooping, peeling paint, and water seepage.

The average cost to call a carpenter out is between $100 and $150, with labor costs running between $40 and $80 per hour. Paint, finishing, and trash removal could all end up costing more than originally estimated.

Cost To Fix Holes In Ceiling

A hole in a ceiling typically costs between $200 and $500 to repair. Additional hole repairs are 25% cheaper at $150 to $350 per hole. Size, kind of material (drywall or plaster), finishing, and labor costs all play a role in how much it will cost to repair a hole in the ceiling.

  • Repairing a hole in the ceiling that’s at least a foot in diameter is a significant job.
  • When water leaks through a ceiling, it leaves behind stains or black blotches.
  • Signs of gnawing and bite marks can be seen in the corners of holes that rodents have chewed on.
  • Because the sheetrock or joint tape used was of poor quality, sand falls to the floor via the holes.

Ceiling Crack Repair Cost

Depending on the size and type of ceiling crack, the average cost to fix it ranges from $150 (low end) to $400 (high end). There is a two to four hour minimum for plaster and drywall ceiling crack repair, and the labor rate is $50 to $100 per hour.

As time passes, most houses settle a little and show a few superficial flaws. On the other hand, fractures wider than 1/8″, cracks that reach from the roof to the middle of a wall, or long cracks in a dip, stair, or V-shape may indicate structural deterioration.

The extent of the damage can be estimated by the crack’s size, shape, and position.

Cosmetic and Harmless Cracks

  • Uplift of the truss owing to changes in temperature and humidity is a common cause of horizontal fissures between the wall and ceiling. A common method of covering up cracks is by installing crown molding.
  • Cracks in drywall or paint less than 1/8 inch wide are called hairline cracks or spiderweb cracks, and they can be caused by natural settling and age, old, fragile paint layers, or improper installation. Wall cracks are a possible side effect.

Cracks With Extensive Damage

The following fissures are more expensive to repair since they necessitate the services of a structural engineer.

  • Similar cracks in opposite directions on the wall may indicate structural deterioration from things like settling and movement.
  • If you see gaping holes in a sagging or bowed ceiling, it’s likely because of damage to the joists. The joists in your ceiling could be the wrong size, too far apart, or damaged.
  • Difficulty opening windows and doors may indicate foundation problems, as may cracks in the walls around them.
  • Problems with the foundation can be indicated by long, wide cracks that run through the center of a room.
  • A leak or water damage can be identified by the appearance of a discolored crack in the drywall, which may be accompanied by the drywall becoming spongy and drooping.

Sagging Ceiling Repair Cost

There is a $250-$500 minimum for drywall repair on a sagging ceiling, and the cost ranges from $2 per square foot up to $4 per square foot. Sagging or “pillowed” drywall can be the result of termite, structural, or water damage, or of using undersized (12″) drywall while hanging it between 24″-apart joists or trusses.

*Drywall installers, on average, charge $30 to $70 per hour, plus travel time and any applicable minimum charges. Costs for painting and varnishing are additional.

Repairing the attic insulation and replacing the pillowing drywall with thicker, sag-resistant drywall (about 5/8″ thick) is the professional method.

Another choice is to put new drywall (five-eighths of an inch thick) below the existing ceiling and to add spacers or furring strips between the joists or trusses. Time and money are saved by choosing this route, but the trade-off is a lower ceiling.

  • The presence of drywood termites can lead to ceilings that buckle or sag. Prices for termite inspections often range between $100 and $200.
  • A drooping ceiling beam could be the result of structural shifts, improper land grading, or settling. A hardwood beam can cost between $800 and $2,500 to replace.
  • Once the ceiling is gone, the insulation in the attic can fall down into the room. There is a $1.50 to $3 per square foot expense associated with replacing the insulation in an attic.

Ceiling Painting Repair Cost

Ceiling painting can cost anywhere from $1 to $2 per square foot, depending on the severity of the damage. The cost to repaint a room is higher by $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot if the walls need to be sanded and patched first. Prices range from $150 to $600 for a bedroom ceiling and $250 to $1,000 for a living room ceiling.

Water leaks, high humidity, improper application, low quality paint, age, and weather fluctuations are all causes of chipped, flaking, or peeling paint. In order to get consistent results and a long lifespan from your ceiling paint, professionals advise painting the entire ceiling instead of just touching it up.

Ceiling Structural Damage Repair Cost

Depending on the extent of the damage and the amount of labor needed to fix it, structural repairs can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000. Damage to the structure can be seen in the form of long, wide fissures or cracks in the ceiling that continue down the wall. The cost of having a structural engineer examine your property and draw out a plan ranges from $250 to $400.

Why do ceilings get damaged structurally?

  • Settlement of the foundation and the effects of time
  • Consequences of an overabundance of moisture, faulty plumbing, or inadequate drainage
  • Earthquakes
  • Top-floor traffic is very heavy.
  • Broken Roof
  • Dismal building quality

Ceiling Repairs By Room

The cost to fix the ceiling in a garage, bathroom, or basement is more than the national average because of stricter regulations. Sheets of fireproof drywall are necessary for the ceilings of attached garages, utility rooms, and kitchens. The drywall in a bathroom or a basement needs to be mold- and moisture-resistant.

