If the ceiling is sagging
A bulging ceiling can be holding a lot of water, and wet drywall can give way without warning. Keep people and pets out from under it, move what you can, put a bucket or tub underneath, and turn off light fixtures in that ceiling at the breaker. Then call (850) 220-7022. Don't climb into a wet attic, where the drywall between joists won't hold your weight.
Finding the real source
Water runs along rafters, decking and ductwork before it drips, so the stain is often feet away from the leak. We use the stain's location, timing and moisture readings to narrow it down:
- Appears during or after rain, near an exterior wall or roof valley: likely the roof, flashing, a roof vent, skylight or wind-driven rain.
- Appears on hot, dry days below the attic air handler: likely an AC condensate problem. See AC and HVAC condensation leak damage.
- Below a bathroom or kitchen, any weather: likely a supply line, drain or toilet seal. In condos, it may be the unit above.
- Small spots along duct runs: likely condensation on poorly insulated ducts.
What we fix and what we coordinate
We handle the interior: attic inspection, removing wet insulation, drying decking and ceiling cavities, replacing damaged drywall, and matching texture and paint, including knockdown and popcorn finishes common in Florida homes. For active roof leaks we install an emergency tarp. Permanent roof repair on shingle, tile or metal roofs is done by a licensed roofing contractor, and we can coordinate with yours or refer one.
Why a dry stain can still be a problem
A stain that dried on its own often means the ceiling got wet, then dried while the insulation above it stayed damp. Wet insulation holds moisture against the drywall and framing and gives mold a place to start in a hot attic. If the source is still active, the next rain or the next hot afternoon will bring it back. A quick moisture check tells you whether there's anything left to dry.
Ceiling & Roof Leak Repair: common questions
The stain is dry. Do I still need someone to look at it?
It's worth a moisture check. The ceiling surface can dry while insulation above stays wet, and an unfixed source will leak again. If readings are normal and the source is fixed, a stain-blocking primer and paint may be all you need.
Can a wet ceiling be dried, or does it have to be replaced?
Drywall that got briefly wet from clean water and hasn't sagged can often be dried in place. Sagging, crumbling or repeatedly soaked drywall is replaced, along with wet insulation above it.
How do I know if it's the roof or the AC?
Timing is the best clue. Leaks that show up with rain point to the roof. Leaks on hot, dry days, especially under the attic air handler, point to the AC condensate system.
Ceiling & Roof Leak Repair near you
We provide ceiling & roof leak repair in all 29 Florida metro areas we serve: