Patching a Drywall Ceiling: 4 Tips

Over time, a drywall ceiling may require repair from cracks, water damage or holes. Different problems require different solutions. Follow these tips for patching up different types of damage to a drywall ceiling.

Suggested Materials

• Drywall mud compound
• Drywall knives of various sizes
• Drywall tape
• Drywall screws and screw-gun
• Utility knife
• Keyhole saw
• Hand sander and sandpaper

Tip #1 - Patching Ceiling Cracks

Numerous ceiling cracks can be caused by studs or joists that have shifted over time. For widespread damage, remove all the damaged drywall and add supportive studs that run perpendicular to the wooden supports that already there. For single cracks, gently knock away any loose drywall with your fingers. Thin out drywall compound by adding water and filling in the crack with a drywall knife. Add a piece of fiberglass mesh drywall tape the length of the crack. Allow to dry 24 hours. Add two more coats of drywall, drying completely in between coats. Sand lightly before priming and painting.

Tip #2 - Fixing Ceiling Sags from Water Damage

In bathrooms or other moisture-rich areas, water damage may cause your ceiling to sag. You can rescrew the sagging drywall to its seam, especially if the water damage is relatively new. If you can reach the other side of the ceiling through your attic, check to see if any insulation or other material has fallen onto the sagging drywall before screwing it back in place. Remove any materials from the top side and screw back to the support. Space screws about 8 inches apart. Fill in screw holes with mud and sand smooth before applying prime and paint. Remember to replace any insulation removed.

Tip #3 - Fixing Popped Nail or Screw Heads

Nails or screw heads may pop out because of shrinking studs. Cut away any bunch drywall around the screw or nail head. Screw or tap back until the head is no longer protruding out from the ceiling, but instead causing a slight indentation. Fill in the indentation with mud and smooth out with sandpaper or a damp sponge.

Tip #4 - Fixing Small Holes in Drywall

Small holes, less than 3 inches, can be fixed quickly by adding a self-adhesive drywall patch than can be purchased at most hardware stores. After pressing on the patch, cover with mud compound and allow to dry for 24 hours. In general, use a knife a couple inches larger than the hole you are patching. Add another coat with a knife a few inches larger than the first, feathering out several inches past the patch and smoothing off excess mud with a knife. Smooth out by sanding or wiping with a damp sponge.

Tip #5 - Fixing Large Holes in Drywall

Holes that are larger than 3 inches should be replaced with a patch cut from a sheet of drywall. Measure the area of damage and cut out a square or rectangle sized piece from the old drywall. Use the same measurements to cut out a piece from the new drywall to replace it. If there are no studs behind your drywall to attach the patch to, screw in wooden boards on either end of the square hole that are a few inches longer than the length of the hole. Screw the drywall patch into these added supports. Cover the joints with fiberglass mesh tape, and spread a layer of mud over the tape and screw holes. Allow to dry before adding two more coats in the same fashion as described for the small holes. Sand or smooth with a damp sponge before priming and painting.