Insulation is one of the building materials damaged by hidden leaks. Insulation absorbs water very quickly and should be removed to prevent additional damage to sheetrock or plaster in the ceiling and walls. In the short term insulation can lose some of its insulating ability and over the long term compresses which means lower R-values. After thorough drying is accomplished the surface needs to be cleaned, sealed, and painted. Drying rather than replacement of water damaged walls and ceilings is a cost-affective solution.
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.