How to Repair a Bulging Ceiling

Bulges in ceilings are commonly caused by one of two things: improper installation of the ceiling materials or water leaks. Not only are they unsightly, ceiling bulges can also pose a hazard, particularly if the bulging material has forced the fasteners to loosen from the joists. Bulging ceilings can be repaired, but you must identify and correct the cause of the problem first.

Ceilings made using plaster applied over gypsum lath may develop what is called a shadow or bulge effect if the final coat of plaster is applied before the first coat is fully dry. The moisture from the first coat moves back into the lath and results in bulges at the seams, or every 16 inches in one direction. In some cases, the seams running perpendicular to these also bulge. In other types of ceilings, such drywall, too much weight from insulation, exposure to prolonged humidity, an improperly installed vapor barrier, or the installation of drywall panels that are too thin for the frame spacing can cause ceilings to bulge.

Bulges in ceilings caused by improper construction may sometimes be repaired by removing the material in the bulging areas and replacing it with new drywall or plaster. If there are numerous bulges, you may have to replace the entire ceiling to correct the problem. To prevent new ceilings from bulging, allow coatings of plaster or joint compound to completely dry between applications, and do not overfill the cavity above the ceiling with insulation. If humidity is a problem in your home, install a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture.

Leaking water from plumbing pipes or exterior walls can enter the ceiling for long periods before the ceiling material begins to bulge, so they go unnoticed until significant damage is already done. If your ceiling is bulging due to a leak, the structural integrity of the ceiling may be at risk. Look for depressions around the fasteners — small dimples surrounding nails or screws. If you find these depressions, move all furniture out of the room as a precaution and call in a professional to inspect the ceiling. A bubble or droop in drywall ceilings indicates that water is pooling in the ceiling, and this usually means the leak has not been resolved.

Water-damaged ceilings are often repairable, but the source of the water must be addressed before you begin any repairs. Water leaks in ceilings can be caused by leaking plumbing pipes, roof leaks, or even water getting in around windows or other exterior wall elements. Water can travel for long distances, so the location of the bulge may be far away from the source of the leak.

Once the leak has been fixed, you can repair the damaged ceiling:

1. Hold a bucket beneath the bulged section of ceiling and puncture the bulge to release any water pooling behind it.
2. Cut away the damaged section with a sharp knife or a reciprocating saw to minimize mold and mildew growth.
3. Cut the material back until you reach the center of the ceiling joists within the dry sections of ceiling.
4. Let the ceiling joists dry completely. If any wood materials show signs of rot, consult a building professional for recommendations.
5. Install new drywall that matches the thickness of the surrounding material, or have a plasterer construct a new section of plaster.