How to remove window pelmet?

[EllieBee]

 I am wanting to remove these pelmets as I want to install plantation shutters. I can’t see any screws or nails, so I don’t know where to start. Thanks!

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @EllieBee,

Thank you for your question about removing a pelmet so you can install plantation shutters.

The reality of this project is that there will almost certainly be some damage that will need to be repaired to make everything look nice afterwards. Don't be afraid to cause some minor damage to the ceiling, wall or pelmet but try to keep it to a minimum. I'll happily offer guidance for any rectification works that are required.

There's a good chance the pelmet is nailed together and then to the walls or ceiling. It looks like there are some nails up into the roof where I have circled below. 

The best way to remove the pelmet will likely be to use a prybar, a block of timber and a hammer. The timber will help with levering the prybar by protecting the walls and ceiling, increasing the angle and giving a hard surface to lever off. The hammer will help you get the prybar in behind the pieces of timber.

Start by using the hammer to tap the prybar up into the gap where the short piece sits against the wall. 

Once the prybar is behind this piece, gently lever it away from the wall with the prybar using the block of timber to protect the wall. This short piece is likely nailed to the face piece of the pelmet, so you will come across some resistance, but it should pull away. 

You'll also have to remove the cornice that butts up against the pelmet. This will likely be attached with mechanical fixings, likely brad nails and glue. To remove this, use the same prybar to lever it away from the ceiling and pelmet.

Once the cornice has been removed, you should be able to get the prybar in above the top piece of the pelmet and lever it away from the ceiling.

Take your time and plan out your moves, but this is an inherently destructive process, so don't be afraid to use some force.

Let me know if you have any further questions.,

Jacob

[EllieBee]

You’re the best, Jacob! I’ll need to formally acknowledge you somewhere once I have finished renovating my new (old!) place.

I will give this a go on Sunday and write back with any questions/updates 😄

[EllieBee]

Hi Jacob! 
I am a bit delayed in updating my progress. We had some asbestos testing done to make sure everything was safe to proceed as this is an apartment from the 70s.

I have managed to remove the cornicing and I have started trying to remove the nail from the pelmet. Some plaster/render appears to have come away in one spot while I was removing the cornice. I plan to recornice - should I repair this or just whack the new cornice over it? If you suggest repairing, what is the best way to do this? Cheers!

 

[MitchellMc]

HI @EllieBee,

It appears that it might have been render covered with plaster. I'd recommend filling the gap with this multipurpose filler. Fill the gap until it is slightly proud of the surrounding surface, and then sand it back level. The job does need to be entirely perfect since you'll be covering it anyway.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[EllieBee]

Hey guys, how finicky do I need to be about removing the old ceiling cornicing cement if I plan on re-cornicing? I’ve been going at it with a sponge (to wet it) and scraper, but my shoulders are killing me already! Any tips? Or should I just focus on removing the leftover paper? 
cheers 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @EllieBee,

It would be best if it was removed completely. If you leave it there, your new cornice cement will be attached to the old stuff as opposed to the surface beneath. If the old cornice cement fails and your new cornice cement is bonded to it, no matter how strong the new stuff is, your cornice won't stay attached to the ceiling material.

Somewhat counterintuitively, I'd suggest you stop wetting it. When it is dry, it will crack off in much larger sections than it will when it is wet. The bigger the section you can take at once, the less work you're doing overall. You may just need to be a bit more forceful with your scraper.

I've done a lot of work on ceilings in my time and trust me, I empathise. With some persistence, you will get there, but you may need to give your arms a few days to rest afterwards.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[EllieBee]

Thanks Jacob! 
How do you reckon the ryobi multi-tool would go at removing it effortlessly? This cornice cement has been here since the 70s and it seems really keen on sticking around

[TedBear]

Hi @EllieBee , I was reading your post with interest. I thought the pelmet looked like it had been glued on, in some parts, but you've removed it, so that's redundant. I was also thinking why not clean the excess off with a multitool, which is exactly the solution that you've come up with. That's what I'd be using. Even though it's heavier than a scraper, it will take far less time.

[EllieBee]

Oh amazing, thanks for the advice! My back and neck cannot handle anymore scraping 😂

I’ll be off to buy another tool at bunnings then…lol