Repair a whole in my drywall in the ceiling?

Question

The guy that did my wall cut a whole in my drywall for a pipe fitting and left a 2foot long opening that looks real bed how can I fix it? I havent put extra drywall in the whole because there is no were to staple it.

Answer 1

Go to your local home improvement store and ask them. I believe the hole is small enough you can use a special screen. It's been a while since I did this repair, but the screen adheres to the inside of the hole, then you use joint compound to fill in the hole. Be sure to layer it and let each layer dry completely.

Answer 2

2 foot long but how wide of a hole? Can u fit a piece of drywall up above the hole? if u can then apply drywall compound to the patch piece and stick it above the hole and let it dry in place....now u have backing.....if the hole is not so wide u can fill it with a fast drying 5 min mud....then tape and finish.....but all of this depends on how wide the hole is

Answer 3

Your decription suggests that the 24" long hole is between the ceiling joists, (those are the 2x4's that support the ceiling/roof of your home).  They are 24" oc (on center) from the middle of one joist to the middle of the next.  The joists are actually 1-1/2" thick, not 2" as the name would imply.  The width  of the hole is not stated but i will assume that it is less than 24".  

To repair the hole you will need to re-cut the hole to a size and shape that can be repaired.  You will need a utility knife with a new blade, a straight edge, and some patience.  

Enlarge the hole to the inside edge of the joists, which should be 22-1/2" apart. Measure an additional 3/4" to locate the center of the joist and draw a line parallel to the edge.  Cut through this line to the joist.  Yu may encounter some nails or screws, which you will need to remove.  Repeat on the other joist.  The two lines should be parallel and 24" apart.  Square up the opening by cutting two new straight lines perpendicular to the joists.  You should now have a rectanglular opening.  

If there is insulation in  the ceiling, you will need to stuff an additional piece into the opening to cover the cut-out area.

Cut a patch this size, and trial fit it in the opening.  You will need to secure the patch to the ceiling joists by nailing or s******g through the ends of the patch into the joists.  (Screws would be better.)  

Now you will need to prep (scrape back) the edges of the ceiling about 1-1/2" so you can tape the seam of the patch.  

You will need a small bucket of drywall compound (paste),  some drywall tape and a trowel.  Cut four strips of drywall tape that will cover the seams and imbed them into a base of drywall compound which you have applied around the seams.  Now apply another coat of compound to the taped seam, smooth out, and allow to dry.  Sand smooth and repeat until flat and smooth.  

It is now ready to texture to match the ceiling, then prime and paint.  

Obviously this is a little more envolved than smoothing some toothpaste over the thumb-tack holes in the dorm room, but at least you know what to do if you pursue it.

Answer 4

Do what Deblieux says.....that will be the best way, not the fastest but the best.

Answer 5

This is about the answer that the others gave:  Since your'e dealing with vertical (ceiling) and not horizontal (wall), spackling is going to be tricky at best and probably messy.  The best option is probably to cut a piece of plywood to about 2 inches wider than the hole (24 x 6") and put it above the hole using 1/4" inch screws.  Then cut a piece of sheetrock (you can get a 24 x 24" piece at Lowes or Home Depot for about $5.00 or less) and cut that to 24 x 4 and s***w that into the plywood using 1/2" long screws.  Then paint over the whole thing and call it done.

Answer 6

get a 2 by 4 piece of wood and s***w it to the existing sheetrock, then cut a piece to fit in the hole that is there.