Identify the source of the leak before you make repairs.
Water stains on your ceiling do not always point to the roof as the culprit. The damage could have resulted from a condensation problem, for example. Regardless, take the time to identify the source of the problem and make repairs before beginning any work on the inside of your home. Condensation usually causes several small water stains, which you can often detect in a corner near a ceiling panel by an exterior wall. Damage caused by a leaking roof, on the other hand, can occur anywhere. These leaks are deceptive, as they may not appear near the damaged area. Prevent mold by repairing water damage in the ceiling immediately after discovering the source of the leak.
Instructions
1. Inspect the roof carefully for leaks. Repair the roof if you detect damage.
2. Inspect the attic for condensation. Remove and replace any wet insulation.
3. Inspect the attic above the water-stained area for electrical wires. Turn off the power before you begin work if the area contains any electrical wires.
4. Scrape the texture off the damaged area with your metal scraper.
5. Hold the straight edge 5 inches to the side of the water stain. Draw a line with the pencil along the straight edge. Repeat on all four sides of the water stain to form a rectangle around the stain.
6. Cut along the penciled lines on the ceiling with the drywall knife. Remove the damaged piece of ceiling.
7. Look inside the hole and locate the nearest studs. Draw pencil lines using the straight edge to extend your cut to the studs.
8. Measure the squared hole with the tape measure.
9. Mark the measurements of your cut on the new piece of drywall. Cut a replacement piece with the drywall knife.
10. Install the new piece drywall into the hole. Secure the drywall to the studs with the drill and drywall screws.
11. Apply a thin layer of mud over the four seams with the drywall taping blade.
12. Lay drywall tape over the thin layer of mud on all four sides. Tear the tape off at the end. Pat the tape into the mud.
13. Apply a thin layer of mud over the top of the drywall tape with the taping blade. Allow the mud to dry for 24 hours.
14. Sand the mud with the 150-grit sandpaper until the surface becomes smooth and blends evenly.
15. Shake the can of ceiling texture for one full minute as recommended by the manufacturer. Spray the texture onto the ceiling and allow it to dry according the to directions on the can.
16. Prime the new ceiling texture. Allow the primer to dry as directed on the can. Prime the ceiling again, and allow the primer to dry for 24 hours.
17.Paint the ceiling.
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