How to Cut a Hole to Repair a Leaking Ceiling

Repairing a leaky ceiling is not a fun job. Though the leaks can be messy and inconvenient, the job doesn't haven't to be a hassle. With a bit of work and some practice, you can cut a hole to repair your leaking ceiling without hiring professionals to do it for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find the leak. The place where you see a watermark is a problem, but the water could be coming in elsewhere. Find the leak in your ceiling and measure to find where it is in relation to the exterior walls. Go into the attic and locate the spot while looking around for other sources of the leak.

2. Clear the area. Remove any debris both above and below the leaking area before you begin. Be sure you can get a ladder safely in the spot under the leak.

3. Don protective gear. Eye goggles are necessary to keep any pieces of ceiling from falling into your eyes while you work.

4. Make a shallow cut with the blade of a utility knife and then run the blade over the area repeatedly to get a good cut.

5. Continue cutting a hole larger than the water damaged area. Remember to cut more than just where you see water. Make sure to cut the damaged ceiling tiles and sheetrock.

Tips & Warnings

• Pay attention to how deep the cut is going. Prepare for the ceiling piece to fall once the cut reaches halfway through the depth of the ceiling.
• See the related eHow article "How to Repair a Ceiling After a Leak."