A drywall is a flat panel made of gypsum plaster sandwiched between two sheets of thick paper or fiberglass. They are mold-resistant and fireproof and are used in wall and ceiling constructions. It is attached to metal or wood studs using nails and screws. However, they are susceptible to damage such as - cracks, holes, dents, etc., which needs immediate repair.
If damaged ceilings are left without action, they can cause serious damage to the roof, which might lead to costly repairs later and even complete ceiling replacement. In this blog, we have mentioned a few pro tips for repairing ceiling drywall. Make sure you have the tools handy!
What Do You Need to Repair Drywall Ceiling?
Before starting the repair, ensure you have all the required tools and materials. Here are some common tools required during the patch-up process -
| Tools | Materials |
| Putty knife | New drywall panel |
| Drywall knife | Nailing strips |
| Utility knife | Drywall screws |
| Sanding sponge | Paper drywall tape |
| Step ladder | Drywall compound |
| Eye protection | Joint compound |
| Garbage bags | Mesh drywall |
| Stud finder | Drywall repair kit |
| Long sleeve shirt | |
| Painter’s tape | |
| Drywall saw | |
| Face mask | |
| Power drill |
Tips on Ceiling Drywall Repair
Repairing drywall on the ceiling uses the same process as patching a hole. Though holes can be fixed easily, major damage, such as water and mold damage, might require replacing the ceiling drywall. Before starting the repair work, clear out the attic insulation. Once the attic insulation is removed, here are the steps you must follow -
Step 1: Remove Old Drywall
It's easy to remove the old drywall. All you need to do is press against the damaged ceiling using your fingers. Then, mark the boundaries between the areas to cut out the drywall, ensure there are no wires or pipes, and also cover the floor using an old rag. Here's how to remove the old drywall -
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Hit the drywall in the center using a drywall saw or utility knife and slice it away until you find a stud. Pry off the drywall with a crowbar to avoid damage to the ceiling wires or joists.
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If you want to remove only a section of the drywall, pull it straight downward. It will separate from the adjoining section of the drywall. Once the joint compound breaks away, cut the embedded tape using a knife.
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If you want to remove only one side of the drywall, which bridges a joist, use a saw cut along the joist. Cut the inner portion so that the drywall next to the joist remains fastened to it.
| Notes | Try cutting out drywalls in square or rectangle shapes; they're much easier to work with. |
Step 2: Add Furring Strips
You can add furring strips when there are no exposed joists to which you can nail the new drywall edge. Add these strips (thin pieces of wood) to the joists to ensure that the drywall is not hanging in the mid-air. Each strip should be placed in a way that it flushes with the joist bottom. This is because if there's any misplacement, the drywall panel won't level to the surrounding panels.
Step 3: Attach the New Drywall in the Panel
Before attaching the new drywall, measure the area and cut the new sheet. Ensure the new sheet fit has minor gaps of approximately ⅛ inches - which are fixable. Also, it is advisable to seek help to hold the drywall while you fasten it to the joists or the strips. Additionally, it's critical to make sure the screws are positioned correctly because screws that are positioned too deeply lack sufficient holding power.
Step 4: Apply Joint Compound
Now, it's time to apply the joint compound. However, before doing so, you need to have extra support to the border of your patch. No doubt, mesh tapes work well for this, but using paper drywall tape is highly recommended, as they are flexible and easy to use. Now, once you have everything in place, here's the next step -
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Apply the joint compound on either side of the seams and press the joint tape against it to hold it in place.
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Next, apply a layer on the mesh tape and feather it out towards the edges.
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Let the first coat dry before applying the second one. This helps avoid damage to feathering done across the corner.
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Lastly, apply the third coat across the entire patch.
Once you notice the patch has been covered, let it dry, and then sand it to ensure it is leveled properly. Use a face mask and safety goggles to keep the dust out of the eyes and nose.
| Notes | Ensure not to apply too many layers, as it may disbalance the aesthetic of the ceiling. |
Step 5: Prime, Paint, and Finish Off!
It is advisable to put on the primer first. This is because the drywall will suck up whatever you put on it. A spray primer works the best, as it is easy and faster to apply and creates no mess with paint drips. Once done, paint the new patched drywall.
Conclusion
Patching a part of the ceiling drywall is a DIY job. However, if the damage is extensive and you need more than just patching, for example, new ceiling drywall altogether, consider getting professional help from someone who specializes in drywall repair, installation, and replacement.
