Ceiling Repair

Ceiling repair - what to know

If your ceiling is damaged, assess it thoroughly to determine the extent of the damage. This will dictate your repair method. Clean the area and apply joint compound with a putty knife if it's a small crack. For larger holes, cut a drywall piece to fit, attach it with screws, and blend the edges with a joint compound.

With a little time and the right know-how, you can repair your ceiling on your own.

In this article, you will learn the materials and tools needed to repair your ceiling, as well as the steps to take depending on the ceiling and damage type.

How to repair ceiling drywall

Materials needed

• Drywall panel
• Joint compound
• Drywall tape (fiberglass mesh or paper)
• Drywall screws
• Primer
• Paint

Tools needed

• Utility knife
• Drywall saw
• Measuring tape
• T-square
• Drywall screw gun or drill
• Putty knife
• Sanding sponge or block
• Paint roller or brush
• Ladder (if needed)
• Face mask
• Gloves

1. Prepare the area

Move furniture and other items away from the work area. Then, lay down drop cloths on the floor to catch dust and debris. Finally, ensure the room is well-ventilated by opening windows or turning on fans, especially if you are working with joint compound or paint.

2. Clear out insulation (if any)

Check for any insulation in the damaged area, especially if the ceiling drywall is below an attic. If there is, remove it to access the drywall. 

Wear gloves to protect your hands and a dust mask to avoid inhaling particles. Then, carefully pull out the insulation and place it somewhere clean and safe, like a plastic bag, to keep it from getting dirty or damaged.

3. Remove the old drywall

Use a utility knife to carefully cut around the damaged area of the drywall. Try to cut as square or rectangular as possible. Next, gently pull away the old drywall piece. If it’s stuck in place, you may need to cut a little more. However, be careful not to damage the surrounding drywall, wires, or pipes behind the drywall. 

4. Add furring strips (if needed)

After removing the old drywall, check for exposed joists (the wooden beams that support the ceiling). If there are no joists where the new drywall needs to go, add furring strips (thin wooden pieces that support the new drywall).

Cut the furring strips to the appropriate length and position them along the sides of the joists where the new drywall will attach. Use a drill to screw each strip into the joists and make sure it is flush with the bottom so that the new drywall sits level. 

If the strips aren’t level, the new drywall will be uneven and show in the finished look.

5. Attach new drywall patch

Cut a piece of new drywall to fit the hole. The new piece should be slightly smaller than the opening for easy installation. Align the new drywall with the furring strips or existing drywall edges.

Then use a drywall screw gun to attach the new drywall to the furring strips or joists. Space the screws about 12 inches apart along the edges and in the center of the patch. Make sure the surface of the new drywall is flush with the existing ceiling so it doesn’t create any bumps.

6. Tape the seams and apply a layer of joint compound

After securing the new drywall, cover the seams with drywall tape. You can either use paper tape or fiberglass mesh tape. Press the tape down with a putty knife to ensure it adheres well.

Next, apply a thin joint compound (mud) layer over the taped seams. Use a putty knife to spread the compound evenly, feathering the edges to blend it into the surrounding ceiling. This helps create a smooth transition. Let the joint compound dry completely (this usually takes about 24 hours).

7. Sand and paint

Once the joint compound is dry, use a sanding sponge or block to gently sand the area until it feels smooth and flush with the surrounding ceiling. Be careful not to sand too hard, as you don’t want to damage the drywall.

After sanding, wipe away any dust with a damp cloth to prepare for painting. 

Apply a coat of primer over the patched area to seal it. Once the primer is dry, paint the area to match the rest of the ceiling. 

To achieve the best finish, use paint specifically designed for ceilings. Apply as many coats as needed for full coverage, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.

How to repair a ceiling crack

Materials needed

• Joint compound (drywall mud)
• Drywall tape (paper or fiberglass mesh)
• Primer
• Ceiling paint

Tools needed

• Utility knife
• Putty knife
• Sanding sponge or block
• Paint roller or brush
• Ladder (if needed)

1. Examine the crack and remove loose material

Check the crack to determine its width and depth. If it’s wider than 1/8 inch, it may need the attention of a drywall contractor or an experienced handyman. If it’s smaller, you can DIY.

Carefully pry off any loose paint, old joint compound, or drywall tape around the crack. Use a utility knife to cut away any frayed edges. This ensures a clean surface to which the new tape and joint compound can adhere. Work lengthwise along the crack, not sideways, to avoid widening it.

