How to Repair Saggy Ceiling Seams

Over time, the seams formed where the wallboard panels of a ceiling meet can become saggy. The sagging may be a consequence of gravity and water damage, or it can result from improper construction. Large ceiling cracks or excessive sagging probably will require replacement of a portion of the ceiling, and may require the services of a professsional. Repairing minor sags in ceiling seams is a simple do-it-yourself project that takes just a few hours to complete.

Safety goggles
T-brace made of lumber
Plywood
Putty knife
Wallboard screws
Wide thin washers
Screwdriver
Tape measure
Jointing Compound
Fiberglass mesh tape
Fine grit sandpaper
Paint brush
Primer
Paint

Instructions

- 1
  Put on safety goggles. Brace your ceiling with a T-brace made of 2-by-4 lumber. Set the brace on a piece of plywood under the sagging seam. Press on the lowest-hanging section of ceiling with the brace until the panels are pushed back against the ceiling joist.
- 2
  Scrape away the tape and loose pieces from the seam, using a putty knife. Thread wallboard screws through wide, thin washers. Drive the screws between the seam and into the joist every four inches to secure the panels to the joist.
- 3
  Take down the T-brace. Remove any debris from around the seam and washers with a putty knife.
- 4
  Spread joint compound over the seam, screws and washers until the seam is filled. Apply a strip of fiberglass mesh tape, then cover with jointing compound for wide seams. Smooth the compound over the area with the putty knife. Allow the compound to dry.
- 5
  Sand the repair with fine grit sandpaper. Prime, then paint if desired.

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