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Denver, CO on Sep 24, 2011

We had a leak from an upstairs bathroom sink (luckily clean water) into a basement bedroom.

There is acoustical tile in the ceiling. How to best repair the ceiling (once the pipes have been repaired)? It looks like we'll need to replace some of the structural flooring/ceiling first. Thanks!

5 Comments

JL Spring & Associates Richmond, VA

Hi Keem, If the tiles aren't warped or swollen, let them dry completely and cover them completely with a deep nap roller and KILZ (primer/cover) and then just repaint. Point a floor fan up towards the area and let dry well between each coats...better than before I'll bet! Let us know...JL

on Sep 24, 2011 · Like 0
Keem D Denver, CO

These don't answer my question because I failed to mention that the tiles were destroyed in the attempt to find out where/what was leaking. I should also mention that the house/tiles are 57 years old. Thanks for your reply!

on Sep 25, 2011 · Like 0
JL Spring & Associates Richmond, VA

If the tiles are damaged, just pull them down. There should be sheetrock/plaster that they are adhered to. You can cut back the damaged area to the middle of the next clean floor joist (or right up next to it where you can screw additional wood supports-"scabs") and replace with same thickness gypsum. You can tape and skim with drywall compound and wide putty knife but no need to sand and finish if you are going back with acoustical ceiling tiles or similar. Loc-Tite has a caulk like ...»
product called
"Power Grab" that works great for these type of repairs( I still staple the edges too with a narrow crown stapler) Not a difficult DIY project at all...I bring the big trashcans with wheels and lid the city provides and load 'er up and roll 'er out to the street! No Big Fuss or Muss! Best of luck to you...a nice rainy weekend project and the tiles can be primed and painted to match any decor. JL
on Sep 25, 2011 · Like 0
Yamini M Duluth, GA

Keem, I suggest you pull them out because moisture can do a lot of things and there maybe mold formation under these tiles. Re-tile the floor and the replace the ceiling tiles as well.

on Sep 27, 2011 · Like 0
Dan's of Central Florida,... Clermont, FL

Just a note about if anything is set in plaster: 57 years ago many plaster options used asbestos in them so if you have any plaster that you are dealing with (as opposed to just drywall/sheetrock) then you should have it tested. Here is a home testing kit that you can buy at many stores: http://www.prolabinc.com/products.asp?kit=as...

on Sep 28, 2011 · Like 0