CURRENT ASK GREG QUESTION:

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO REPAIR A HOLE IN GIB BOARD 3-4 INCHES IN DIAMETER?

Hi Greg

To repair a hole in GIB board about 3-4 inch in diameter, I believe you need to insert some form of backing inside the hole first before plastering the hole. What is the best way to repair?

Michael, Pukekawa

Hi Michael,

Thanks for your question.

It's amazing how we manage to damage our walls, whether it be from incorrectly hung mirrors, artwork or photo frames, old fixtures that are no longer wanted, moving furniture around the house, slamming door handles though our walls (by mistake or on purpose), rowdy kids, hormonal teenagers or even from the naturally settling of our homes foundations. Either way these holes and cracks leave an unsightly mess and you don't necessarily require a professional  - any keen DIY'er can tackle this job with a bit of guidance.

HELPFUL DIY GUIDE FOR REPAIRING GIB

GIB produces an excellent DIY Repairing GIB® Plasterboard & Mounting Fixtures guide which can be downloaded from their website, or you can order a free copy online.

This guide outlines the steps required to repair dings and holes in plaster board, with great illustrations and useful pointers. The guide also covers the mounting of fixtures to GIB® Plasterboard when fixing into a stud with screws or nails is not possible - always useful to know!

In general, smaller holes (less than 50 mm in diameter) require a simple self-adhesive patch.

Medium sized holes (between 50 and 150 mm in diameter) require a plasterboard patch which is inserted behind the hole and then covered with a thick layer of plaster.

Larger holes require the damaged area to be cut away back to one or two studs and replaced with new plasterboard.

In your case Michael, it appears you may have a medium sized hole in your wall, therefore yes, you are correct in that you need to insert some form of backing - in particular a plasterboard patch with a thick layer of plaster over the top. I recommend you take a look at GIB's DIY guide to assist in the repair job - ensure that you read it carefully and always follow their safety guidelines. If you require further assistance, you can contact the GIB support centre on 0800 100 442.

I hope this helps.

All the best,

Greg Moore
NAILED.CO.NZ