Water-Damaged Ceiling Repair

Ice damming is the #1 cause of ceiling damage we see across Brown County. When snow melts on a warm roof and refreezes at the eaves, water backs up under the shingles and drips down into ceiling cavities. By the time you see the stain, the drywall behind it has often been wet for weeks.

The other common culprit is upstairs plumbing — supply-line failures, toilet overflows, and shower-pan leaks. Both scenarios need the same response: dry the structure first, then repair or replace the drywall, then refinish.

We start by verifying the leak source has been fixed — no point in rebuilding a wet ceiling. Then we probe with a moisture meter to map the damaged area. If moisture readings are high, we remove the wet section and expose the joists to air. Small fans and dehumidifiers run 24–48 hours until readings normalize.

For contamination concerns (long-standing leaks, gray-water plumbing failures) we spray an antimicrobial and let the framing dry fully before rebuilding. New drywall goes up, tape and mud, three coats to blend, primer, and matched finish. If your ceiling is popcorn and you want to keep the look, we spray-match. If you're ready to modernize, this is the perfect time to remove all the popcorn while we're already inside.

Most Wisconsin homeowner policies cover ceiling repair from covered events — burst pipes, ice dams, and roof failures. We document damage with photos and moisture readings, itemize repairs by industry-standard codes, and provide invoices formatted for insurance adjusters. We can bill your carrier directly on approved claims.