Repairing Ice Dam Damage

By Robert Robillard on Home Maintenance

Repairing Ice Dam Damage

Cutting wallboard:

If you have to cut out a large section of plaster, and no wood strapping [backing] is present, then you will have to add some in. [Strapping refers to the strips of wood that are installed along the length of the interior of a ceiling.]

Use 1 x 3 “strapping” boards or rip strips of 2.5 to 3” wide plywood strips on a table saw and screw them in place for the new drywall patch to attach to. You want center this strapping half under the existing plaster and the other half exposed, to accept the new plaster board.

You will be installing the strapping perpendicular to the ceiling rafters and 16″ on center, installing two screws into each ceiling joist where the strapping crosses.

Fastening drywall or blue board:

Use 1-1/4” drywall screws to install and fasten your patch, keep your seams to ¼” or less.
Install one screw every four inches, approximately 3/8” to 1” in from the edge. Do not over drive your fasteners; your goal is to install them slightly under the wallboards paper surface. Later your address the seam and screws with mesh tape and drywall mud.

Note on Wood Lathe:

If the plaster is over wood lath, then removal will expose the lath and give you a backing to attach your drywall patch material and attach it with drywall screws.
Most “old plaster,” over wood lath is about a quarter to three-eighths inch thick. So you will need some thin drywall to patch in.

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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