Shiplap Ceiling Repair

Tools:

ladder
workbench
circular saw
router
cat's paw pry bar
back saw
clamps
carpenter’s square
hammer
pencil
tape measure
hacksaw blade
work gloves
dust mask
safety glasses
recycled shiplap and/or replacement lumber
ring shank galvanized nails

1. Pry out rotting pieces of wood using a cat's paw pry bar and hammer (figure A). Make sure to wear safety glasses, a dust mask and work gloves.

2. Try to salvage some of the shiplap by cutting away the rotted areas and leaving good wood. However, don’t take any chance. If you leave rotted wood the problem will just start spreading again.

3. Use a back saw for making cuts in the shiplap above your head (figure B). Be sure to at a joist to insure that you have a place to attach the ends of the replacement pieces.

4. Try locating salvaged shiplap siding at a salvage yard. If necessary, cut new boards to the proper width then use a router to cut out a lap on each side (figure C). Use the groove in an existing piece of shiplap to set your router bit depth.

5. Cut the pieces to match the size of the openings. Wedge all of the pieces in place before nailing (figure D).

6. Either pre-drill pilot holes for the nails or blunt the tips of the nails with a hammer to prevent the wood from cracking.

7. Come back later and cover nail holes with wood putty, then prime and paint ceiling.