How to fix broken aircon ceiling vent?

[PeteWdd]

I have an aircon ceiling vent that has fallen down. I believe the 2 little springs on each of 2 clips are missing. (Can't really get into the ceiling cavity to look for). Any ideas on how I could re attach the vent? I was thinking of "gluing" with silastic but there's only a very thin edge to glue to. I'm presuming I can't replace the springs without buying a complete vent. If so Do Bunnings sell the vents? Appreciate your help

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @PeteWdd. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about re-installing a roof vent.

It looks like that vent’s bracket was designed to work without a spring. When you push the vent up, the edge of the plasterboard should press against the lower part of the bracket, causing it to rotate and lock the upper portion behind the plasterboard. If the hole isn’t a snug fit, the bracket might not be engaging properly. Have you tried rotating the vent slightly to see if the brackets grip the plasterboard more securely in another position?

If that doesn’t work, adhesive is a reasonable backup option. The outer rim seems to extend well onto the plasterboard, so a good-quality adhesive or silicone should hold it in place. Just make sure to clean the inner rim of the fixture thoroughly before applying adhesive so it bonds properly.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[PeteWdd]

Thanks for replying MitchellMc,

I'm pretty sure the clips must have had springs originally. There's no way the clips will stay in during the push up, or afterwards.

Looking at most new vents of this type, they have springs. 

And there's only a very thin edge of plastic to glue to connect to ceiling, if I were to silastic. (The vent tube is pushing down so it will have a little weight too)

[JacobZ]

Hi @PeteWdd,

Considering the clips seem to be broken, it might be best to replace the vent.

Can you advise what the diameter of the cutout in your ceiling is and the diameter of the ducting?

There are options that look similar, such as the Bradford CSR 300mm Round Ceiling Grille Vent or Haron 340mm Round Ceiling Vent. We would just have to confirm they would work with your ducting.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[PeteWdd]

Thanks Jacob, Thats what I'm thinking re with springs missing. Just a matter of finding right size. (It's at my daughters place. Aircon doesnt work... and never will) Looking for cheapest option Bradford isn't it. Will measure and look at Haron👌

Thanks all for your thoughts

[AlanM52]

Hi @PeteWdd,

This one often pops up and one of the issues is that some vents have 'vicious' retaining clips.

So much so the plaster is damaged and later on the vent may start to drop.

This has worked for me:

Cut two pieces of 3mm plywood about the length (and width) of a 30cm ruler.

Practise sliding one in there then apply PVA glue, slid it in and align.

Pull down with fingertips and hold for a while.

Do the same with the other one - leave overnight.

Hopefully it will all stay together when you carefully push in the vent.

Cheers