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How to Repair Ceilings From Damage
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When it comes to Ceiling Repair Water Damage is one of the key culprits. This damage can occur because of leaky roofs, plumbing problems, or even serious spills originating on the floor above.No matter where it originated, ceiling damage can be devastating. In the best of scenarios, it causes stains and minor drywall bulging. If left unaddressed, it will lead to sagging ceiling panels, create a perfect environment for mold growth, and eventually leave the panels disintegrating and at greater risk of falling. Even a minor leak can leave the ceiling vulnerable so after identifying the source of the leak, homeowners should always begin Ceiling Repair as soon as possible. Read on to find out How to repair ceiling drywall for help with deciding whether it’s a good idea to attempt a DIY repair. |
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Begin with the Attic
If the damaged ceiling is located on the floor beneath the attic, start by clearing out the insulation from above. Wear protective clothing when handling fiberglass insulation and be on the lookout for asbestos. If the insulation is composed of vermiculite pellets, chances are it’s contaminated. Homeowners with vermiculite insulation have two choices. They can have a sample sent to a lab for testing to see if it’s safe to handle or they can call a professional who’ll have the right safety equipment to remove it without placing anyone’s health in danger.
Remove the Drywall
For homeowners who attempt their own water damage Ceiling Repair Drywall almost always requires removal. Leaving it in place and plastering or painting over the stains doesn’t address the underlying problem. Even if it isn’t sagging yet, the drywall will only continue to sustain damage and may harbor mold.
The first step to removing the drywall is to check the location of wires and pipes from above to avoid cutting through them. Next, identify the location of the ceiling joists. Keep a lookout for hanging edges since these won’t be picked up by stud finders.
It’s very difficult to remove damaged areas of drywall without also damaging nearby areas, so plan for the worst and purchase more drywall than the job requires. There are three techniques for removing drywall, but none of them are a sure way to avoid additional damage.
The first step to removing the drywall is to check the location of wires and pipes from above to avoid cutting through them. Next, identify the location of the ceiling joists. Keep a lookout for hanging edges since these won’t be picked up by stud finders.
It’s very difficult to remove damaged areas of drywall without also damaging nearby areas, so plan for the worst and purchase more drywall than the job requires. There are three techniques for removing drywall, but none of them are a sure way to avoid additional damage.
- Use a drywall saw to remove pieces from below until meeting a stud and pull the pieces down by hand.
- Pull straight down from the edge of sections that meet up with joists to separate them from the rest of the ceiling. This typically requires breaking through the joint compound and cutting through its embedded tape.
- Cut carefully along the inner side of joists to remove small sections of the drywall.
Install Nailing Strips
Unless they’re extremely lucky and the drywall damage occurs directly between exposed joists, homeowners still have their work cut out for them after the old drywall has been removed. They’ll have to add nailing strips so they have a safe place to affix the new drywall.
Attach 1x3, 2x2, or 2x4 boards to the existing joists. This will give homeowners some place to screw in the new drywall. Position the nailing strips correctly so they are flush with the bottom of the joists, as even a small deviation from the level will negate all that hard work by causing the new panel to fit incorrectly with the surrounding drywall.
Attach 1x3, 2x2, or 2x4 boards to the existing joists. This will give homeowners some place to screw in the new drywall. Position the nailing strips correctly so they are flush with the bottom of the joists, as even a small deviation from the level will negate all that hard work by causing the new panel to fit incorrectly with the surrounding drywall.
Install New Panel(s)
Purchase drywall that is the same thickness as the pieces being removed. Cut them to size, leaving no more than a 1/8-inch gap between the new panel and the old drywall.
Installing the new panels requires a few helpers to hold the patch in place. While it’s held up, place drywall screws every seven to eight inches along the edge of the panel. Add screws to the middle of the panel, as well, spaced to 12 inches.
Installing the new panels requires a few helpers to hold the patch in place. While it’s held up, place drywall screws every seven to eight inches along the edge of the panel. Add screws to the middle of the panel, as well, spaced to 12 inches.
Finish the Drywall
Once the new sheet is installed, apply a joint compound with embedded tape. Once it’s in place, add two to three more layers of compound and smooth the joints. Each screw must also be coated with two to three coats of the joint compound. Once the joint compound is dry, sand everything down so it is smooth.
Homeowners who replace their own drywall should plan on devoting a few hours to cleaning up dust, replacing insulation in the attic, and disposing of old materials. It’s a lot of work.
Homeowners who replace their own drywall should plan on devoting a few hours to cleaning up dust, replacing insulation in the attic, and disposing of old materials. It’s a lot of work.
A Better Solution
Don’t like the idea of spending hours of the day working from ladders and dealing with dust? Hiring a contractor to fix the damaged ceiling may be a better option.
Atlanta Drywall Experts repaired my wall and it looks brand new! I am never attempting drywall hole repair again.
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