How to replace eaves sheet?

[mody_moozy]

Hello, how can I replace this damaged eaves sheet?

[daniellongo]

Thanks guys for the replies.

Here are the photos.

 

it’s a James Hardie Fibre Cement sheet. 

I mistakenly stepped on it while checking my roof tiles from inside 🫣!

[mody_moozy]

Oof, hopefully you didn't fall through! @daniellongo 

Thanks everyone for the replies. Including this specific area, the eaves around the home aren't broken or cracked so I'd prefer not to cut out a random piece to send for asbestos testing. Unless there's an inconspicuous way of getting a sample.

On closer inspection, the dark stains is mould from the water damage I think @Dave-1. Knocking on the eaves still feels solid so at this point I'll follow @Nailbag's instructions. I plan on repainting some interior ceiling's that have been stained with grease/water inside and have been recommended Zinsser BIN. Do you guys reckon I can just use BIN to cover the eaves to avoid buying multiple products? Or maybe instead of BIN on the interior ceilings, I should use that oil based version for both as @Nailbag recommended.

[EricL]

Hello @daniellongo 

Thank you for sharing the photos of your ceiling. I was wondering what caused the damage and saw your explanation at the bottom of the page. Did you try to fix the damage on your garage ceiling? Did you use adhesive to join them back together? It appears to be stable, and it might be possible to fill in the cracks with Parfix 1kg Ready To Use Multipurpose Filler. 

However, if they are unstable and the broken pieces are just barely holding in on then it will be necessary to replace them.

Let me call on our experienced members @Nailbag, @Dave-1 and @AlanM52 for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[AlanM52]

Hi @daniellongo,

The last time I helped a friend in a similar situation we braced the ceiling and I did the job in the roof with 3mm plywood and building adhesive.

Cheers

[daniellongo]

Heheh @mody_moozy fortunately only one leg went down 😅 and I earned a few scars, other than that all good. Also sorry for hitchhike your post, it looks like we had similar (changing the sheet) but different problems (stain vs crack). On that note I agree with @Nailbag's step by step post and that should solve your issue. 

@EricL  Yeah they're are broken pieces and I had to put a fair a mount of tape to have them in place. Ideally I would like to change it, but if there's a way of repairing the fibre cement I'm down to it as well.

Let's see what @Nailbag, @Dave-1 and @AlanM52 recommend.

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @daniellongo 

Sad to say I would replace the sheet, it would look the tidiest and quiet possibly be the easiest (apart from getting the sheet home ) to do.

Remove the beading around the edge of the sheet (the other sheets should be tacked up and the trim just dressing but check as you go)

Then remove the sheet and replace. Use the same type of tacks/screws that you can see on the other sheets. Im not sure if I would use a compound to help glue it as it may change the height distance compared to the already installed sheets too noticably.

To cut the sheet if needed, scour with a sharp knife and then snap the section along the score line. Works surprisingly well.

Dave

[EricL]

Hello @mody_moozy 

The products that Nailbag mentioned are necessary the Zinsser CoverStain Primer Sealer Stain Blocker - White 1L is a primer blocker and technically not a topcoat. An alternative top coat such as the Dulux 4L Vivid White Low Sheen Weathershield Exterior Paint - 4L can be used on your eaves and is rated for outdoor use. For interior use I recommend Dulux White Ceiling +PLUS Kitchen And Bathroom Paint - 1L.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Well better than putting your foot all the way through @daniellongo 

This is not an easy replacement sheet job being overhead. The joint cover strips need to be first removed, then the sheet can be removed. A new sheet of exactly the same dimensions needs to be cut and nailed into place and the cover strips replaced. Sounds straight forward but not. The sheets were originally installed starting from one end. So to replace from the missed will be a high-level exercise.

Alternatively, you could get back in the roof if you trust yourself and install several battens between the ceiling joists. Then this will give you multiple points to nail secure the cracked area to. Fill any gaps with The Parafix filler @EricL suggested, though a 500g tub will be plenty.

Nailbag

[daniellongo]

Thank you @Dave-1, @EricL and @Nailbag, although I would love to fix it I'll try to change the sheet as I already purchased it, but keep putting it off due to the complexity.

@Dave-1 I'm with you it's a pain taking the sheet home, thanks @Bunnings for the trailer hehe. 

I'll post an update once I conquered this task!

Again thanks for the input!