Holes in a Ceiling - How to Make Good?

Question

Hi all,

Since my ongoing re-wire was always going to take forever, I decided to cut access holes in the downstairs ceilings rather than lifting the upstairs floorboards. Now I've finally got round to making good the damage in the lounge. The ceiling is plasterboard with a flat skim and there are 30off 200mm circular holes to make good. I still have all the plugs, so I'll be putting them back by screwing them to battens gripfilled across the holes.

Any suggestions as to what to do after that? I was going to roughly fill round them and then get the ceiling skimmed (I wouldn't attempt to skim the ceiling myself). Now though, I'm wondering if it would be less hassle to fill each one properly and dispense with the skim...

Cheers,

Colin.

Bill Wright · Accepted Answer

Have you got a price for a new ceiling (fixed directly to the existing)  and skim? Bill

harry · Answer

Probably the best idea with so many holes. You could put the plasterboard up yourself.

Colin Stamp · Answer

No, but that's not very appealing as the new lounge setup has a high shelf for AV stuff, which is fixed and already a bit marginal for ceiling height.

Skimming the existing ceiling would be pretty cheap though. That is, my brother will do it if I re-plumb his washing machine on the opposite side of his kitchen and replace two gate valves on his heating system.

The problem though, is how long it'll be before he gets time to do it. If I fill the holes individually, I can start now...

Cheers,

Colin.

Adrian · Answer

Fill 'em yourself, then - if it looks shit - get it skimmed.

Mr Fuxit · Answer

Do that, using "Easyfill", and no-one will know!

Frank Erskine · Answer

Painful...

Colin Stamp · Answer

Easi-fill? I'd been thinking of giving that a try. I've been using Toupret for the top layer of the chases and I've done a test hole using that for now. Something I can mix in industrial quantities might well be better if I decide to do the whole lot myself...

Cheers,

Colin.

Jim K · Answer

lightweight ready mixed filler e.g "red devil" litre tubs if not more - slap it on aim for flush, sets quick, sands smooth as a baby's........ Jim K

meow2222 · Answer

Either works. Filling means no need to wait, and he can do something else for you. I like to run a straight edge over a big hole, and finish fill another time.

Next time if you make sensible 2.5" holes its far easier & faster to fill.

NT

Colin Stamp · Answer

you. I like to run a straight edge over a big hole, and finish fill another time.

Yep. I think I might have to go for it. The situation is complicated a bit by building control. They haven't been to look at the job yet, so it'd be nice to leave the holes open until they do. If I decide filling will look reasonable, I can re-fix the coving and paint the walls first, giving them a bit more time to turn up before I hide the wiring. Skimming will mean the whole job will grind to a halt for a bit.

Most of the holes were for drilling joists. Some were for heating system plumbing, then there's the faff of changing the size on the hole cutter. Anyway, I like a bit of elbow room :o)

Cheers,

Colin.

Holes in a Ceiling - How to Make Good?

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