If you have a drywall ceiling that is showing signs of damage, such as cracking, holes or water damage, a new ceiling can be installed on top of it. While it is preferable to remove the old drywall and start fresh, if you are on a tight budget, covering over the ceiling may be your best option. The state of your ceiling joists and the thickness of the original drywall will play the biggest role in deciding what type of new ceiling material to use. If the damage is merely cosmetic, covering over the drywall with glue-on tiles is a quick fix. For more severe damage, covering the entire ceiling with a new layer of drywall or plywood is necessary.
Instructions
Glue-On Tiles
1. Remove any hanging drywall debris. This debris will interfere with the installation of your ceiling tiles.
2. Attach the first ceiling tile in one corner of the room. Squeeze the tube of adhesive and apply a 1/4 inch bead in a zig-zag pattern across the entire back of the tile. Lift it up into place and press it into the drywall firmly.
3. Install the remaining tiles. Cut the pieces to fit with a utility knife as necessary. Use the overlap edges to create a clean edge between the tiles. The corners should meet and there should not be a gap between any of the tiles.
Installing New Drywall
4. Select the right thickness for the drywall. In this situation, use 1/4-inch thick panels. Do not go over 3/8 of an inch to avoid potential weight issues.
5. Find the ceiling joists with a stud finder. Run the stud finder back and forth across the ceiling. Mark the location of the joists with a pencil.
6. Install the drywall panels. Have a friend help you lift the panels into place. Insert 3-inch drywall screws into the ceiling joists at a rate of one screw for each 12 inches.
7. Tape the seams with self-adhesive drywall tape. Press this tape firmly onto each panel to create a good seal.
8. Apply joint compound over the seams and screw dimples with a drywall knife. The tape should no longer be visible once the compound is applied. Let this set until it is hard to the touch.
9. Sand the joint compound down with a fine-grit sanding block. The surface needs to be completely smooth and level. You can now prime and paint the ceiling.
Hanging Plywood
10. Locate the ceiling joists with a stud finder. Mark where they are with a pencil.
11. Cut the plywood panels with a circular saw to fit your ceiling. Measure off the length and width of the ceiling to determine how many panels will be necessary.
12. Nail the plywood sheets into place over the drywall. Use a nail gun and 2-to-3-inch nails.
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