We repair a lot of bathroom ceilings. Usually the damage is moisture related. Hot humid steam + ceilings usually doesn’t end well for the ceiling. In this case moisture wasn’t the primary reason. Instead left over construction debris was and non code compliant drywall was at fault. Moisture resistant drywall costs $3.00 more per sheet. It is all we use for all of our drywall repairs. We feel it is superior over regular drywall.
Its hard to see in the photos, but there was a definitive bulge in this drywall ceiling that make it appear as though the ceiling had suffered water damage – possibly a former leak.

Upon removing the drywall bulge, and inspecting the area, we discovered that first, the original contractor did not use moisture resistant drywall as required by building codes in Amherst, and second there was an old galvanized pipe laying atop the insulation.


Our theory is that being a full bathroom with a shower, and the heavy pipe laying on the ceiling that over time, the steam weakened the non-moisture-resistant drywall, and with the added weight of the pipe, caused the ceiling to bulge.
Our Bathroom Ceiling Repair
Remove the pipe and place in trash. Replace the drywall over the shower area with moisture resistant drywall, finish the patch, prime the area with Behr 436 primer and then apply two coats of bathroom paint to the ceiling to complete the repair.






This Williamsville bathroom ceiling repair turned out exceptionally well. The original damage could have been prevented if the prior contractor had removed construction debris and installed code-compliant drywall. The non functioning bathroom fan did not help the situation at all. (That fan is scheduled to be replaced in a couple weeks.)
How much does a bathroom ceiling repair cost?
This ceiling repair came in at $1,000, including repair, and painting.
How long does it take to repair a bathroom ceiling?
This bathroom ceiling repair took 8 hours over 2 days to complete.
Can mold grow on a bathroom ceiling?
Yes. Which is why it is important to use paint that contains moldicides, and use drywall that is designed to be used in humid environments like Green board or purple board.
does insurance cover ceiling leaks?
Sometimes. If the leak is caused by damage to your roof or a plumbing issue, homeowners insurance may cover the cost of the damage. However it is important to point out that a minor claim such as a minor leak could cause your premiums to go up, and if your roof is over 10 years old, your insurance company may require you to put a new roof on your home before insuring your property going forward.
However typically, insurance wont cover the damage of pealing paint in your bathroom, and the deductible on your policy may not make it worth the hassle.

As the author of The Carrigan Archives, Dave shares expert insights on home improvement, ceiling restoration, and industry trends. He also personally manages Carrigan Painting’s website and YouTube channel, providing homeowners with valuable resources and a firsthand look at the company’s craftsmanship.
With over 25 years of experience in residential construction, Dave specializes in ceiling repairs and high-end interior painting, often exceeding contractual obligations to ensure the highest level of craftsmanship. His ability to maintain exceptional customer satisfaction in such a demanding field is a testament to his expertise, integrity, and dedication to quality.
For 15 consecutive years, Carrigan Painting has maintained an unprecedented 5-star reputation—an achievement nearly unmatched in the industry.
Almost all of the work we have completed since early 2024 has been posted to this Archive.
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