How to fix bathroom ceiling vent not flush?

doctay

I’ve got a bathroom ceiling vent that hasn’t been installed properly. One corner (right side) is sitting away from the ceiling, and it looks like someone has tried to hold it in place with adhesive, which hasn’t worked.

I’d like to fix it properly so it sits flush and secure.

EricL

Hello @doctay

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your bathroom ceiling vent.

I propose looking carefully at how the other sides of the vent are clipped on. I suggest locating the clips that are keeping the vent in place and unclasping them to allow you to remove the vent entirely. You can then examine what kind of clip is on there and see if you can replicate, repair or replace the clip. This is also a good opportunity for you to feel around the ceiling board on the other side to see if the clip has fallen in that location.

If the clip can't be sourced as a spare part, I suggest recreating it using a 3D printer if you have access to one. The other option is to engage the services of a 3D printing firm to recreate the clip for you. If you can see the brand name and model number of the vent, you can call the manufacturer and inquire if the clip can be purchased as a spare part. The repair option is only possible if you still have all the pieces with you and you can glue the parts together to reasonable strength.

What if none of those options are possible? My next suggestion is to screw that loose corner into the ceiling board. I recommend installing a timber strip on the other side of the ceiling board which can be attached using liquid nails. This board serves as a mounting point for the screw to hold the corner in place. My best advice is to pre-drill the corner of the vent and the ceiling board along with the timber support at the back. This will allow you to remove the vent should you wish to clean it. I don't recommend using adhesive as it will make the attachment permanent.

The last option is to replace the vent with a similar sized one from the store.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric