
- Stop the Water Source. In any water damage situation, the first thing you need to do before you can make repairs is to address the water source.
- Dry the Affected Areas. Once the water source has been addressed, the water-damaged ceiling can then be dried. ...
- Remove the Damaged Sections. Before you do any more work, make sure to wear protective gear, including safety goggles and a face mask.
- Repair the Ceiling. Using sandpaper, smooth down any ridges, bumps, and rough areas. ...
- Prime and Paint the Ceiling. When you are done with repairs, open windows to provide proper ventilation for the priming and painting process.
What to do when your ceiling has water damage?
What to Do When Your Ceiling Has Water Damage
- Stabilize the Situation. The first step is to stabilize the area around the leak. ...
- Track Down and Repair. Next, it’s time to track down and repair the source. ...
- Dry the Damage. While repairing the source of the leak, allow any affected materials to thoroughly dry. ...
- Repair the Ceiling. ...
What to do when water leaks from the ceiling?
Steps
- Lay down a plastic cloth over the floor beneath the affected area.
- Place a big bucket directly under the area of the ceiling where drips are coming from.
- Using a drill with a ½ inch twist bit, poke a small hole in the center of the dripping area.
- Expect the build up water to flow down into the bucket.
How to fix water damage on your ceiling?
How to Repair a Ceiling Damaged by Leaks . Remove all water-logged ceiling drywall and insulation. Cut back the drywall (even undamaged drywall) to the nearest joists. Add two-by-fours along the joists to provide an attachment surface for the drywall screws. Cut a 5/8-inch-thick sheet of drywall to the size of the missing panel.
How to repair a large drywall hole in your ceiling?
Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Making Drywall Patches for Large Holes
- Protect your eyes and mouth with safety goggles and a dust mask. This will keep drywall dust and debris from the hole from getting in your eyes or mouth.
- Cut a drywall square that is 2 in (5.1 cm) bigger than the hole. [7] ... ...
- Trace the outline of the patch onto the ceiling around the hole. ...

How do you fix a water damaged bathroom ceiling?
Repairing a Water-Damaged CeilingStop the Water Source. In any water damage situation, the first thing you need to do before you can make repairs is to address the water source. ... Dry the Affected Areas. ... Remove the Damaged Sections. ... Repair the Ceiling. ... Prime and Paint the Ceiling.
Does ceiling need to be replaced after water damage?
If your ceiling has been affected by a recent leak, you must replace the drywall as soon as possible to protect the structural integrity of your ceiling. However, many people, especially new homeowners, think that old discoloration on the ceiling isn't an issue anymore.
How do you repair water damaged ceiling drywall?
5:5424:08How To Repair WATER DAMAGED DRYWALL CEILING- Step by StepYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo i've already cut out the damaged drywall using a keyhole saw and a razor knife next you want toMoreSo i've already cut out the damaged drywall using a keyhole saw and a razor knife next you want to remove any of the drywall screws that are left over in the framing.
Can you just paint over water damaged ceiling?
If a water stain has caused any damage, e.g. cracks or flaking plaster, make sure that you repair the area first. This will help get a great finish and improve paint adhesion. To cover the stain, you will need a specialist stain blocker (such as the Zinsser Cover Stain (opens in new tab)) or an oil-based paint.
How much does it cost to fix a water damaged ceiling?
Expect water damage ceiling repairs to cost between $45 and $55 per square foot, including everything needed for the job. Remember to add the cause of the water damage on top of this cost, such as: Plumbing repair costs: $175–$3,000.
How long does it take for mold to grow after water damage?
24-48 hoursmildew and mold will develop within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Even worse, it will continue to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the source of moisture, and effectively deal with the mold problem. Use the diagram on the facing page to assess the extent of mold in your home.
Can wet drywall ceiling be saved?
If moisture damage isn't addressed swiftly, the structural integrity of the drywall becomes compromised, causing it to become soft, weak and susceptible to mold growth. The amount of damage is directly linked to how long drywall is exposed to water. Depending on how wet it gets, you might still be able to save it.
Does wet ceiling drywall need to be replaced?
Heavy Soaking If left untreated, heavily soaked drywall can deform or even collapse. As a result, a drywall replacement is the best bet to protect the integrity of your home.
What do you do if your ceiling has water damage?
Remove damaged ceiling materials and properly dry the area. For easier cleanup, put down drop cloths to catch all the debris. Wet drywall will crumble and should be rather easy to tear out completely. If it is only stained, you can cut out the damaged portion and replace it with a new piece of drywall.
How do I get rid of brown water stains on my ceiling?
Learn how to remove water stains from ceilings in 4 steps:Fix the leak that caused the stain first.Clean the ceiling stain with a bleach solution.Apply an oil-based undercoat to keep the stain from bleeding through new paint.Repaint the ceiling, not just the stain.
Why does a ceiling water stain turn brown?
When you see brown spots, or patches, on your ceiling and interior walls, they are water stains caused from a leak above. This leak could be a malfunction in your commercial roof systems or a leak with another part of your facility, such as HVAC units or leaking pipes.
Will kilz cover water stains in ceiling?
