We have a sagging ceiling that needs to be repairs. The curent cceiling is 1/2 sheetrock with a heavy texture. We have had two contractors out each has given a different repair. One says he'll simply add another layer of 1/2 over the current ceiling ang then retexture. The other says to properly so the repair the old ceiling should be removed and 1/2 sag resistent or 5/8" sheetrock should be installed, then textured.

What is the proper repair? It would seem to me adding another layer over a sagging roof would simple mask the problem then start to sag itself under the weight of the old sheetrock?

 

The pros of laminating the old ceiling is less mess and a quicker/cheaper job. I do have my doubts about it being a good long term fix.

Removing the ceiling and installing 5/8" is the best way to go but it will cost more. You probably have blown insulation in the attic which will fall to the floor as the drywall is removed..... but it never hurts to update/add insulation, especially in your hot climate.

 

Did either of them tell you *why* the ceiling is sagging. That might dictate the final fix. Without having inspected it myself, my instinct is to replace rather than cover the sagging layer. Unless I was sure that the underlying problem has been addressed. Marksr is right, if you have blown-in insulation, be prepared for a mess. Ay-yi-yi...

Just my opinion.

 

I was told the reason is that 1/2 was installed to begin with and between the weight of the insulation and the heavy texture on install caused the failure.

Thanks for the "opinions"...I interpet tham as the right solution is to remove the compromised board and replace with sag resistent or 5/8"

 

The insulation and texture might play a small part but IMO the reasons the ceiling sagged is because 1/2" was used on 24" centers. Humidity may have also played a part. The 5/8" should be fine on ceiling framing that's on 24" centers