Explore documented restoration projects
We actively document real-world conditions, challenges, professional repair methods, and the results.
Visit The Carrigan ArchivesThe right contractor for ceiling repair depends on what caused the damage. Whether your ceiling is cracked, stained, sagging, peeling, or damaged by water, knowing who to call can save time, money, and frustration. The answer depends on what caused the damage, but in most cases, a company specializing in ceiling repair, plaster repair, and drywall repair is the right place to start. For most homeowners, ceiling repair is not a do-it-yourself decision because several different trades may be involved depending on what caused the damage.
A ceiling rarely fails on its own. Water leaks, structural movement, accidental damage, and previous poor repairs all require slightly different solutions. We have documented more than 80 ceiling restoration projects in The Carrigan Archives, giving homeowners the opportunity to see real damage, repair methods, and completed results before hiring a contractor.
The first step is determining whether the damage is cosmetic, structural to the ceiling or whether another trade needs to address the underlying problem before repairs can begin. It is imperative that if you have water damage, that your rectify the leak first.
| Ceiling Problem | Recommended Contractor |
|---|---|
| Water stain after a roof leak | Roofing contractor first. Once the leak is repaired, contact a professional painting contractor. |
| Plumbing leak | Licensed plumber first, followed by a ceiling repair contractor. Plumbers usually create holes in ceilings and walls. |
| Cracked plaster ceiling | Plaster repair specialist. Best to call someone who works with traditional plaster systems. |
| Damaged drywall ceiling | Drywall repair contractor. Drywall contractors are proficient at installing drywall, but often lack the necessary skillset to properly repair drywall. |
| Peeling ceiling paint | Interior painting contractor. |
| Sagging ceiling | Ceiling restoration specialist to determine whether the ceiling is salvageable. A severely sagging ceiling may indicate a risk of collapse. Stay out of the affected room until it can be evaluated. |
| Popcorn ceiling damage | Contractor experienced with popcorn ceiling repair or removal. Pro Tip: Its cheaper to repair a damaged popcorn ceiling, than it is to remove the texture. |
Usually not.
Most residential ceiling repairs involve repairing or replacing drywall, restoring plaster, matching existing textures, priming damaged surfaces, and repainting the repaired ceiling. These tasks are commonly handled by ceiling repair specialists without the need for a general contractor.
At Carrigan Painting, ceiling repair is one of our primary specialties. Rather than simply covering damage with joint compound and paint, we identify the cause, recommend the appropriate repair, restore the damaged surface, and finish the repair so it blends naturally with the surrounding ceiling whenever possible, and then paint the entire ceiling.
Whether the ceiling is plaster or drywall, modern or over 100 years old, our goal is a lasting repair instead of a temporary cosmetic fix.
The Carrigan Archives contains more than 150 documented residential projects completed throughout Western New York by Carrigan Painting. Rather than relying on stock photography or generic advice, every project in The Carrigan Archives documents an actual residential repair completed by Carrigan Painting including water damage, cracked plaster, drywall repairs, texture matching, and full ceiling replacement.
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We actively document real-world conditions, challenges, professional repair methods, and the results.
Visit The Carrigan ArchivesWe created a guide for struggling homeowners called The Four Stages of Water Damage Repair to help figure out who to call first. If you're still unsure whether your ceiling requires a plumber, roofer, plaster specialist, drywall contractor, or painter, we're happy to take a look. In many cases, we can identify the likely cause of the damage and recommend the next step, even if another trade needs to address the underlying problem first.
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