Protect furnishings with plastic sheets before taking down a drywall ceiling.
Drywall, or a kind of board comprised of wood pulp, plaster or other materials, is commonly used in the formation of walls and ceilings in home interiors. A drywall ceiling is relatively durable, but over time, general wear and tear or damage caused by water or other outside elements can create cracks or deterioration in the drywall boards. Taking down a drywall ceiling can be arduous, dirty work, but the right tools, like a prybar and hammer, will help you complete the task.
Instructions
1. Remove all furnishing and other objects from the room before beginning your drywall ceiling removal. Lay plastic sheets over the floor to protect it from dust and other debris. Drape plastic sheets over any furniture that will not be removed from the room. Use duct tape to close any cabinet doors or shelves.
2. Remove any baseboard molding or trim in the room by inserting a prybar between the trim and the wall. Insert a putty knife between the wall and trim, which will protect the wall from damage. Pull the prybar towards you. The nails securing the trim and baseboard should pop out, allowing you to lift the trim and molding free.
3. Position a ladder on one side of the room and climb it until you have reached a high enough step to comfortably reach the ceiling. Insert a small prybar behind the drywall and one of the walls. Pull the prybar so that the drywall moves toward you. This should separate the drywall section from the wall and allow you to lift it free and place it in a safe location. Repeat this step until you have taken down all the sections of drywall ceiling.
4. Punch a hole through the drywall with the hammer if the drywall does not pull free from the wall easily. The hole should be big enough to accoomodate your hand and the hammer. Tap the drywall in the area close to where you're attempting to pry it free, then position your prybar in the hole you made with the hammer, and pull away the drywall using slow, steady movements.
5. Remove all the pieces of drywall as well as any studs in the ceiling and dispose of them. Use a broom to sweep up the large debris in the room. Vacuum up any residual dust before removing the plastic sheeting on the furnishings and floor.
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