How To Replaster A Water Damaged Ceiling: 6 Best DIY Steps

The usual wear-and-tear situation leaves you no choice but to refurbish it, so stay tuned to know how to replaster a water damaged ceiling.

According to many house owners, good old water can do more harm than advantages. Ceilings are at the mercy of storms, hurricanes, dust, and grime. For some time, it will fall due to early mentioned damages.

how to replaster a water damaged ceiling

 

Why Should You Replaster Again? 

Plaster ceilings or false ceilings make a real difference when installed in your charming home. They provide added insulation than the usual wood lumber and metal combo. Also, it gives a more welcome-y vibe for aesthetic interior designing.

Plastered ceilings also provide concealment. Wires, plumbing tubes, and more electrical components are a complete eyesore when exposed. It does the job of hiding these while having a beautiful part of the house to look at, too.

This building material is made from casting powder combined with fiber threads for a sturdier finish. So, if you plan to add modern looks such as an array of lights, you will be surprised by how beautiful it will be.

A leaked ceiling poses a structural integrity threat and is not just a simple carpentry issue. Diamonds are forever, but buildings are not.

 

6 Steps To Replaster A Water Damaged Ceiling 

 

Step #1. Do a primary visible examination

Multiple symptoms of water-induced damage should be taken seriously. Knowing your location’s downside is a heads-up. For instance, if you live in Cincinnati, Ohio, rainfall is much worse than in other areas.

Check for visible signs such as efflorescence. Due to evaporation, salt deposits can form on the surface and can potentially destroy the property. Fungi infestation could also be a culprit.

Examine the whole perimeter of the ceiling so you can assess the costs of repairing. It is also important to note any water patches that you see.

 

Step #2. Remove unnecessary debris

Unsalvageable debris should be disposed of appropriately. According to the Whole Building Design Guide, responsible waste management is a must. Even if repairing your ceiling is just a one-day job, you should practice waste elimination.

The reason behind this is construction waste has increased through the years. Your community is not the only one benefiting from this. Unnecessary debris can go into your eye and will be a disaster.

Sometimes, termites and other pests come to chew on wood, making the structure weak. Be sure to clean it all up.

 

Step #3. Repair holes and cracks 

Before doing actual work, be sure to prep the area. Imagine having to balance on a ladder while straining your neck trying to drill a hole in your ceiling. Lay newspapers or old magazines on the floor.

A clean workplace is your target; you do not want doubled hours sweeping dust off the furniture. You will need a putty knife, a trowel to cover those nasty holes and cracks.

Do not just settle for inexpensive industrial glue. Pick one that will last a long time, so you will get away from redoing the ceiling.

 

Step #4. Drill reinforcement holes 

We did advise you to fix those water cracks, but this part is for the replastering step. Make sure that there are at least 1-3 inches apart between each hole. Find the wood joists, this way, you can adequately reinforce the ceiling.

It is time to bring your handy carbide drill bits along with the drilling machine. This makes the holes appear more uniform than the usual Philips setup. Also, the curved drillings inside are recommended.

 

Step #5. Fill newly drilled holes with adhesive 

Vacuum the paint and wood dust first. Be sure to put on protective clothing against the dust and splinters.

Older plaster becomes powder, so inhaling it will be a difficult scenario. Since you are working on a plastered ceiling, suggested adhesives should have the ingredients of RTV silicone, contact cement, or acrylics.

 

Step #6. Apply the plaster 

Combine the plaster and water together in a paint bucket with a mixing stick. Do not use your hands while doing this. After mixing, pour some on the trowel and work on the holes first.

Continue working on the area that surrounds the holes. Make sure that your ladder is on a flat surface, so the job won’t be unsafe. Safety reasons come in too.

The gap between the old ceiling and “false ceiling” should be at least 35 centimeters. It leaves space for the plumbing pipes and electrical wires.

Remember, you can reimburse costs by talking to your homeowner’s insurance agency if it is covered. Often, lousy repair service is not insured. On a good note, most uncontrolled measures, such as heavy rain, are covered by insurance.

 

Conclusion

Quantifying the damage in your ceiling is often done by professionals. If you need a hand for further investigation, call your contractor.

By any means, if the ceiling is repairable, you can do it yourself. If you notice any visible signs of plaster sagging, act immediately. Take over the renovation by reading this guide on how to replaster a water damaged ceiling.

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