Hi as the title states I am unsure of how to fix this possible vent of sorts? It is located in the bathroom right above the shower. I've never seen one before in another bathroom.
Note: the house was built back in 87.
Hi @TJP,
That’s an old passive wall vent. Pretty common in homes from that era before exhaust fans became standard. Unfortunately, it is quite brittle as it is made from plaster and yours has broken beyond a simple repair.
Given the damage, the best option is to cut it out and replace it entirely rather than trying to patch it.
A couple of options depending on your setup:
Since the home was built in 1987, there is a possibility that materials around the vent (sheeting, backing board, or adhesives) could contain asbestos. Before cutting, sanding, or disturbing the area further, it’s worth having it assessed or tested.
If you can measure the size of the damaged opening (height and width), we can help you find a vent cover that will fit or suggest one large enough to cover the area without too much extra patching.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Hi Mitchell,
Thank you for your reply.
Yes- there is an exhaust fan currently installed in the bathroom. So best bet would be to patch it yes?
Which products would you recommend for patching?
Regards,
T.
Hello @TJP
If you are patching the vent, it will be necessary to remove the old vent that is there. I propose using a https://www.bunnings.com.au/craftright-150mm-wallboard-saw-5710163_p5710163 to cut out the vent. However, if the vent is lightly attached, I suggest using a https://www.bunnings.com.au/stanley-compact-fixed-blade-folding-knife_p0519510 to cut at the seams where the vents leading edge meets the ceilings. This is something you'll need to closely investigate to determine which tool you'll be using.
Once the vent is out, the square gap will need to be filled with a repair piece - https://www.bunnings.com.au/gyprock-csr-530-x-530-x-10mm-mini-plaster-repair-panel_p0730734 . It will need to be supported from the back with a timber piece. The gap between the two pieces can then be covered with filler.
Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How To Repair A Large Hole In Plasterboard (the techniques used are applicable to your ceiling repairs)
Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Hi @EricL @MitchellMc
The pre-existing grill is only 250x250 in the corner of the bathroom. Would my best option be to just make a cut into the new 530x530 replacement panel as otherwise it's a lot of roof to remove?
Yes, you would cut the panel down to the same size as the hole. No need to enlarge the hole to suit the repair panel.
Thank you.
Just checking in to see how you ended up going with the ceiling vent repair. Were you able to get the old vent removed and the patch panel installed without too much trouble?
Would be great to hear how it turned out, and feel free to share a photo if you’d like a second opinion before painting.
Hi @MitchellMc , thanks for checking in.
I followed the instructions of the video and it worked some what fine. The only real obstacle I faced was when trying to secure the two timber pieces to the cutout they weren't sitting flush, as there seemed to be some adhesive like substance spilt up in the roof. So after a long time trying to make the surface flush with a jab knife I installed the two timber pieces (unfortunately not flush) then installed the 240x240 plasterboard cut out and secured with screws. This part was the hardest for me due to not having much time on the drill and poor work conditions. Once the cutout was secured (not flush) I applied my first layer of filler, I opted for gyprock multipurpose to allow me some more working time as I didn't want it setting too early. I used this in conjunction with joint tape across the heads and applied three coasts over many days as drying times varied due to the cooler weather. I also sanded between each coat. I did have to pack more sections thicker due to areas not sitting flush as stated above.
Here is the end result and any advice on painting would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much for the update, your patch repair looks excellent! If there is any unevenness, I certainly can't spot it.
In regard to the painting steps, I suggest wiping the ceiling surface with https://www.bunnings.com.au/parfix-sugar-soap-wipes-50-pack_p0517073 to remove all the sanding dust on the surface. Once the surface is dry and clean, I recommend using https://www.bunnings.com.au/crommelin-1l-flat-aquablock-waterproof-primer-undercoat_p1560469 to prime the ceiling surface. I then suggest https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-1l-white-ceiling-paint_p1370213 as the topcoat for your ceiling surface.
Please don't forget to post a photo once the ceiling has been fully painted.
Here is a handy step-by-step guide: https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/diy-skills/painting/how-to-paint-a-ceiling
Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your ceiling patched and fully repaired.
Much appreciated @EricL .
Yes- I will post photos once the paint job is complete.
Cheers,
Hi @TJP ,
That’s come up really well, especially considering the challenges you ran into getting the backing pieces flush. Ceiling patching overhead is never the easiest job, particularly when you’re trying to build up uneven areas and keep everything blended.
You should be proud of that result.
It sounds like you approached it the right way as well, taking your time with multiple coats and sanding between each one. That patience usually makes all the difference with plaster repairs.
The painting advice above should help get you over the line with the finish.
I’ll be looking forward to seeing the completed result once you get some paint on it.
Hi @MitchellMc @EricL ,
Just one more question before I start with the paint. I'm going to be painting the walls as well. My question is with this section would I be best using a celling paint on the horizontal wall then switch to a wall paint for the vertical? Because it looks like the previous paint job was all wall paint.
Cheers
There's no benefit to using ceiling paint on that area @TJP. I would just use wall paint right up to the cornice. If anything, wall paint will have a higher sheen level and offer more protection than a ceiling paint. It will also appear more consistent if you just stick to the one paint for the whole return.
Roger that @MitchellMc
Hi folks'
Haven't forgotten to post a pic, just juggling a lot at the moment. Will post once done.
Appreciate the update. Please take as much time as you need to.
Jacob
