Ceiling Leaks and Storm Water Damage in Raleigh
Water through the ceiling usually means a roof leak, wind-driven rain or an overflow upstairs. It soaks insulation and drywall from above, and a sagging ceiling can come down without warning.
- Roof and storm leaks
- Upstairs overflows
- Attics and insulation
If water is coming through your ceiling, move people and belongings out from under it, turn off power to that area, and catch the water. If the ceiling is bulging, do not stand under it. Then find the source: a roof leak needs a roofer or a tarp, and the wet ceiling, insulation and walls need professional drying.
Ceiling leaks are tricky because water travels. It can enter at a roof penetration, run along a rafter or pipe, and drip through the ceiling several feet away. By the time you see a stain, insulation above it may be soaked.
In Raleigh, many ceiling leaks follow summer thunderstorms and tropical systems, when wind pushes rain under shingles, flashing and vents.
Signs of a ceiling leak
Stains and drips
Yellow or brown rings, peeling paint, or drips from light fixtures and vents.
Sagging drywall
A bulge means water is pooling above the ceiling. Treat it as a hazard.
Leaks after storms
Water that shows up only during wind-driven rain points to the roof or flashing.
Leaks under a bathroom
Stains below a tub, shower or toilet point to plumbing, not the roof.
What to do when water comes through the ceiling
- Move people and valuables out of the room, away from any sagging area.
- Turn off power to ceiling lights and fans in that area at the breaker.
- Catch the water with buckets and towels, and protect floors with plastic.
- Do not poke a sagging ceiling unless you understand the risk. A ceiling full of water can collapse. Leave it to a professional.
- Stop the source. For a roof leak, call a roofer about an emergency tarp. For an upstairs overflow, shut off the fixture or the main valve.
- Photograph and report the damage to your insurer, including roof damage you can see safely from the ground.
What drying a ceiling leak involves
- Finding the source and confirming it is stopped before drying starts.
- Checking the attic or the floor cavity above for wet insulation and framing.
- Removing wet insulation which usually can't be dried in place, and soaked ceiling drywall that is sagging.
- Drying framing and walls with air movers and dehumidifiers, and checking walls below the leak.
- Repairs to drywall, texture and paint once everything is dry.
Questions to ask the contractor
- Will you check the attic and insulation, not just the ceiling?
- What has to be removed, and what can be dried?
- How will you confirm the walls below are dry?
- Do you handle the ceiling repair and paint, or will someone else?
- Can you show proof of insurance and any license needed for the repair work?
Roof leak vs. plumbing leak
| Clue | Roof or storm leak | Plumbing leak |
|---|---|---|
| When it shows up | During or after rain | Any time, often when a fixture is used |
| Location | Top floor, near chimneys, vents or valleys | Below bathrooms, kitchens or laundry |
| Who fixes the source | Roofer | Plumber |
After a big storm
After a major storm, roofers and restoration crews are busy. Protect the home first: tarp the roof, move belongings and start drying what you can safely reach. Keep receipts for tarps and emergency work for your claim.
Frequently asked questions
Can a wet ceiling dry on its own?
A small stain from a quick drip may dry. A ceiling with wet insulation above it usually won't dry properly on its own, and trapped moisture can lead to mold.
Is a sagging ceiling dangerous?
Yes. A sagging ceiling may be holding water and can collapse. Keep people out from under it and let a professional handle it.
Does insurance cover a roof leak?
Damage from sudden storm events is often covered. Leaks from an old or poorly maintained roof often are not. Check your policy.
Who do I call first, a roofer or a restoration company?
Stop the water first. For a roof leak that is a roofer or an emergency tarp. Then a restoration contractor dries the inside.
Related help
Water in your home right now?
Stop the water, stay away from wet electrical areas, and take photos. Our first-steps checklist walks you through the next hour.