A sagging headliner is caused by adhesive failure, heat, humidity, and general wear. Temporary fixes include using adhesive spray or twist tacks to hold drooping fabric. Permanent repairs involve re-gluing the fabric to the board or replacing the headliner entirely if the foam or fabric is damaged.
Prevent future sagging by parking in shade, reducing heat and humidity inside the car, and avoiding heavy objects hanging from the ceiling. DIY repairs are affordable, usually under $75, and include materials like adhesive and fabric.
In this guide, I will walk you through all the easiest methods to fix the headliner. Luckily, there is no need to remove the headliner to make sure it is good again!
What is the Headliner?
A headliner, or headlining, is a fabric that is secured to the roof framing. It gives the car’s roof a smooth texture, absorbs noise, and keeps a pleasing interior temperature by buffering the outside cold and heat.
A standard headliner car is made up of many layers, including foam, which is commonly polyurethane. The foam is sprayed or attached to a headliner board that attaches to the inside of the roof, softening the headliner and insulating the interior from heat and noise.
The car headliner is more than just a pretty face. Without this thin layer of insulation, a car parked in the sun may become hotter inside, and wind noise may become more noticeable, especially at highway speeds.
Furthermore, this insulation improves the acoustics for audio systems customized to particular automobiles’ interiors.
5 Ways to Fix a Sagging Headliner
Using glue is one of the most effective methods to repair a sagging headliner. But you may also use pins or thumbtacks. You may also use the steam or carpenter’s tape to sag the headliner.
Follow the following famous methods to fix your sagging headliner:
#1. Glue.
The glue is the most commonly used method to fix the sagging headliner. Yet, the process may pose challenges, and success is most likely when addressing the sagging issue promptly.
Typically, the sagging initiates at the top of the roof, where the headliner meets the windshield, primarily due to prolonged exposure to UV rays.
By using headliner adhesive readily available at auto parts stores, you may effortlessly reattach the headliner, particularly if you tackle the problem early on.
#2. Steam.
Using steam is debatably one of the most effective and professional methods to repair a sagging headliner without the need for removal. A steam cleaner is used to liquefy the headliner glue, ensuring its reattachment to the frame.
Subsequently, a paint roller helps in ensuring the fabric sets up smoothly, devoid of any wrinkles or creases.
- Initiate the process by testing a small section to check feasibility. Your glue shouldn’t be too aged.
- Move the steamer across the headliner, similar to the motion of painting with a roller. Simultaneously, press your headliner back to the initial layer of material.
- This approach not only reattaches the headliner but also diminishes the likelihood of wrinkles and crumples in the fabric of your car.
#3. Staples And Hairspray.
An unconventional yet effective solution involves using staples to address headliner sagging. This is also one of the most effective methods. Employ a staple gun to fasten the headliner to the material beneath.
First of all, spray the hairspray onto the headliner and wait for a few minutes to dry it properly. As the spray is dried, an attempt can be made to remove the staples to observe the outcome.
#4. Pins/Thumbtacks.
Another method for fixing a sagging headliner is to secure it by pinning it back in position. For this method, use various pins, such as clear-headed twist pins, sequin pins, or pushpins.
Simply insert these pins through the fabric layer into the foam backing board, restoring your headliner to its original appearance.
#5. Double-sided Tape.
Another method to fix the lining sag is to use the carpenter’s tape found in the latest toolboxes.
- First of all, cut the required length of tape and affix it to the headliner.
- Peel off the backing and secure it to the roof, addressing sagging areas without significant expenses.
It’s worth noting that this method may not be suitable if only the middle of the headliner is sagging, as an edge is necessary for tape application.
How to Replace a Headliner?
Removing the Old Headliner
Start by parking your car in a well-ventilated area and disconnecting the battery if you’ll be handling electrical parts such as dome lights.
Remove all personal belongings and lay down protective coverings over your seats and dashboard to prevent adhesive overspray or scratchy materials from damaging the upholstery or leather.
Step 1: Remove trim pieces and accessories
Use a screwdriver or trim removal tool to detach plastic trim panels, sun visors, dome lights, grab handles, and any other accessories attached to the ceiling. Keep screws and small parts in a container so you can find them later.
Step 2: Detach the headliner board
Gently pull the headliner board free from its clips or adhesive, taking care not to bend or damage it.
Step 3: Remove the old fabric
Peel off the worn-out fabric from the board. If it’s still partially adhered, use a putty knife or your hands to lift it away. This can be painstaking, detailed work.
Step 4: Clean the board
Using a soft-bristled brush or vacuum, remove any loose foam or adhesive residue so you have a smooth surface for the new fabric.
Installing the New Headliner
Step 5: Pre-fit the material
Lay the new fabric over the headliner board and cut it to size, leaving an extra one to two inches around the edges for adjustments. This extra material will be tucked in during reinstallation, so don’t worry about having it hang over.
If your headliner has cutouts for lights or handles, mark these areas lightly with a pencil, but don’t cut them until after it’s glued.
Step 6: Apply Adhesive and Secure the Headliner
Using an automotive-grade headliner spray adhesive, apply a thin layer to one half of the board and the corresponding section of fabric. Allow it to become tacky before pressing the fabric onto the board.
Starting from the centre, gently press the fabric into place, smoothing out wrinkles and bubbles as you go. Use a soft, flat tool or your hands to avoid creases. Apply adhesive to the remaining half and secure the fabric in the same manner.
Step 7: Trim to fit
Once the fabric is fully secured, use a utility knife or scissors to trim off any overhanging edges. Cut holes for lights, handles, and other parts after the adhesive has dried.
Cost to Replace Headliner
Over time, the fabric on your headliner may begin to separate from the backing, creating sagging that looks bad and can get in your way. It can be caused by prolonged heat exposure, adhesive breakdown, moisture damage, or general wear and tear.
If your headliner has large areas of drooping fabric, stains, or a musty odor from moisture buildup, it may be time to replace it. Small repairs can help in the short term, but a full replacement will last and give a fresh look.
While professional headliner replacement can cost between $200 to $1,500, doing it yourself can bring that cost down to $50 to $250, depending on the materials used.
It allows you to customize it and saves money, but it requires patience and some technical skill. If your vehicle has features such as sunroofs or overhead consoles, professional installation may be the better option, so it goes together well.
Causes of a Sagging Headliner
A sagging headliner is caused by one or more of the following:
- Poor Maintenance: The poor maintenance of your vehicle’s interior is one of the major causes of a sagging headliner. Poor maintenance may lead to the premature wear and tear of the roof lining, carpet, and upholstery.
- UV Exposure: The region near the windshield and visors is often the initial area where sagging arises, primarily because of heightened exposure to UV rays and sunlight.
- Glue Breakdown: The glue failure is another cause of headliner sag, where the original glue securing the lining loses its adhesive strength over time.
- Harsh Weather Conditions: Regular exposure to humidity, high temperatures, and adverse weather may lead to the deterioration of the glue holding the lining, diminishing its ability to support the headliner.
