Repairing a ceiling is not as difficult as is sounds. The most typical repairs needed are damage from a leaking roof or from drywall pulling away from the studs causing a crack to appear in the ceiling. Some ceiling damage will require the need for cutting out a section of the drywall. In most cases, it is not necessary to replace an entire section of drywall. Everything that you need for repairs can be purchased at your local building center.
Mark the Damaged Area
Your first step in repairing a ceiling is to cut out the damaged section. The tools you will need are a tape measure, a straight edge such as a 2 foot level, and a pencil. You will also need a step ladder and drop cloths to place under the area that you are working on. Use your tape measure to find the width and the length of the damage. Mark each corner of the damage with your pencil. You will be drawing a square around the damage. Use your level to assist you in making straight lines. Your square should be even on the ends and the sides. This makes it easier to install a new piece of drywall.
Cutting Out the Damage
A drywall saw and a hammer are all that you need to cut out the section that you marked. Hold the tip of the drywall saw up to the ceiling. Use your hammer to tap the end of the drywall knife. This will set the point of the knife into the ceiling. It is best if you wear safety glasses to keep dust and particles out of your eyes. Once the tip of the knife is in the ceiling, begin cutting out your square. You will use the drywall saw the same as you would use any hand saw. Pull the knife in an up and down motion following the lines that you drew for the square. It is possible that you may encounter a stud. In this situation, hold the knife at a verticle slant with the sharp edge to the ceiling until you get past the stud.
Put in New Section
Before you can insert a new section of drywall, you will most likely need to place anchors in the ceiling to secure the new section to. In many case when you cut out a section of drywall, there may not be studs available to secure the new piece to. Cut 4 (3 inch sections) of 1 inch by 2 inch pine board. Place a section of wood in each corner. You will need to place the blocks of wood on the backside of the ceiling. Allow 1 1/2 inches to be exposed. Use a drill and a drywall screw to secure the blocks into place. Insert the screws into the blocks of wood through the interior part of the ceiling. Make sure that the screws are slightly embedded into the drywall.
Cut and Install a New Section of Drywall
To install a new section of drywall, measure your square. Mark the same measurements on the new section. You will need a box knife to cut the drywall. It is easier to hold a straight edge on the marked line, and then cut the drywall with the box knife. This will help you to cut a straight line. Place the new section of drywall into the ceiling. Each corner should be up against a block of wood. Insert a drywall screw through the new drywall into the wood. If you cannot hold the drywall and secure it at the same time, find someone to help you hold it.
Tape and Bed the New Drywall
To finish the job, you will need mesh drywall tape, a 12 inch drywall knife, a drywall compound tray, drywall compound and 100 grit drywall sandpaper. Cut strips of mesh tape to cover the seams where the new drywall meets the old. Mesh tape is sticky on the back. Scoop some drywall compound into the drywall tray. Use your 12 inch drywall knife to smooth drywall compound over the tape. Do not put the compound on heavily. Only apply enough to lightly cover the tape. Allow the compound to dry overnight and then reapply more compound. You will also need to allow the second coat to dry overnight. Sand the compound to a smooth finish. You can then prime, texture if needed and paint the new section.
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