How can I repair or change the ceiling that was damaged by water?

Hi Margaret,

You can repair but replacing the most water damaged section might be better and depending on the size of the room it might be easier to remove the popcorn texture in this one room, sand down as you are going to need to re-tape seams that are showing. This will be a labor intense project and you might want to just let a professional take it on since you are selling to get it done quickly .

https://www.performance-painting.com/blog/4-pieces-of-advice-when-repairing-your-popcorn-ceiling

I agree with what OceeB said, but I will add one more option. It looks like the damage is quite extensive, so you might want to consider replacing all of the drywall in the room. Doing so will yield the best results.

Homeowners insurance??

How about using some furring strips attach them to the joist and put in a plank ceiling? https://www.pinterest.com/pin/548242954621987026/ Hope this helps. Good luck CinT

Replacement is probably the best option, however, if you know where the beams are, you could cover the whole ceiling with a layer of drywall- and/or use furring strips as cin mentioned. It lowers the ceiling a bit, but it removes that extra step. Then of course you still have to tape, mud, sand... But it removes the big step of demo-ing the existing ceiling.

You could scrape and refinish the ceiling too- scraping popcorn isn't great, it requires a special tool and creates a huge mess, not to mention the asbestos potential. I'm not certain you wouldn't still have to patch a large area... but it might be worth testing in an an area. Unfortunately I just don't know of a quick or easy option.

I would get a few quotes from contractors- though I've never had luck with getting them to show up for anything less than a 10k job... Or you should see of you can get a friend or family member who is willing to help. It will be more than a weekend project. Good Luck!

hi there i put a ceiling up in the basement, i hate those suspended ceilings with the acoustic tiles. i used paneling it comes in a number of great patterns, it isn't just tacky wood paneling anymore, and it is 4x8 sheet so covers a good area, i then used a 1x .25 inch strapping to frame the sheets looks great i used the white and grey wood looking sheets

i have also used textured wallpaper on the ceiling it is elegant and looks fabulous, but a lot more prep to make the ceiling smooth so the imperfections don't show through the paper

Was the roofing repaired/replaced? Full ceiling replacement is best solution, and full disclosure to buyer.

Agreed! This is a good deal of damage and it would be very tough to fix it and mask the repair. Popcorn ceilings have become very unpopular so it may be all for the best.

You should replace the whole ceiling. There may be damage in other areas that has not shown up yet. Meaning tear it out and put up new. BE AWARE: SHEETROCK, ONCE WET, HAS DANGEROUS MOLD IN IT. Wear a mask, clear the room completely and bag as you go. Then vacuum and dump into trash, don't leave in the vacuum. Open windows and use window fan to exhaust. Cut A/C to keep the stuff out of home air.

Hi I just had popcorn ceiling replaced in 2 rooms and repaired in another. Removing popcorn is very messy if it is painted it is even harder judging from the water damage looks like that ceiling was painted after it was finished with the texturing. Once the roof is repaired I would take the ceiling down, you don't want to "hide" damage for resale. If you remove popcorn you still need to tape some places and spackle so that will need to be done to some extent anyway

Dry it out completely, cover with Stain bloc from DIY. and then when dry, re-decorate. If dry wall cannot be repaired replace it.