Ceiling Leak Repair for Spokane Homes, Attic to Drywall

Where Ceiling Water Comes From

• Snow and ice. Melting snow can refreeze at the roof's edge and back water up under shingles. Heavy ice is a real threat too: in the November 1996 ice storm, the National Weather Service reported up to an inch of ice on buildings and many structures collapsed or were severely damaged.
• Frozen pipes. Lines in attics or upstairs exterior walls can split and leak into the ceiling below.
• Bathrooms. Failed tub surrounds, toilet seals and shower valves leak down to the floor beneath.
• Roof wear. Flashing, vents and old shingles.

If the Ceiling Sags

A bulging ceiling is holding water. Move people and belongings out of the room, put a bucket underneath, and turn off power to any light fixture in the area. Don't stand directly under it. If it's safe, a small hole at the lowest point releases water in a controlled way.

How We Fix It

1. Find the source with moisture meters and a thermal camera, checking the attic, the floor above and nearby walls.
2. Stop it with a temporary tarp or shutoff until the roofer or plumber fixes it.
3. Remove sagging drywall and wet insulation.
4. Dry the joists and cavity with air movers and dehumidifiers until readings are normal.
5. Rebuild with new drywall, texture and paint.

In older Spokane homes with plaster ceilings, we take readings before removing anything and keep demolition to a minimum. Close to half the city's homes were built before 1960, per Census Bureau estimates.

If the leak was a frozen line, see frozen pipes in Spokane. For our full service list, visit water damage help in Spokane.