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Hi Bunnings community and experts
Horsehair Ceiling : should I re-strap or replace?
+ heat lamp, lamp and exhaust fan combo: should I replace it or try fix? Both heat lamps work, and middle light, but fan does not (well you can hear the slightest whir, but it does sound like it has given up on life.
I have a tiny granny flat, which is completely separate, not even the same main entrance from the street (corner block), but was originally under the same roof as my house. I haven’t had much access to it for a while (my own fault as the tenant was a little intimidating, almost had a forcefield, despite a proper rental agreement, so it was just easier for me to ask her to let me know if there was anything that needed maintaining). Lesson, very much learnt.
But now that I do and after about 30 hours of the horsehair ceiling in the bathroom is sagging and will definitely need re-strapping, but also need to either fix the motor on the IXL unit as the lights still work or replace. It’s hardwired so obviously with a sparkie. Not necessarily her fault of course.
BUT, my questions are:-
H
orsehair Ceiling - Fix or Replace with something bathroom suitable like Aquacheck?
- It is sagging, not terribly, but regardless will need propping up and re-strapping or re-pinning. I don’t have acro props, but have a couple of bottle jacks and am guessing I can use those with a top and bottom plate and some timber as it is only a small area? 2600H x 2200Wx 2500L.
- I know back in the day they used to use to strap it with the horsehair / plaster glass I think it gets called these days, but what should I use now? Some of that is gone completely. Washers and plaster screws? And then skim some kind of plaster glass too. My apologies, I have no idea of any of the right terminology.
- The horsehair, apart from the manhole is relatively intact, but I certainly wouldn’t put my knee on it. But maybe it is always like that, hence why the joists are really close together?
- The IXL hole was cut too large (classically packed with cardboard) and the straps are broken and it is falling from the ceiling, but I have only just started on getting rid of some of the nearly 100 years of dust up there (not the tenant’s fault of course). So both of those probably don’t help with the integrity of the horsehair?
- What should I do? Replace the whole ceiling? Or re-strap? I was thinking of running some timber, not 70 x 35, but something that would at least look somewhat aesthetically pleasing (milled and painted of course) vertical to the joists from underneath if I keep the horsehair. Thoughts?
- I did tile the bathroom about 12 years ago and the 300 x 300 rectified tiles butt up to the cornice. The cornice is ok, so would I cut & remove the horsehair to that and then replace or can I go straight over with new material?
IXL
- Pre-dates me so must be at least 15 years old.
- Both heat globes and middle light work, but fan is feeling like giving up a slight whirr. 3 separate switches to turn on individual options. The fan may not have been working for at least a year as that is how long the tenant was there for. There is a window, but there was A LOT of mould, which I have treated (not finished yet), but regardless, everyone needs an exhaust fan in a bathroom.
- I took the cover off and I actually initially wondered if there was some kind of thin layer of foam insulation, but no it was a thick layer of dust. Hence the rather strange looking contraption I have attached for when I start getting stuck into the roof space vacuum. It’s wonky and unconventional, but I’m injured, so I’m just doing what I can.
- I did then turn the fan on and still slight whirr, but the blades didn’t seem to be moving and are covered in dust (but I’ll deal with that once I am vacuuming up in the roof).
- I have to vacuum up there regardless, but should I attempt to see if the fan will get a second wind or just remove it and replace? If so, suggestions? I need a sparkie for some other things regardless, but I know my sister has one that has a powerpoint in there, rather than mine which is hardwired. Is that a better option? It is small as I have mentioned, so I do like the idea of the combo of heat lamps, light and exhaust fan with more than a whirr but not sounding like a public utility block hand dryer. Those dimensions are 425 x 220 x 35. I could go a tiny bit larger as the original hole is too large. It will pull back if properly installed and the ceiling is fixed I guess.
- And the ducting is plastic? Is that normal?
Thank you so much as usual for all my strange questions and please point me in the right direction. I definitely will need specifics on what to purchase if you suggest sticking with the old horsehair. I had a look on Bunnings site, but am out of my depth with what sort of compound I would need, what will actually screw into the horsehair and REALLY hard jarrah joists, 100% don’t have any interest in learning how to strap with horsehair so can I go metal etc? Thank you so much. You tell me what to do and exactly what products (I’ll at least find the aisle number online) and I will purchase.
Thank you 
Victoria
Hi @victoriacalhoun,
Regarding the IXL unit, it’s likely beyond repair. Since the fan motor is barely moving, it’s usually more practical to replace the entire unit rather than attempting a fix. If you’re already planning to have a sparkie attend for wiring, this is a good opportunity to install a new heat lamp/light/exhaust fan combo—choose a unit similar in size and performance to the existing one to maintain adequate heating and ventilation. The plastic ducting is normal for these units. Having the electrician install a power outlet is a good option, allowing you to replace the unit in the future if needed.
As for the horsehair ceiling, given the current finish and sagging, repairing it would be extremely labour-intensive. You would need to remove the old coating, skim the surface, and even then the structural rigidity may not be sufficient. Re-strapping or adding battens to the front would only be a temporary fix that might last several years. I would lean towards replacing the ceiling with a bathroom-suitable product like Aquacheck. If your budget allows, having a plasterer install new sheets after removing the old ceiling is the most reliable long-term solution.
Since it's an older dwelling, be aware that there could be asbestos present and ensure you have anything suspicious checked before you start work, including the horsehair plaster. Always wear appropriate PPE (mask, gloves, and eye protection) when disturbing old plaster.
Let me tag @Nailbag and @Dave-1for their thoughts.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
For the ceiling, yes, Aquacheck 13mm sheets would be a good choice for a bathroom—they’re designed for wet areas, and a 13mm thickness is sturdy enough for a replacement ceiling @victoriacalhoun . Since you’re limited on helping hands right now, having a plasterer or a mate help install the sheets would make things much easier and safer. Even a temporary fix for now is fine, as long as it’s stable and keeps the ceiling tidy until the full replacement can happen.
For the IXL unit, I’d definitely go with a new combo (heat lamp, light, and exhaust fan). Installing a powerpoint for the new unit is smart if your sparkie is happy to do it; it makes future replacement easier without touching the wiring again. We have IXL heat/vent/light combos suitable for standard bathroom sizes—look for something close to the dimensions you mentioned. Something like the IXL Tastic Triumph 3 In 1 Bathroom Heat Fan Light could suit.
Temporary ceiling supports a functioning fan for your tenant, sounds like a good balance until you can schedule the full replacement. If you can get a mate to help prop the ceiling back into position, even driving several 75mm screws into the ceiling joist should hold it in place.
Mitchell
