To fix water damaged holes, you need to clean, sand, then fill them. Here’s a detailed guide on how to fix small water damaged hole drywall ceiling.
How can I temporarily repair a hole in my ceiling?
What do you do if you spot a hole in your drywall ceiling? Aside from looking unsightly, it can be a bother.
Although unadvisable, you can temporarily fix a hole in your ceiling. Just cut out a piece of drywall and use it to cover the gap.
You can also opt to cover the affected area with the drywall compound temporarily. There are also wall patches available online. The solutions mentioned are only temporary, though.
You’ll need to repair water damaged holes in the drywall ceiling immediately and effectively. Read on to find out how.
How To Repair Minimal Water Damage In Drywall Ceiling
While it may sound like a big task, fixing a hole in a drywall ceiling is quite simple. Here are four easy steps to repair that hole in your drywall ceiling!
Step #1. Assess the situation
Before anything else, it’s essential to take a good look at your drywall ceiling. If there’s water damage, then there’s probably a leak nearby.
Drywall is relatively prone to water damage. That’s why long-term exposure to water will make it stain and rot. You need to look for the source of water and take care of it immediately.
You might want to contact a water damage professional for that task, though. Any leaks or drips will only make your drywall ceiling even more damaged!
Don’t forget about protecting your floors. Lay a sheet of plastic to catch any debris and water droplets from the ceiling.
Step #2. Clean the affected area
Now that the water source is gone, you can now clean the affected area. Get rid of excess water by using an old cloth. You can also use a dehumidifier or electric fan to dry out the affected area.
Drying the ceiling might take a few hours. It would help if you also cut out the sections of the drywall ceiling that are water damaged to speed up the entire process.
If it’s a small hole, cut around the area of the hole. Don’t worry about making the hole a bit bigger; you’ll fill it out later.
Step #3. Make the repairs
It’s now time to repair the small hole in your water damaged drywall ceiling. Begin by sanding down any bumps and rough surfaces. You’ll need a smooth surface for the repair to be seamless.
Afterward, measure the water damaged hole. Cut out a piece of drywall that’s a few inches bigger than the actual measurement of the hole.
You might be wondering, though. Why should the piece of drywall be a bit bigger than the actual hole? That’s because the drywall piece might be too small if you cut it to size immediately.
If the drywall piece is a bit bigger, you can slowly file it down. That way, you can get the perfect fit!
Step #4. Finishing touches
Glue the new piece to the ceiling with a drywall compound. Once the mixture dries, you can sand it down to make the surface smooth.
You can choose to prime and paint the repaired area or the entire ceiling. The latter ensures an even, flawless coverage. However, it’s not a problem if you choose to prime and paint just the repaired area.
When should I call for professional help?
The repair process described above only applies to small water damaged holes in drywall ceilings. What should you do if the water damage is widespread and significant?
When water damage is severe, the best thing to do is to call a professional. Restoration professionals are well equipped to deal with water damage. However, if the damage is widespread, then professionals might opt to replace the drywall ceiling completely.
Repairs can range from $500 to $2,500. Unfortunately, homeowner’s insurance coverage only includes water damage repairs due to floods, sudden pipe bursts, and other similar events.
How do I prevent water damage on the drywall ceiling?
There are a few things that you can do to avoid water damage to your drywall ceiling. Since drywall is prone to water damage, you need to prevent water and moisture from getting into your ceilings. Inspect the area for leaks, drips, stains, musty odors, and other signs of water damage.
If you notice water damage on your drywall ceiling, it’s best to repair the area immediately. Some suggest drilling a hole in the water damaged area to let the pooling water out.
If you choose this method, remember to protect your floors. Layout a plastic sheet to catch any water droplets and debris. It’s also essential to leave a bucket for the water.
Conclusion
Water damage is very troublesome. What should you do if water damage happens to your drywall ceiling? If it’s still a tiny hole, follow this guide on how to fix small water damaged hole drywall ceiling.
If your drywall panels are only water-stained but do not appear to be damaged structurally, you may repair them by removing the damaged section. To cut out the hole, use a keyhole saw to create a square or rectangular shape around the injured region. For the repair, apply another piece of drywall over the hole.