  • Conversation Spaces
  • Basements
  • Bedrooms
  • Conversation Spaces
  • Bedrooms
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Basements
  • Cleaners’ Closets
  • Kitchens
  • Garages
  • Storage spaces
  • Media rooms
  • Conversation Spaces
  • Bedrooms

DIY Ceiling Repair

Holes and surface damage of 6 inches or less can be repaired with DIY drywall ceiling repair and patch kits that cost between $9 and $25. When dealing with holes greater than 6 inches in diameter, it’s recommended that you use a professional.

How To Fix A Ceiling

In only 5 simple actions, you can restore your damaged drywall ceiling.

  1. To cover a hole or crack in your ceiling, cut the patch to size.
  2. Place the patch where it has to go and smooth the glue out.
  3. Use joint compound to cover the patch and the area around it. To prevent a bumpy finish, apply the compound in thin, equal layers.
  4. Once the adhesive has cured, you can sand it down to a smooth finish.
  5. The ceiling can be repaired by first applying primer, and then by painting over it.

Contractors remove the affected area of ceiling drywall, reinforce the framework, and then install new drywall when the damage is extensive. Professionals apply two coats of drywall compound to the holes and wait for it to cure. After that, they smooth it out with sandpaper and paint it.

Hiring A Ceiling Repair Company

Small repairs, such as cracks or patches, may be best handled by a hired handyman. Hiring a professional drywall contractor is the best way to repair water damage, leaks, huge cracks, sagging, or structural damage.

  • In the case of major maintenance, it is recommended that you obtain at least three separate quotes from local businesses.
  • Do some asking around and see what suggestions you get.
  • Do some research on HomeAdvisor, Google, and the BBB to see what prior customers thought of their job (BBB).
  • Verify their credentials by asking for proof of insurance, bonds, and licenses.
  • Pick a firm with at least 5 years of experience.
  • Don’t go with the cheapest option, as the quality may deteriorate as a result.
  • In the event of a disagreement, it is best to have a written contract for any major projects.
  • Try not to make any huge up-front payments. Payment for services rendered should be staggered over time rather than made in one lump sum.

FAQs

Can you fix water damage on ceiling?

If the damage is limited to stains, you can simply remove the affected area and replace it with fresh drywall. It is recommended to replace the entire panel of drywall if the damaged area is 12 square inches or more, as the drywall will need to be attached to the wall studs or ceiling joists.

Do I need to replace water damaged ceiling?

When possible, it’s preferable to fix a ceiling that has been damaged by water. Plaster or drywall should be changed if it is crumbling, swelling, or bulging even after drying, or if mold is present.

Does homeowners policy cover water damage?

Any unexpected or accidental water discharges in your home should be covered by your property insurance. Anything from a burst water pipe to an appliance overflow or leak is covered by this policy. If water damage occurs because a hole in your roof or siding was created by hail or high winds, your claim will be paid in full.

Will home insurance cover leaking roof?

Your roof will not be covered by your homeowner’s insurance if the leak is the result of your failure to do routine maintenance, just as it is not covered if your plumbing bursts due of neglect. However, if your roof is damaged during a storm, your insurance should pay for both the roof repairs and any inside damage that results from the water seeping in.

Will ceiling dry out after leak?

The time required to dry out a ceiling varies with the amount of water that penetrated it. It usually takes around two weeks, but it can take as long as four. The leak won’t go away unless you fix what’s causing it, so don’t waste time chasing your tail.

What to do if water leaks through the ceiling?

What to Do If Water Has Damaged Your Ceiling Bring the Situation under Control. To stop the leak, first secure the area around it. Find the source and fix it. Finding the cause and fixing it should be the next step. Clean Up the Mess. Take care of the Ceiling Repairs.

Can a leaking ceiling collapse?

The new hole will allow the water to flow smoothly and relieve pressure on the remainder of the ceiling, so it’s not such a crazy idea after all. The entire roof could cave in if water pools in one area.

Who do you call for a ceiling leak?

A ceiling leak usually indicates an underlying issue with the roof or plumbing. The first step in fixing these issues, should you discover them in your ceiling, whether you do it yourself or hire a plumber, is to identify their origin.

How long does it take for MOLd to grow on wet drywall?

The Issue with Mold Mildew (early stage mold) and molds can develop on a wide variety of organic materials, including wood, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, cloth, plants, foods, insulation, decomposing leaves, and more. In as little as 48 hours, a moist surface can become colonized by mold.

How do you know if your ceiling has water damage?

Ceiling cracks: fissures in the ceiling, whether straight or in a spiderweb pattern, are an indication of water damage. No sagging here; all the ceilings are perfectly straight and level. If they start to sag or bow, there is likely a more serious problem underneath the sheetrock.

What should you not say to an insurance adjuster?

Don’t ever apologize or take responsibility for anything. Any acknowledgment of carelessness can substantially undermine a claim, as claims adjusters are always seeking for ways to lower the liability of an insurance company.

Does homeowners cover ceiling damage?

It’s likely that your home insurance coverage will contribute toward the cost of replacing your damaged ceiling or flooring. However, keep in mind that the cause of the damage is typically not covered by insurance. Homeowners insurance typically does not cover damage of this nature.

Does insurance cover ceiling collapse?

Your ceiling falling in will almost always be covered by homeowner’s insurance. Notifying your insurer is a must since this type of damage falls under the purview of your repair and/or replacement coverage maximum.

How long can you leave a leaking roof?

There is no hard and fast rule for how long a leaky roof can go unrepaired. There are a lot of moving parts, so it’s smart to err on the side of caution and have your roof leak fixed as soon as possible.