How to fill in or cover a ceiling vent?

[iinsaayn]

Hi. This is my first question to this forum.

My house was built in the 60s and has 2 plaster ceiling vents - one in the bathroom and the other in the kitchen. The bathroom vent in particular let's in the horrible paper mulched insulation dust as well as spiders. I'm looking for ways to cover them up without them looking super ugly. The ceiling spaces are difficult to get into to cover them from within the roof cavity, so I don't want to do that. I've thought of a painted board, plasterboard, plastic type board, but don't know what would be best. I'll attach a photo of the kitchen vent, but they're both the same.

 Thanks

[JacobZ]

Hi @iinsaayn,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

In covering them up, they would no longer be able to act as a vent. Are you fine with this?

If so, the easiest way I can see is to remove them and patch the ceiling.

Have a look at my colleague @EricL's advice in How to fill hole from ceiling fan and my advice in What exhaust fan for 290mm square cut out?

This same process of using timber to back block the patch, installing plasterboard, plastering and painting could be used in your situation.

Let me know what you think, I'm happy to offer further advice if you have concerns or questions.

Jacob

[iinsaayn]

I have had an electric ceiling fan installed in the bathroom. The kitchen doesn't need it either.

I was hoping not to have to do such a big job.

[MitchellMc · Accepted solution]

Hi @iinsaayn,

The easiest solution I can think of would be to cut a square piece of plaster and adhere it to the middle section with Liquid Nails. It will need to be large enough to span over the gaps and meet the sides. You can then use gap filler to seal it around the edges.

I've added a rendering below to illustrate.

Mitchell

[iinsaayn]

Thanks Mitchell. That's what I was thinking but hadn't considered liquid nails. Was going to use plasterboard screws. I think I'll try you idea. Thanks.

[seanoyamma]

Mate get a gyperock hand saw cut the vent out use some timber say 100mm wide and 6mm thick or there about put 3 lengths across the opening one either side half way over edge and online the middle attach with gyperock screws cut another  piece of gyperock  you might ask at a  house building site for off cut it may be different thicknes but work with it now use some glue stick gyoerock up then screw to timbers use Stanley knife cut a 45 deg edge on all gyperock (ie) all four sides x 2 then use gyperock fibreglass tape flush it all in sand back and paint if your good you will never see it

 

 

 

 

 

[EricL]

Hello @seanoyamma 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us in regards to covering the ceiling vent. Were keen to hear more about all your projects and plans around the house and garden. Please feel free to reach out whenever you need assistance or would like to share a project with the community.

Eric