How to Repair a Mobile Home Ceiling

There are several ways to repair a sagging ceiling, all depending on how badly the ceiling boards are damaged. If ceiling boards are severely damaged or broken, they should be removed and replaced. In any case, you can make the repairs yourself.

1. Remove the damaged, broken, or sagging ceiling material. If the ceiling is suspended, remove the damaged tiles by pushing the tile upward a few inches and rotating it enough to remove the tile from the metal grid. If your ceiling is sheetrock or wood panels, remove the screws that hold the panel in place and remove the panel.

2. Replace the ceiling material. If you are installing sheetrock to the ceiling, use ½-inch sheetrock because it weighs less. Use screws to screw the sheetrock to the joists every 16 inches to support the weight of the sheetrock. For a suspended ceiling, replace each individual tile by pushing it through the metal grid and maneuvering the tile into place. Replace wood panels by screwing the panel to the joists every 16 inches.

3. Tape the sheetrock seams using self-adhesive mesh seam tape and a razor knife to cut the tape. Apply the mesh seam tape to the seams of the sheetrock and cover the seam tape with a layer of joint compound, using a putty knife. Let the compound dry thoroughly, then lightly sand the area. Apply a second coat of joint compound slightly wider than the first coat. Let the compound dry thoroughly, then lightly sand the area. Apply a third coat of compound slightly wider than the second coat. Let the compound dry thoroughly, then lightly sand the area.

4. Apply a coat of sheetrock primer and let dry completely.

5. Spray texture on the sheetrock, or mix the texture in the paint, if texture is necessary to match the rest of your ceiling. Let the texture dry completely, then paint the sheetrock.

Tip

A ceiling with slight sagging may be corrected by wetting the tile with a spray bottle and water, pushing the ceiling board back to its original position. Use a board screwed to the ceiling to hold the position for several days until the ceiling tile is completely dry. With the ceiling panels or tiles removed, check for obvious water damage that may require further repairs. Look for leaks coming from the roof. Leaks must be repaired before replacing the ceiling. It may be a matter of caulking a small leak or it may involve repairing the top of the roof.

Warning

Wear safety glasses when working on a ceiling to protect your eyes from falling debris. Replace any water-damaged ceiling insulation.