Ceiling Repair in Rochester, NY
Our handyman repairs stained and cracked ceilings in Rochester homes and rentals, once the cause above has been fixed. A stain means water got in. We help you find out if it is still active, and we do not paint over a leak.
- Stains, cracks and patches
- After the leak is fixed
- Written quote first
Ceiling damage we repair
Brown ring stains
Water has soaked through from above.
Cracks along seams
Settling or movement in the house.
Peeling paint above a shower
Steam and moisture lift the paint.
Holes from old fixtures
Left after a light or fan was moved.
Bubbles or soft spots
Water is trapped in the drywall.
Stains after a winter storm
Ice dams can push water into the attic.
Ceiling problems, causes and fixes
| What you see | Likely cause | What we do | Call someone else when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown ceiling stain | Roof or pipe leak above | Repair after the leak is fixed | The leak is active |
| Ceiling bubbles or sags | Water trapped in the drywall | Cut out and replace the damaged section after the cause is fixed | The ceiling is wet and sagging |
| Cracks along seams | Settling or movement | Tape, fill, sand and paint | The crack keeps growing |
| Textured or popcorn ceiling | An older finish | We do not scrape it | A certified inspector should test it first |
To tell an active stain from an old one, BuildingAdvisor says an active stain is wet, growing or tied to rain or water use, while an old one is dry and does not change. In winter, the National Weather Service explains that ice dams form when snow melts by day and refreezes at night. After repeated cycles, water can work under shingles and into the attic. Rochester gets about 102 inches of snow a year, per Current Results. A local roofer told 13WHAM that homeowners should call their insurance company first.
How a ceiling repair visit works
- Tell usSay when the stain showed up and if it has grown.
- CheckWe look for wet spots and ask what is above the ceiling.
- RepairAfter the cause is fixed, we patch, sand and prime.
- FinishWe paint the ceiling and clean up.
Ice dams, popcorn ceilings and mold
The National Weather Service says to keep gutters clear, use a roof rake and insulate the attic to a minimum R value of 30, with 38 recommended in northern climates, plus ventilation. That work is for a roofer or insulation contractor. We repair the ceiling after.
The EPA says never saw, sand, scrape or drill materials that may contain asbestos, and to use an accredited inspector. Wet drywall over about 10 square feet is a job for a professional, per the EPA mold guide. In a house built before 1978, we tell you before we touch painted surfaces, as the EPA lead rule asks.
Ceiling repair questions
Is my ceiling stain active?
An active stain is wet to the touch, growing, or linked to rain or water use. An old stain is dry and stays the same size.
Can you paint over a stain?
Not until the leak is fixed. If the leak is still active, the stain comes back.
What causes ice dam leaks?
Snow melts by day and refreezes at night at the roof edge. Water backs up under the shingles and reaches the attic and ceiling.
How do I prevent ice dams?
Clear gutters, use a roof rake, and add attic insulation and ventilation. The National Weather Service gives an R value of 30 as the minimum and 38 as the recommendation in northern climates.
Can you remove a popcorn ceiling?
No. The EPA says never scrape materials that may contain asbestos. Have a certified inspector test it first.
Related services
Request a visit
Call 585.555.0142 and tell us about the job. We answer every call.
100 Sample Street, Rochester, NY 14604 | Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM