A poorly functioning ceiling can lead to mold, structural damage, and a host of other issues. Prompt repair is key to preserving the beauty and function of your home’s interior.
Cracks in the ceiling usually signal a problem that’s coming from above. A professional Ceiling Repair Perth will need to trace the cause and fix it before moving on to repairing the ceiling itself.
Drywall Repair
Whether caused by an unfortunate toilet leak or a hail storm, damaged drywall will not only detract from your home’s aesthetics but can also cause further damage and lead to costly repairs. Fortunately, most of these problems are fairly easy to fix yourself. All you need is the right knowledge, some basic tools, and a little bit of patience. With the help of this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to tackle anything from hairline cracks above the door to a sagging ceiling.
Horizontal and vertical drywall cracks are usually the result of house settling or lumber shrinkage. These cracks can easily be filled with a thin application of joint compound (also known as mud), but it’s important to use mesh tape to dissuade future cracking. This will ensure that any future drywall repairs are made underneath the tape, rather than on top of it.
Nail and screw pops are another common issue. To remedy these, use a utility knife to cut away any excess drywall material and then sand the hole until smooth. Next, apply a thin layer of joint compound and let dry. Once the compound has a chance to dry, apply a second coat and sand again until smooth.
If you’re working on a large section of wall or ceiling, make sure to locate the studs with a stud finder to avoid cutting into any utilities. Also, be sure to wear a face mask and eye protection to avoid any unnecessary breathing in dust or dirt.
Before beginning a repair project, be sure to move any furniture or lay down a drop cloth to protect your flooring. Next, put on your face mask and gloves and prepare the work area. Depending on the size of your patch, this might mean moving any furniture or covering any carpeting with a protective sheet. After sanding the patched area, you can fill it with spackling paste or joint compound, using a putty knife. After applying the compound, be sure to sand it until smooth and let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
To fix larger holes, you can use a drywall patch kit. If you prefer a more natural finish, hardware stores sell small cans of spray-on texture material. This type of texture is more subtle and blends in much better with existing walls than pre-textured drywall.
Staining
Stains on ceilings aren’t just unsightly — they can indicate a serious problem, such as a leaking roof or broken pipe. Leaks that go untreated can cause mold and rot, creating an environment that is unhealthy for you and your family.
The first step in addressing water stains on your ceiling is to find the source of the leak and make any necessary repairs. Leaks that appear on the ceiling usually originate from a roof area or an upper-level bathroom, and can sometimes be difficult to spot. If you can’t locate the source of a leak, place dehumidifiers around the area to help keep humidity low.
If a ceiling stain discolors the plaster without breaking a taped seam, mist the affected area with a spray bottle and a strong bleach-and-water solution. Repeat the treatment every 10 minutes for a few hours to fade or lighten the discoloration. As you do so, be sure to protect the floor below the ceiling and cover any fixtures with plastic sheets to prevent drips. After several hours, wipe the area clean with a sponge saturated in a bleach solution, then rinse and dry the ceiling with a towel.
When drywall and plaster are subjected to constant streaming moisture, they eventually wear down and become brittle. This causes the joints to loosen, which is why it’s important to keep humidity in your home or business low.
Ceiling cracks can also be a sign of structural damage or problems with the foundation of your building. Depending on the severity of the crack, it may be best to contact a professional surveyor or construction expert for advice.
Straight cracks in ceilings usually result from inadequate taping and mudding during a drywall installation. To repair these cracks, apply drywall compound ($7 to $15 a bucket) to the crack and press in some new tape ($2 to $5 per roll). Use an eight-inch knife to spread a skim coat of joint compound over the repaired area. After each skim coat, sand the surface with 220-grit sandpaper until smooth. Finally, roll on a coat of Kilz UpShot primer and two topcoats of ceiling paint.
Water Damage
If a home or business owner notices a soft protrusion or stained spot on the ceiling, it’s a good idea to call in a professional as soon as possible. Water damage on a ceiling should not be ignored as it can lead to mold and rot, which is a serious health issue for anyone living in the building. It can also result in structural damage, such as sagging ceilings or broken joists and rafters.
A professional home repair expert can help the client find the source of the water leak to make the necessary repairs. Leaks often occur near rooms with plumbing — such as the bathroom or kitchen — but can also be due to a faulty roof, sprinkler systems, or even clogged gutters. If the leak has been occurring for a long time, it can lead to more extensive problems within the walls and elsewhere in the property.
After the source has been identified and repaired, the client will need to dry out the affected area of the ceiling. This could involve putting buckets on the floor, covering the furniture, or sealing off the room to prevent further wet spots and damage. Then, the client can proceed with spackle and paint as needed.
It’s a good idea to use an oil or shellac-based primer to protect the ceiling from future moisture and staining. This step will also ensure that the new ceiling will look uniform so that there are no visible lines from where the old and damaged areas meet.
Depending on the severity of the water damage and how long it has been occurring, the repair may be as simple as touching up with a bit of Spackle and painting, or it might require more extensive work such as replacing the entire section of the ceiling and repainting. The client will need to put their trust in a professional who is familiar with carpentry, roofing, and other construction methods for the most comprehensive repair. It is important to remember that some repairs are simply not suitable for the average homeowner, such as fixing cracks in pipes inside the walls or extensive roof damage.
Mold
Mold is not only unsightly but can also cause health problems for the people who live in the house. Mold spores can be inhaled and can lead to respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, throat irritation, and congestion. People with asthma may experience more severe symptoms. The key is to act quickly, especially if mold growth covers more than 10 square feet.
The best way to remove mold from a ceiling is to dry it thoroughly. If you have a dehumidifier, use it as soon as water spots appear. Otherwise, spray and scrub the area with a solution of white vinegar, borax or bleach, and hydrogen peroxide, using a scouring sponge. Scrub well, then rinse and let the surface dry completely. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and protective clothing if you’re handling mold spores directly on the ceiling.
Moisture and mold problems on the ceiling can be caused by a roof leak, condensation, or ghosting (discoloration from dirt or soot that has stuck to the ceiling). If you suspect you have a roof leak, try scanning the area with a moisture meter before starting any repairs. If the problem is condensation, you can reduce it by insulating your attic with fiberglass batts.
Black mold, on the other hand, is usually a sign of a more serious issue and must be addressed immediately before it spreads and grows. Inhaling black mold spores can cause respiratory irritation, so the first step is to fix the source of the problem. That might mean repairing a pipe or sealing a leak in the roof.
Once the source of the problem is fixed, you can proceed with removing and cleaning any remaining black mold on the ceiling. Use the same technique as with other types of mold, but make sure to wear rubber gloves and a dust mask. If you’re still having trouble, you can always call in a professional. A professional can remove and replace the mold, sand, and repaint the ceiling, as well as inspect the ceiling for any other damage or problems. They can also recommend the most effective preventative measures to take.