Hello, how can I replace this damaged eaves sheet?
I’m on the same boat, but mine is in the garage and because it’s in the middle I can’t get my head around how to change it.
Hello @mody_moozy
Please note that before you begin, I suggest having the panel tested for asbestos. If the results are positive, you'll need the services of an asbestos removal specialist. If the results are negative, then you can continue with your repair plans.
If you are planning to replace your eaves it will be necessary to remove the drain pipe and take the timber beading off the side. Once these parts are taken out of the way, the general steps will be to cut in the middle of the eave panel and each section removed with a Craftright 380mm Wrecking Bar. The next step will be to get a section of James Hardie HardieFlex™ 2400 x 450 x 4.5mm Eaves 1.08m² that is similar in size to your old eave. It will be necessary to trim a panel if your old eave cover is not a standard size.
Since the panel is very long, you'll need assistance in lifting it in place and keeping it there while you use Buildex 9 - 10 x 32mm Zinc Alloy 3 Star Head Fibre Cement Screws or similar to hold it in place.
Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when working on your project.
Let me call on our experienced members @Nailbag, @Dave-1 and @AlanM52 for their recommendations.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Hello @daniellongo
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us.
In order to give our members a better idea of the location of the panel you are trying to replace, would it be possible for you to post a photo of the garage ceiling? Once our members see its location, they'll be able to make recommendations on how to remove and replace it.
Hi @mody_moozy,
Is that actually damaged or just discolored from water ingress - dirty gutter overflow.
I have also seen discolored corner eaves because possums have decided to move in and no, I don't know why the prefer the corners maybe feel safer.
If it is damaged then I agree with @EricL's suggestions.
Cheers
Can you post some photos.
Hi @mody_moozy
I'm with @AlanM52 comment that it potentially doesn't need replacing. Especially as there are no cracks or breaks in the sheet. It appears more stained than any physical damage which, can be caused by a number of factors. Animal nesting, water ingress (common), aging paint and exposed to a lot of weather (very common).
First thing to do is look inside the internal area of the eve to establish if there is a nest (remove it) or water ingress (repair it). This needs to be resolved first before repairing the damaged caused.
I repair these situations regularly when preparing clients homes for sale which is typical of when something is done. See before photos below and steps.Step 1. Clean the area down with 30 Sec mould remover. Where rubber gloves and a real old shirt as any drips will stain your clothes.
Step 2. Wipe the area clean with sugar soap
Step 3. Apply Zinsser stain blocker over the area.
Step 4. Apply 2 x coats of ceiling white
Nailbag
A few clear photos please @daniellongo
Morning @mody_moozy
The panel dosnt look like its broken, it looks like someone has had a flame up near it for some reason and the markings are just left over carbon? I also think it dosnt need replacing but if you do go the route you need to check if it contains abspestos for sure. As sooon as I saw the title of your question the "check" flag went red.
The guys have pretty much said everything comes to mind 🙂 If its not broken, clean without scouring and then paint.
Dave
Morning @daniellongo
Will jump on the band waggon and ask for some pics 🙂 Being "in the middle of the garage" the ceiling may be made up of something else. Hopefully plaster but will wait for some pics 🙂
Thanks guys for the replies.
Here are the photos.
it’s a James Hardie Fibre Cement sheet.
I mistakenly stepped on it while checking my roof tiles from inside 🫣!
Oof, hopefully you didn't fall through! @daniellongo
Thanks everyone for the replies. Including this specific area, the eaves around the home aren't broken or cracked so I'd prefer not to cut out a random piece to send for asbestos testing. Unless there's an inconspicuous way of getting a sample.
On closer inspection, the dark stains is mould from the water damage I think @Dave-1. Knocking on the eaves still feels solid so at this point I'll follow @Nailbag's instructions. I plan on repainting some interior ceiling's that have been stained with grease/water inside and have been recommended Zinsser BIN. Do you guys reckon I can just use BIN to cover the eaves to avoid buying multiple products? Or maybe instead of BIN on the interior ceilings, I should use that oil based version for both as @Nailbag recommended.
Thank you for sharing the photos of your ceiling. I was wondering what caused the damage and saw your explanation at the bottom of the page. Did you try to fix the damage on your garage ceiling? Did you use adhesive to join them back together? It appears to be stable, and it might be possible to fill in the cracks with Parfix 1kg Ready To Use Multipurpose Filler.
However, if they are unstable and the broken pieces are just barely holding in on then it will be necessary to replace them.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Hi @daniellongo,
The last time I helped a friend in a similar situation we braced the ceiling and I did the job in the roof with 3mm plywood and building adhesive.
Heheh @mody_moozy fortunately only one leg went down 😅 and I earned a few scars, other than that all good. Also sorry for hitchhike your post, it looks like we had similar (changing the sheet) but different problems (stain vs crack). On that note I agree with @Nailbag's step by step post and that should solve your issue. @EricL Yeah they're are broken pieces and I had to put a fair a mount of tape to have them in place. Ideally I would like to change it, but if there's a way of repairing the fibre cement I'm down to it as well.Let's see what @Nailbag, @Dave-1 and @AlanM52 recommend.
Good Evening @daniellongo
Sad to say I would replace the sheet, it would look the tidiest and quiet possibly be the easiest (apart from getting the sheet home 🙂 ) to do.
Remove the beading around the edge of the sheet (the other sheets should be tacked up and the trim just dressing but check as you go)
Then remove the sheet and replace. Use the same type of tacks/screws that you can see on the other sheets. Im not sure if I would use a compound to help glue it as it may change the height distance compared to the already installed sheets too noticably.
To cut the sheet if needed, scour with a sharp knife and then snap the section along the score line. Works surprisingly well.
The products that Nailbag mentioned are necessary the Zinsser CoverStain Primer Sealer Stain Blocker - White 1L is a primer blocker and technically not a topcoat. An alternative top coat such as the Dulux 4L Vivid White Low Sheen Weathershield Exterior Paint - 4L can be used on your eaves and is rated for outdoor use. For interior use I recommend Dulux White Ceiling +PLUS Kitchen And Bathroom Paint - 1L.
Well better than putting your foot all the way through @daniellongo
This is not an easy replacement sheet job being overhead. The joint cover strips need to be first removed, then the sheet can be removed. A new sheet of exactly the same dimensions needs to be cut and nailed into place and the cover strips replaced. Sounds straight forward but not. The sheets were originally installed starting from one end. So to replace from the missed will be a high-level exercise.
Alternatively, you could get back in the roof if you trust yourself and install several battens between the ceiling joists. Then this will give you multiple points to nail secure the cracked area to. Fill any gaps with The Parafix filler @EricL suggested, though a 500g tub will be plenty.
Thank you @Dave-1, @EricL and @Nailbag, although I would love to fix it I'll try to change the sheet as I already purchased it, but keep putting it off due to the complexity.@Dave-1 I'm with you it's a pain taking the sheet home, thanks @Bunnings for the trailer hehe. I'll post an update once I conquered this task!Again thanks for the input!
