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Water DamageCeiling Water Damage Repair Cost Calculator
A stained or sagging ceiling usually means a leak above — a roof, a pipe, or an upstairs bathroom. Enter the damaged ceiling area for a repair estimate.
Repairing a water-damaged ceiling typically costs $400–$1,500 for a localized area — roughly $10–$20 per square foot of affected ceiling once drywall, texture, and paint are included. Finding and fixing the leak above is a separate cost.
How this calculator works
We price the damaged ceiling area for drywall cut-out and replacement, then add a flat amount for matching texture and repainting. The estimate assumes the leak above has been found and stopped — that repair (roof or plumbing) is separate.
What changes the number
- Matching existing ceiling texture (popcorn, knockdown) adds labor.
- A sagging or collapsed section costs more than a simple stain.
- The leak source — roof vs plumbing — is a separate, sometimes larger, repair.
- Insulation above the ceiling may be wet and need replacing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just paint over a water stain?
Only after the leak is fixed and the area is fully dry — and you’ll want a stain-blocking primer. If the drywall is soft or sagging, it needs replacing, not painting.
How do I know if ceiling water damage caused mold?
Persistent dark spots, a musty smell, or damage that’s been wet for more than a couple of days all point to possible mold above the ceiling.