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When do you need to replace drywall in a ceiling?

When do you need to replace drywall in a ceiling?

When a large section of the drywall on your ceiling is saggy, warped, droopy, broken, moldy, or wet, you need more than just a spot repair. Sometimes the problem extends so far that it’s best to remove an entire 4-by-8-foot drywall panel (or at least a large section of it) and replace it with a new panel of the same size.

Can a drywall leak cause a blister on the ceiling?

The leaking water can sometimes create a massive water blister in latex paint on a ceiling. You may mistake this for ruined drywall that has a bulge when in fact the drywall may not have to be replaced. Prick the large blister and let all water drain out. The day after the leak, do the test with your finger to see how stiff the drywall is.

Do you need to remove drywall after water damage?

In most cases, drywall will need to be removed in order to access all of your damaged insulation. Damaged insulation will need to be bagged and properly disposed of in a facility designed to accept such material.

Is there a barrier between drywall and ceiling?

We have installed a 6 mil plastic barrier on the underside of the rafters to act as an air & moisture barrier. The barrier will be sandwiched between the drywall and the rafters and under the blow-in insulation. I talked with another insulation guy that said he thinks it might trap moisture in the house and cause problems with the ceilings.

What to do if your bathroom ceiling is flooded?

Consult a professional to ascertain the extent of the damage to your drywall. Even if the ceiling is not badly damaged, water surely soaked a portion of the sub floor if the ceiling was wet. You may not see the damage in the subfloor, but it can still pose a serious problem.

Can a drywall ceiling be unstable after water damage?

Yes. Water-damaged drywall can become unstable. This is a serious safety concern when you’re dealing with soggy drywall ceilings. Wet drywall is also a breeding ground for mold that can aggravate existing health issues.

Can a plumbing leak cause water to drip through the ceiling?

Similarly, a plumbing leak in a second-floor bathroom can cause a drip through the ceiling below. The leak may not seem threatening, but it means there’s a pool of water on the other side of the drywall steadily deteriorating it. If you decide to just let the water dry out on its own, you’re courting disaster.

What’s the best way to fix a drip in the ceiling?

Put a 5-gallon bucket on the floor under the drip, then climb on a ladder and drill a 1/2-inch hole through the drywall in the ceiling at the point of the drip. Let the water flow into the bucket. Look for the lowest point in the ceiling if it’s bulging down, but no water is dripping.