2. Apply drywall tape (optional)

Place drywall tape over the crack for added strength if the crack is significant. If you use paper drywall tape, apply a thin layer of joint compound, then place the tape over it. However, if you use fiberglass mesh tape, stick it directly on the clean crack.

3. Apply joint compound

Use a putty knife to spread a layer of joint compound over the tape (about 2 to 3 inches wide), completely covering it. Feather the edges to blend it into the surrounding ceiling. Then, allow the compound to dry completely, usually about 24 hours.

If you skipped the drywall tape in the above step, apply the joint compound directly over the crack and feather the edges to blend it into the surrounding ceiling. Then, allow it to dry the same way.

4. Sand the area

Once the joint compound is dry, lightly sand the area with a sanding sponge until it’s smooth and flush with the ceiling. Be gentle to avoid damaging the surrounding area. Wipe away any dust from sanding with a damp cloth to prepare for painting.

5. Prime the area and paint

Apply a coat of primer over the repaired crack. This helps the paint adhere and ensures even coverage. After the primer dries, paint over the area with ceiling paint. Use a roller for larger areas and a brush for edges and corners. Apply additional coats as necessary to match the surrounding ceiling.

Repairing a water-damaged ceiling

Stop the source of water

Before making any repairs, identify and fix the source of the water damage. This could be a leaky roof, a burst pipe, or condensation issues. Depending on the cause, you may need to hire a plumber to address the water source properly.

Dry the area

Before making the ceiling repair, dry the affected area using high-powered fans, dehumidifiers, or open windows. Ensure the space is well-ventilated to prevent future mold growth.

Assess the damage and fix

Look for discoloration, sagging, or soft spots in your ceiling. Also, check whether the drywall is still structurally sound or needs to be replaced. 

If you notice mold or severe damage, carefully cut it out using a utility knife. Then, treat the surrounding area with a mold-killing solution, such as a mixture of water and bleach (1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water). 

Be sure to wear gloves and a mask to avoid exposure to mold spores, and dispose of contaminated materials in sealed bags to prevent the spread of mold spores.

If the water damage is only a minor discoloration on the ceiling, paint over the area to match the rest of the ceiling. You may need multiple coats for complete coverage. However, if the damage is more severe, cut around the damaged area and follow the steps outlined in the “How to repair ceiling drywall” section above.

How to repair a popcorn (textured) ceiling

Repairing a popcorn ceiling follows the same basic steps as repairing a drywall ceiling. To start, use a plastic scraper to remove the damaged popcorn. Apply a popcorn ceiling patch with a paintbrush and dab to give it some texture. Let it dry, then paint it if needed to match the surrounding ceiling.

How to repair a plaster ceiling

Repairing a plaster ceiling starts with chiseling out damaged areas. Next, apply a bonding agent and use a three-coat process (scratch, brown, and finish) for a smooth finish. This method ensures durability and matches the original ceiling's texture.

Cost of ceiling repair

The average ceiling repair cost ranges from $125 to $4,500, depending on the ceiling material, extent of damage, and project size. Small cracks cost $100 to $500, sagging ceilings cost $250, and can reach up to $1,000. Ceiling cracks cost $400 to $1,400, while water damage costs between $45 and $55 per square foot.

How much does it cost to patch ceiling drywall?

If you DIY, the cost to patch your drywall ceiling will be $7 (the typical cost of a drywall patch) plus any tools or other supplies you may need. However, if you hire a professional, the cost ranges from $50 to $150 for small holes. Larger holes can cost between $100 and $400 because they require larger patches or a new drywall sheet.

Ceiling water damage repair cost

Repairs for minor water damage cost between $200 and $500. On the other hand, if you need to replace the drywall, especially for major water damage, the repair cost can range from $550 to $2,500. To prevent future damage, emphasize a water-resistant drywall to the professional and fix the source of the water damage.

Hiring a handyman for ceiling repair

Most ceiling repairs can be done yourself and don’t require a handyman. However, larger repairs can be risky to DIY, especially without the technical know-how, and if they involve structural issues or working at heights. 

Likewise, more complex ceiling repairs require specialized tools and materials that you may not have on hand and are costly to purchase for a one-time use. If you're considering hiring a handyman to help with your ceiling repairs, you can do so independently or use a professional platform like Angi.

We recommend Angi because it offers a large database of vetted and skilled handymen in your local area. Additionally, the platform features reviews and ratings from real customers, so you can know what to expect, what quality of work you can expect, and if a handyman specializes in a particular type of project.