How to Repair a Ceiling: A Complete DIY Home Improvement Guide

Ceilings are often overlooked until something goes wrong. Whether it’s ceiling cracks, sagging plaster, or a full-on collapse, knowing how to repair a ceiling is a key skill in DIY home improvement. From minor touch-ups to overhauling old lath-and-plaster ceilings, this guide covers everything you need to know to restore your ceiling safely and effectively. We’ll also explore when plasterboard is your best friend and how masonry wall ties might come into play.

Understanding Ceiling Types

Before you reach for the hammer, it’s important to identify what type of ceiling you’re dealing with. In older homes, ceilings are often constructed from lath-and-plaster, while modern houses typically use plasterboard. Knowing the difference helps determine the right repair technique.

Lath-and-Plaster Ceilings

Lath-and-plaster ceilings are found in homes built before the mid-20th century. These ceilings consist of narrow wooden slats (laths) nailed to joists and covered with layers of plaster. The plaster squeezes between the laths and forms small keys that hold it in place. Over time, age and movement can cause these keys to fail, resulting in ceiling damage such as cracks or bulges.

Plasterboard Ceilings

Modern ceilings use large plasterboard sheets fixed to joists. These boards are easier to install and repair. Joints are sealed with scrim tape and jointing compound, offering a smooth surface ready for decoration. Plasterboard is often the preferred choice for overboarding damaged ceilings or patching large holes.

Common Ceiling Problems and Repairs

1. Repairing Ceiling Cracks

Ceiling cracks are one of the most common issues, particularly in lath-and-plaster ceilings. Small cracks can be filled with flexible filler or caulk, but if the cracks widen or reappear, it could indicate loose plaster.

DIY Tip: Always wear a dust mask and safety goggles when working overhead. Ceiling repairs are dusty work!

2. Fixing a Bulge in a Lath-and-Plaster Ceiling

A bulging ceiling means the plaster has detached from the laths. If you have access to the floor above, you can fix this from the top using a "deadman" prop and pouring bonding plaster between the joists.

• Remove floorboards above the bulge

• Vacuum out any debris

• Mix and pour bonding plaster over the area

• Prop the ceiling from below until it dries

This method helps restore the plaster without removing the ceiling from below.

3. Replastering a Damaged Section

If the laths are intact, you can remove the loose plaster and reapply new coats:

• Cut back to solid plaster and dampen the area

• Apply bonding undercoat plaster and score it for grip

• Once set, apply a second coat, then a finishing layer to match the ceiling level

This is a traditional but effective solution for restoring old plaster surfaces.

4. Repairing a Hole in a Ceiling

Whether caused by water damage, accidents, or renovations, holes in plasterboard or lath-and-plaster ceilings can be patched effectively.

Steps:

1. Locate joists on both sides of the hole using a stud detector.

2. Cut out a square or rectangular section, exposing the joists.

3. Insert noggings (short timber pieces) to form a solid frame.

4. Cut a plasterboard patch to fit and screw or nail it into place.

5. Fill joints with bonding plaster, then finish with jointing compound.

Jointing tape helps hide seams and reinforces the repair.

5. Making and Fitting a Patch

For irregular holes, you can make a paper template using newspaper. Trace the shape onto plasterboard, cut it out, and check the fit. If necessary, pack behind the patch to match ceiling level.

• Apply jointing tape around the patch

• Use compound to blend the patch into the surrounding surface

• Smooth with a damp sponge, then sand when dry

This approach works well for both modern and traditional ceilings.

Overboarding a Ceiling with Plasterboard

Sometimes, it’s easier and faster to overboard the entire ceiling, especially if the plaster is mostly intact but unattractive or unstable. This avoids the mess of removing old plaster.

How to Overboard:

1. Use a joist detector to locate joists and snap chalk lines.

2. Secure dust mask sheets with the ivory side facing down.

3. Use staggered joints and drive nails or screws into the joists.

4. Finish with either a skim coat of plaster or jointing tape and compound.

Bonus Tip: Use acoustic plasterboard to reduce noise between floors, a great upgrade during ceiling repairs.

What About Suspended Ceilings?

In rooms with very high ceilings, installing a suspended ceiling may be the ideal solution. These systems use a metal grid hung from the original ceiling by wires and masonry wall ties. Panels made from decorative, soundproof, or translucent materials are dropped into the grid.

This method is especially useful in basements or large commercial spaces where aesthetics and insulation are both priorities.

Final Thoughts on Ceiling Repairs

Tackling ceiling damage might seem daunting, but with the right tools and knowledge, many repairs are well within the reach of a confident DIYer. From filling ceiling cracks to patching holes and overboarding with plasterboard, this is a classic DIY home improvement project that can dramatically improve the look and safety of your living space.

Whether you’re preserving the charm of an old lath-and-plaster ceiling or updating a modern space, careful attention to structure, safety, and finish will leave you with professional-looking results. And don't forget, sometimes the best fix for an aging ceiling is a clean slate—with a fresh layer of plasterboard and a bit of patience.