Commercial Ceiling and Wall Water Damage Repair

The average expense for restoring water damage on commercial ceilings and walls varies broadly, depending on the level of damage, the kind of materials affected, and the location of the job. For the most part, you can count on paying anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars. If you have to pay on the lower end of that scale, it will probably be for relatively smaller jobs, like a patch of ceiling. However, if mold has had a chance to get a foothold, or if the damage has affected large spans of ceiling or wall, you can expect to pay in the higher range. At any rate, it is a good idea to get several quotes from different contractors in order to narrow down what you will probably have to pay.

Different amounts can come out for fixing a wall that has water damage, depending on a few things. First, it depends on how bad the water damage is. If it seems to be only a small area, the cost might be less. But if the water damage is really bad and has spread to a lot of places, it will cost more. Another thing that affects the cost is the kind of wall you have. Fixing drywall might be cheaper than, say, trying to fix plaster. And of course, where you live can make a difference, as prices can seem to vary in different places. On average, we figured it to be a few hundred dollars at the low end to a thousand dollars or more at the high end. We recommend getting a few estimates from local repair folks to see where your problem fits.

Having water damage in your walls is a serious problem that requires immediate attention from a professional restoration company. These experts find the source of your water problem and make the necessary repairs. If you have hidden water in your walls, they know how to find it, and if your walls are damaged, they know how to fix the damage. As long as you have the problem and it is not being addressed, you are going to have more and more damage.

Often, the time it takes to repair a water-damaged ceiling depends on the extent of the damage. If it is confined to a small area and not too severe, repairs might take just a few days. That is, if the leak has been fixed first, and everything has dried out completely. Then of course, the repairs that follow might include patching and painting. But if the water damage is extensive and the area affected is large, those involved in the repair work might take a week or more to finish. Because more extensive work is needed if the area is large and the damage serious. Work that might include replacing drywall and insulation. And all of it must be done properly to ensure the ceiling will not water-damage again at some future date.

The price of the repair work can vary considerably. It often depends on the severity of the damage and the size of the repair area. On average, you might pay between $300 and $1,200 to have it fixed. If the damage is somewhat isolated and the repair area is small, it might cost less. If the ceiling is sagging, it will likely cost more; and if the problem turns out to be pervasive and affecting other parts of your house, including walls, you're in for a hefty bill. If the damage has already resulted in or is likely to result in mold, that's another factor to laboriously consider.

The inclusion of water damage in your insurance plan depends on the exact terms of your individual plan. Plans can differ in significant ways, so it's vital to familiarize yourself with the particulars of yours. Coverage commonly extends to types of damage that are sudden and accidental, such as a pipe bursting. However, problems that develop over time—like the slow damage caused by an unnoticed leak—or that result from a flood likely aren't covered. To be sure, have a conversation with your insurance rep and ask which specific disasters are included in your plan.

Insurance might cover water leaks from ceilings, but it depends on your policy. Usually, if the leak is sudden and accidental, like from a burst pipe, it's covered. However, if the leak happened because of neglect, like not fixing a small drip that gets worse, insurance might not pay. It's important to read your policy details and talk to your insurance company to be sure.

How much you pay to fix a drywall ceiling can vary depending on the extent of the damage and your location. For most people, a small repair will cost between $50 and $100. But if the damage is larger and there are additional concerns, like mold, that have to be dealt with, estimates can range from $200 to $500 up. Always get a few bids before choosing a contractor.

To repair a ceiling that water has damaged, the first step is ensuring that the leak is definitely stopped and that no more water is going to get in. Next, remove any parts of the ceiling that are wet or damaged. Take them out with care, because wet materials are heavy, and you don't want the ceiling to fall in where you're standing. Then, let everything dry out completely. You may be surprised at how long this takes. After it's mostly dry, you need to sand down areas that aren't smooth anymore and apply primer. That way, when you put up new materials, they won't be stained or discolored.

The typical insurance payment for water damage ranges from about $2,000 to $7,000. But when the situation really warrants it—when the damage is extensive and obviously much worse than average—that payment can shoot up to levels that most of us wouldn't even think to insure against: payments that can reach into the tens of thousands. Read your policy. Ask questions. Know your limits.