Roof water damage repair fixes what the leak left behind inside: stained or sagging ceiling drywall, soaked insulation, and wet wood in the attic. We fix the roof leak first, let everything dry, check for mold, then replace damaged drywall and insulation and prime the ceiling. You get before and after photos and a written price first.
A roof repair stops the water, but the stain on the ceiling does not go away on its own. Depending on how long the leak ran, the drywall may be soft, the insulation above it may be packed down and wet, and the wood around it may need time to dry. Doing both the roof and the inside in one job saves you from finding and scheduling a second trade.
Signs of water damage from a roof leak
- Brown or yellow rings on the ceiling
- Sagging or bubbling ceiling drywall
- Peeling paint or cracked tape joints
- A musty smell in the room or attic
- Wet, flattened or stained insulation in the attic
- Dark spots on attic wood or rafters
What we repair
Ceiling drywall
A small dry stain on solid drywall can often be sealed with a stain-blocking primer and painted. Soft, sagging or crumbling drywall has to be cut out and replaced.
Insulation
Wet fiberglass insulation loses much of its value and can hold moisture against the drywall. Soaked areas are removed and replaced once the leak is fixed and the space is dry.
Attic wood
Stained decking and rafters that are still solid can dry out. Soft wood is replaced. See roof decking repair.
Mold after a roof leak
Mold can start growing on wet drywall and insulation within a day or two in warm, humid conditions, and Pine Bluff’s humidity averages about 69%. Small areas of surface mold on wood can be cleaned during the repair. Large areas, or mold inside walls, may need a mold remediation company, and we will tell you if that is what we see. Our answer on how fast mold grows after a roof leak has more.
How we handle water damage
Fix the leak
The roof repair comes first so the damage does not return.
Dry and check
We check moisture in the drywall and wood and let it dry before closing up.
Price it
A written price for the ceiling, drywall and insulation work.
Repair
Replace drywall and insulation, tape, texture and prime, plus after photos.
Text Jacob a photo of the ceiling. We fix the leak and the ceiling, with a written price before any work.
Water damage repair cost
| Repair | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Stain-block and repaint a dry stain | Quoted on site |
| Replace a section of ceiling drywall | Quoted on site, depends on size |
| Replace wet insulation | Quoted on site |
Interior repair prices depend on size and finish. Your written price comes after we look, and you approve it before any work starts.
Is a leaking ceiling dangerous?
Water-soaked drywall is heavy, and a bulging ceiling can come down without much warning. If you see a bulge, keep people out from under it and drain it with a small hole at the lowest point into a bucket. See can a leaking ceiling collapse.
Insurance and water damage
If the leak came from a sudden storm or a falling tree, the inside damage may be covered along with the roof. Damage from a slow leak over months is usually excluded. Take photos of the ceiling and attic before repairs. See roof insurance claim help.
What to do today about the ceiling
- Photograph the stain and mark its edge with a pencil so you can see if it grows
- Move furniture and rugs out from under it
- If it bulges, drain it into a bucket through a small hole at the lowest point
- Turn off ceiling fans and lights in the wet area
- Run a fan or dehumidifier in the room once the dripping stops
- Call us to fix the roof before the ceiling is repaired, or the stain comes back
Roof water damage FAQ
Can I just paint over a water stain?
Only if the drywall is dry and solid, and only with a stain-blocking primer first. Regular paint lets the stain bleed through.
How long should a ceiling dry before repair?
It depends on how wet it got. We check with a moisture meter instead of guessing, usually a few days after the leak stops.
Do I need to replace wet insulation?
Soaked or matted insulation should be replaced. Lightly damp insulation can sometimes dry in place.
Do you handle mold removal?
We clean small areas of surface mold on wood during repairs. Larger areas need a remediation company, and we will tell you if that is what we see.
Can you match my ceiling texture?
We match common textures like knockdown and popcorn as closely as possible. A full room repaint gives the most even result.