To cover over the water stains, use a stain-blocking primer on the affected areas. Kilz and Zinsser both offer ceiling paints for this purpose. Kilz has a product called Upshot, which is a spray-on ceiling paint designed to match an aged white ceiling.
Do you have to replace ceiling drywall if it gets wet?
If the sheetrock is still firm after drying out the wet drywall you may have lucked out of replacing the whole section. However, if the water has seeped in and has started destroying the fibers that make up the drywall you will need to replace it before a collapse takes place or mold appears.
Does wet ceiling drywall need to be replaced?
Heavy Soaking If left untreated, heavily soaked drywall can deform or even collapse. As a result, a drywall replacement is the best bet to protect the integrity of your home.
When should I worry about a water damaged ceiling?
Other than the obvious water leaking from your ceiling, some things to watch out for include:Slightly discolored spots -- usually copper, yellow, or brown.Peeling, cracking, or bubbling wall surfaces.Discolored growths.Odors indicative of mold or mildew.Stains on ceiling.Sagging ceiling.Bulging drywall.
Does wet drywall always need to be replaced?
Wet drywall does not always need to be replaced. In some cases, you can dry out and save your walls if you act quickly. However, whether you can save them depends on a few factors. How Much Water is Involved The more water involved, the less likely you'll be able to save wet drywall.
What to do if your ceiling is water damaged?
Before you do any more work, make sure to wear protective gear, including safety goggles and a face mask. If the water-damaged ceiling is peeling or bulging, if you haven’t done so already, scrape those parts off. Other damaged sections, such as those with water stains, should be removed as well.
What to do if water is still dripping from ceiling?
If water is still dripping after you’ve dried the ceiling, you can be sure it is still too saturated and requires further drying. You might need to cut out the sections that are still wet so you can dry it. If the ceiling’s drywall is bulging, puncture it to release the water.
What happens if water gets in your house?
Regardless of the water’s source, water damage cases are considered emergencies that require prompt action. The excess water will become absorbed by any porous building materials in your property, including drywall and furniture. This absorption then makes it easy for the water to spread to new areas of your property, thus worsening the damage.
What to do before making repairs to a ceiling?
In any water damage situation, the first thing you need to do before you can make repairs is to address the water source. This is important to prevent any further water damage. If you do not stop the water source beforehand, then it will continue to damage the ceiling. Any repairs you make will then become useless.
What is a professional water damage restoration company?
Professional water damage restoration companies are available to help restore homes and businesses that have sustained water damage, including water-damaged ceilings. No matter what caused the damage, professional technicians will fix the water source, remove excess water and moisture, dry affected areas, and make the necessary repairs.
Can water damage ceilings be dried?
Once the water source has been addressed, the water-damaged ceiling can then be dried.
Does water damage walls?
For example, a water-damaged wall that continues to take in more water will eventually deteriorate and suffer structural damage. The presence of excess water can also lead to mold growth.
How to stop water from leaking from ceiling?
The first step is to stabilize the area around the leak. Move valuables out of the area and then break out a bucket and tarp to catch and contain any water that’s built up behind the ceiling. Chances are your ceiling covering is drywall, which will absorb or disperse the water. You’re better off controlling ...
Can a leaky roof cause water to travel?
Next, it’s time to track down and repair the source. Water can travel a surprising distance from the initial leak, and roof leaks in particular can be tough to isolate. Even in an apparently simple situation, such as when a bathroom is directly above the stain, there are still a number of potential sources for the water. It could be a leaking drain, loose supply line, or missing caulk.
Can a water leak dry up on its own?
A minor leak may dry up on its own, but, for larger leaks, it’s often best to open up a section of the ceiling and air it out with the aid of a fan. 10 ways to prevent mold in the wake of a water leak.
Can you air out a ceiling leak?
A minor leak may dry up on its own, but, for larger leaks, it’s often best to open up a section of the ceiling and air it out with the aid of a fan.

Stop The Water Source
Dry The Affected Areas
- Once the water source has been addressed, the water-damaged ceiling can then be dried. First, place down a tarp to protect the floor and any furniture in the room from water and debris. Then, gather materials you can use to dry the ceiling, including fans and towels. Take time to dry the areas above and below the ceiling to ensure you thoroughly address the moisture. If water is stil…
Remove The Damaged Sections
- Before you do any more work, make sure to wear protective gear, including safety goggles and a face mask. If the water-damaged ceiling is peeling or bulging, if you haven’t done so already, scrape those parts off. Other damaged sections, such as those with water stains, should be removed as well. If the drywall has stains but has not sustained structural damage, you can salv…
Repair The Ceiling
- Using sandpaper, smooth down any ridges, bumps, and rough areas. Fill small holes with joint compound, let it dry, and then use more sandpaper to smooth it out. For sections where you cut out the drywall, measure the hole. Then cut a new piece of drywall out to fill the hole, but make sure it is 2 inches wider and longer than the hole. You want to ...
Prime and Paint The Ceiling
- When you are done with repairs, open windows to provide proper ventilation for the priming and painting process. Apply primer to the ceiling and allow it to dry. Once dry, you may repaint the ceiling. Although the entire ceiling may not have been harmed, it is best to prime and repaint the whole ceiling to ensure even coverage.