How to fix the crack in ceiling?

[vg_39]

Hi 

I accidentally walked in the attic plasterboard resulting in a crack as shown. Is there any DiY fix for it ? The house is around 40-50 years old

Appreciate your help

  

[EricL]

Hello @vg_39, 

Before making any sort of repair or dismantling the panel, I suggest having the panel area tested for asbestos. If the results are positive, I suggest engaging the services of an asbestos removal specialist.

Only if the results are negative, can you continue with your repair plans. As the house is quite old, it is difficult to tell what material was used for the ceiling panel. Once confirmed it is not asbestos, you could take a portion of the panel to the store and compare it to the James Hardie 2400 x 750 x 4.5mm 1.80m² and see if it is compatible with the older panel. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @vg_39 

I feel your pain as I have done similar but slipped and put my foot right through!

In your case this isn't plasterboard by the way it's cracked. It will be either masonite or as @EricL cement sheet which may asbestos. Masonite will have tiny dimples on the back while cement sheet won't. If you trust yourself for another trip in the roof you can check this. If it's not then I would get the cement sheet checked for type. If asbestos it would be best they remove the sheet for you. Personally I would have it checked on site as nothing has broken away as a sample piece. Break away a sample will require a lot of suitable PPE and leave you with a hole with potential particles dusting off.

To remove the panel start by running a blade along each side of the cover straps to cut the paint and remove them. With a helper or two, pry the damaged sheet out starting at a corner and work your way along. At some stage the weight will start to pull itself away, so be ready for this. Then replace the sheet.

Personally I would use masonite as it will be a lot lighter to handle inverted, with ess change of breaking and will be much easier to nail. But you can of course use the Hardie sheet @EricL mentioned, just pilot hole the edge fixings. Something like this trim will work as a cover-stap.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @vg_39 

I am afreaid I cant add anything to the advice from @EricL and @Nailbag . There is a fair chance that the sheet has asbestos in it (from the age you mentioned) and from the crack plus the edging trim to secure it to the roof all leads me to having it checked as a first point before touching it again. It is fine where it is atm, and there are sealers you can paint on the edges but tring to fix/change it requires testing 😕 A pain but then you will know for sure.

At the very least its not plasterboard but masonite or a concrete sheet. I supsect its a fibro sheet.

Dave