Drywall Repair in Progress
Drywall is a building material made of gypsum, water and sand pressed between sheets of heavy paper. Used to create walls, ceilings and other architectural features, this product is one of the most versatile and widely used materials in the construction industry. While drywall that is correctly installed can be expected to last for many years, this product can be subject to cracks or holes due to installation errors or sharp impacts. Fortunately, repairing a hole in a drywall ceiling is simple, and can be completed in just a few hours using only basic tools.
Instructions
1. Cover the furniture and floor under the damaged area with drop cloths or plastic before you begin. This will make cleanup easier and prevent drywall sand from getting onto furniture.
2. Use a utility knife to cut out a square or rectangular section of drywall from the ceiling. The section you cut should encompass the entire damaged area. This is done because a square section is easier to replace than an irregularly shaped one.
3. Place the square or rectangular section you removed on top of a fresh sheet of drywall. Trace around the cut out piece with a pencil, then use your utility knife to cut out a new piece of drywall that is the same size as the one you removed.
4. Set the new piece of material into the hole in the ceiling and screw it in place, making sure to secure the screws into the studs or support beams.
5. Cover the seams of the patched area with a layer of self-adhesive drywall tape. Use a putty knife to cover the tape with a thin layer of joint compound.
6. Wait four hours for the joint compound to dry. Then apply a second coat that is a few inches wider than the first.
7. Allow four hours for the second coat to dry. Then sand the patched area until it is smooth and even with the rest of the ceiling.
8. Apply a coat of touch-up paint as necessary to complete the project.
Tags: area with, damaged area, drywall that, four hours, joint compound, patched area, rectangular section