Plaster is an absorbent material and holds excess water. Wet ceilings are notorious for collapsing because of the pressure caused by the wet plaster and insulation and normally need replaced. Walls in many situations can be salvaged with thorough drying, minor repair, cleaning, and sealing and painting. Drying usually requires 2-3 times longer than sheetrock. Peeling wall paint may be difficult to recognize because it s unlikely that interior or exterior wall paint will blister or peel while ice dams are present.
Paint peels long after ice dams and all signs of a roof leak have evaporated.
Inspect the attic area for adequate ventilation and make sure that the insulation is not blocking the airflow. The attic is considered part of the outside since the floor of the attic is the top of the thermal envelope that surrounds the building. If improper ventilation or inadequate insulation is suspected the building owner should be briefed to reduce the possibility of future damage. Repairs should be delayed until the weather permits because attempting repairs during the winter months will be more expensive and create a major inconvenience to the building owner. Mitigation work must be completed to prevent additional damage and wet insulation should be removed and replaced.