How can I "plaster" my bedroom ceiling OR whom can do the "work" for me?

Question

The "ceiling" cracked and WATER dripped through it a short time ago. I have looked through the YELLOW PAGES, asked other people and looked through "advice columns," but to no avail. Please, please help me with this most "serious matter."

Answer 1

Although the plaster has cracked (I am assuming this is an old house hence the crack which would indicate plaster) that is not the main problem here. The problem is water is getting in and it may or most likely is not right above where it came in, in order to solve the leak you must find out where it is emanating from. Go to your attic and see if you can find wet wood or even water still dripping and follow it to it's source. From my experience it could be something as simple as flashing around the chimney or plumbing vents that just need some attention. If that is the case a gallon can of plastic roof coating, a trowell and a trip to the roof can fix the leak that is number one. The next step would be to dry the plaster that has some moisture through a heater in the room and dry it out. Next get some plaster mixture, no not drywall compound the two do not mix very well and (even if painted will always show up) and fill in the crack, let it cure for about 2 weeks then repaint the ceiling. Again first and foremost find the leak and stop it

Answer 2

If you have a water leak over your ceiling (and it may not be right over the bedroom, water does travel) you need to take care of that problem first. No point in fixing the ceiling if more water is going to hit it.

Then, as far as fixing the ceiling is concerned, you say "plaster" but is it really plaster or is it drywall? Also, how big of a crack are you talking about?

To figure out how to do it yourself, go to Lowe's or Home Depot, find the best book for your problem and read it. I find that most cracks are easy enough to repair yourself but make sure the area that got wet is absolutely dry before doing the repair.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

First and foremost, you need the roof repaired. After that's accomplished, then determine if your ceiling is actually plaster, or if it's drywall. Repair from there.

I'd have to recommend that you call a general contractor for this one!

Answer 4

You should be able to use drywall joint compound or wall spackle for any crack repair, regarless whether you have plaster or drywall. It's not that difficult to patch it up yourself. The important thing is it must be totaly dry. The water leak must be fixed first.