Drywall ceilings are prevalent across the United States, and, for that matter, around the world. Drywall is a universal material that can be painted, wallpapered or stuccoed. It will last a long time if cared for properly, however, sometimes damage is inevitable. Once damaged, drywall is flexible enough to be repaired without much difficulty. Repairs can be done with ease, and, depending on the size of the job, you can complete a repair in as little as two hours, plus drying time.
Check the Damage
Check the drywall for damage. If you have water damage, make sure that the area outside of the water stain is still strong and not flaky. Any area where the paper is falling away must be replaced.
Remove the Damage
Remove the damaged drywall by cutting 2 inches outside the damaged area. Try to remove the drywall over to a stop point that centers over a wooden ceiling joist. If the area is smaller than 6 inches by 6 inches, then just cut out an 8 inch square from the drywall.
Replace the Drywall
For repairs less than 12 inches by 12 inches, replace the drywall by cutting a new piece as large as the opening on the old drywall. Attach the patch using drywall screws. Make sure that the screws are attached into wood. If you don't have any wood to screw into, slide a 1-by-4 block, cut 6 inches longer than the patch, into the hole. This wooden brace will rest inside the ceiling and on the back side of the drywall. You will screw drywall screws through the existing drywall and into this brace to hold it into place. The wooden brace will span over the hole and will give you something to screw the new drywall patch to.
Larger Sections
Replace larger sections of damaged ceiling by removing the damage in 2 feet by 4 feet sections. If the area is larger, just work in these increments.such as 4 feet by 4 feet. Because ceiling joists are set on 24-inch centers, and drywall comes in 4-foot-wide sections, you will do this so as to re attach large patches into 2-by wood framing. For example, if your damaged area is 16 inches square, find the ceiling joist to the left of the area and to the right of the area by tapping on the ceiling and driving a screw into the suspected joist. If your screw tightens, then you have found the joist. Cut the drywall across the joist, 4 feet wide, being sure to cut so the edge is centered on the joist. Remove this piece of damaged drywall, piece a new piece of drywall the same size as large, and attach into the wooden ceiling joist.
Finish
Tape the joints using finishing tape. Apply drywall mud, allow to dry for 24 hours, reapply a second coat that is feathered out past the patch by 8 inches all around, allow to dry and sand. Add a primer, and then repaint to match the existing ceiling.
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