How to cover nail heads on cement sheet ceiling?

[Flash66]

Hi I am doing a Reno on tight budget and my problem is the house has a fibre cement sheet ceiling. It's in good condition but the joints and nail heads are visible. Do I gyprock over the top or can I cover the joints with either a thick paint or is there a jointing compound that will cover over the joints and the ceiling is painted. I don't want to remove the sheets as they may contain asbestos I'm not sure what to do.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Flash66,

Whether the sheets are asbestos or not will dictate your approach. So, I recommend you get them tested so you know what you are working with. For a NATA Testing Lab List call 1800 621 666 or refer to their website at www.nata.com.au. Not disturbing the sheeting and installing plaster sheets over the top could be a way to go about it. There is jointing compound for cement sheeting, but this is typically applied directly to the cement and not over a painted surface. If the wall has been painted, you might like to use a flexible sealer to fill the gaps prior to painting. 

The nail heads might need to be tapped down before filling over them. However, as mentioned, if these are asbestos sheets, I wouldn't recommend disturbing them.

Please take care when dealing with the possibility of asbestos. Here's a Best Advice article on Where you might find asbestos in your home.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell