Your bathroom is one of the most high-traffic areas of the house. And because it is exposed to high water temperatures and steam it’s common that your bathroom ceiling takes the brunt of this wear and tear usage.
If you see damage to the ceiling of your bathroom, you should repair it as soon as possible. The longer you wait to fix the problem, the more likely it is that the drywall underneath will be damaged permanently, and attract mould and fungi.
And if you’re not sure what to do when something goes wrong with your bathroom ceiling, this guide shows you exactly how to repair a damaged bathroom ceiling without having to tear up your walls!
So without further ado, let’s dive in!
Bathroom Ceiling Common Problems
- Water damage – This is the most common problem you may experience with your bathroom ceiling. It can be caused by water leaking through the roof, a leaky pipe, or bad ventilation in your bathroom.
- Mould growth – Mold is a fungus that thrives in moist environments. This can be due to humidity levels in your home being too high, which allows mould spores to grow and spread easily.
- Bathroom Ceiling Cracking and Peeling – Cracks and peeling paint can be caused by a variety of factors including moisture, high temperatures, and age.
Now, let’s talk about how you can fix these problems.
Bathroom Ceiling Repair
There are two ways to bathroom ceiling drywall repair: patching it or replacing it. The very first thing to do is to feel for any sagging or loose drywall. You need to replace your drywall if you feel any sagging or loose spots. But if the damage to your bathroom ceiling is not too bad and not saggy, you can simply repair it with patching.
How to patch your drywall
- Start by scraping away any peeling paint and plaster. Use a putty knife to scrape away any loose paint.
- Sand the area lightly until it is smooth and even.
- Use plaster or patching compound for the bathroom ceiling to fill in any holes or dents.
Allow an hour or two for drying time before proceeding with a thorough cleaning. - After the putty has dried, use a damp rag to clean the area. This will get rid of any leftover dust and dirt. If you still see paint on the surface of your ceiling, sand it smoothly again.
- Give it 24 hours to dry before you prime your ceiling with either an oil-based or shellac-based primer. Using an oil-based primer is very important because the oil or shellac-based primer helps keep the paint from cracking over time. Zinsser makes great primers for this purpose.
- Finally, paint over everything with mildew-resistant paint such as Benjamin Moore’s Aura Bath and Spa paint matte base and Sherwin Williams’ Duration Premium Acrylic latex paint. These paints offer excellent coverage while protecting against mould growth so your bathroom stays looking fresh even after years of use.
Important Pro-Tip: Avoid using gloss paints for this project. It’s an old-school trick that doesn’t hold up well over time. Matte paints are more durable, mildew-resistant, and fungus resistant than gloss paints!
How to replace your drywall
- If your drywall has been water damaged enough and deteriorated, then it’s better to replace the drywall-damaged area completely.
- Start by cutting out the damaged section of your drywall and replacing it with a piece of new drywall.
- After installing the new piece of drywall, drywall tape all seams, and then skim plaster over them.
- Next, sand down plastered areas and entire surfaces of your ceiling. Smooth out any bumps or lumps in the surface so that it’s smooth before painting over it with a primer.
- Again, use an oil-based primer and mildew-resistant paint to cover the entire ceiling. You may need to apply two coats of paint before it’s completely covered.
Drywall replacement is a more expensive and time-consuming option if we’re talking about bathroom ceiling repair cost. But it’s the best choice for getting rid of mildew once and for all. This will ensure that you have a clean surface free of mildew spores that can do more harm than good.
Tips to Help You Prevent Damage to Your Bathroom Ceiling:
Your bathroom is one of the most humid areas in your home. The steam from your shower or bath creates condensation that can damage your bathroom ceiling.
The damage can occur anytime after 3-5 years, and it doesn’t take much moisture to cause damage. In fact, if you don’t ventilate your space properly, even the smallest amount of moisture can lead to mould and mildew growth on the ceiling.
Here are some tips to help you prevent damage to your bathroom ceiling:
1. Ventilate Your Bathroom
If you take showers or hot baths regularly, it’s important to make sure that there’s ventilation in your room so that moisture doesn’t build up and damage the ceiling over time. You can open up a window or use a fan while taking your shower. Or just leave your door open after using the bathroom so that excess moisture can escape naturally rather than being trapped inside.
2. Use Filters And Dehumidifiers
If possible, try installing filters or dehumidifiers in your bathroom so that excess moisture doesn’t build up and damage your ceiling. You can also try using fans that help circulate the air to prevent moisture from settling in any one area for too long.
3. Clean Up After Yourself
If you’re taking a shower or bath, it’s important to clean up after yourself as soon as possible so that excess moisture doesn’t have time to build up on surfaces like your bathroom ceiling. And if you do find mould or mildew growing on any surface of your shower, it’s important to clean it off right away before it has time to spread further.
Bathroom repairs can be a very stressful time, especially when you do not have much knowledge in the area of repairs. On top of that, you may not have the time to do the repairs yourself. This is why it’s important to know when you need professional help and when it’s okay to do it yourself.
If this is the case, then you should hire a professional to do the work for you. A professional will be able to come in and assess your situation and make repairs quickly so that they don’t have time to grow into bigger problems down the road.
With over 35 years in the painting and repairing business, Home Painters Toronto has the knowledge and experience to help you with any kind of repair job. Call us now at 416.494.9095 or email us at Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com.
