Hello,
First, I want to clarify that I don't have a house, just a small condominium of 50 square meters. I don't know much about working with walls and stuff, but my handiness is decent. However, my time is quite limited (workaholic), so I don't want to make things too complicated.
I'm currently fixing up the kitchen, and behind the fridge, there's a huge hole. The previous owner solved the problem by placing the fridge on a wooden stand so that the fridge partially covers the hole, NOT pretty. There's also a type of ventilation duct mounted in a groove "routered" right into the brick. It's visible and not very nice. I thought about replacing it with just a vent in the wall? I suspect it used to go to an earlier oven. I intend to check this with the association before making any modifications. Is it possible to fill in the groove with something simple? Like putty...
Since it's behind the fridge, I'm thinking a simpler solution, like a board on the wall that you paint or wallpaper over, could work. Mixing plaster and stuff feels too advanced for me. Sure, there will be a seam, but it shouldn't be too visible. But then a problem arises immediately, how do you attach a board to plaster or whatever it is in the simplest way? The plaster is very porous and easy to nail into, but it doesn't hold very well afterward.
Alternative suggestions are welcome.
Picture of the mess:
http://www.byggahus.se/bilder/showphoto.php?photo=1578&cat=561
If you think the angles look odd, it's because I live in the attic.
First, I want to clarify that I don't have a house, just a small condominium of 50 square meters. I don't know much about working with walls and stuff, but my handiness is decent. However, my time is quite limited (workaholic), so I don't want to make things too complicated.
I'm currently fixing up the kitchen, and behind the fridge, there's a huge hole. The previous owner solved the problem by placing the fridge on a wooden stand so that the fridge partially covers the hole, NOT pretty. There's also a type of ventilation duct mounted in a groove "routered" right into the brick. It's visible and not very nice. I thought about replacing it with just a vent in the wall? I suspect it used to go to an earlier oven. I intend to check this with the association before making any modifications. Is it possible to fill in the groove with something simple? Like putty...
Since it's behind the fridge, I'm thinking a simpler solution, like a board on the wall that you paint or wallpaper over, could work. Mixing plaster and stuff feels too advanced for me. Sure, there will be a seam, but it shouldn't be too visible. But then a problem arises immediately, how do you attach a board to plaster or whatever it is in the simplest way? The plaster is very porous and easy to nail into, but it doesn't hold very well afterward.
Alternative suggestions are welcome.
Picture of the mess:
http://www.byggahus.se/bilder/showphoto.php?photo=1578&cat=561
If you think the angles look odd, it's because I live in the attic.
Mixing plaster involves doing the following:
Read the instructions on the package.
Measure out the correct amount of plaster mix.
Add the correct amount of water.
Stir.
Add a bit more plaster mix or water if the consistency is completely off.
Plaster of a suitable type (someone else can recommend) works both to fill the hole and seal the "trench" they have carved out for that mysterious pipe.
Read the instructions on the package.
Measure out the correct amount of plaster mix.
Add the correct amount of water.
Stir.
Add a bit more plaster mix or water if the consistency is completely off.
Plaster of a suitable type (someone else can recommend) works both to fill the hole and seal the "trench" they have carved out for that mysterious pipe.
Find out via the association/neighbors where the pipe comes from before covering it.
If you feel with your hand or hold a piece of toilet paper in front, you might notice if it blows or sucks in air?
Touching it up isn't difficult, but you might need to do it in stages with drying time in between if it's a deep hole in the wall. It's good to brush off any loose material first and then spray water with the plant sprayer before applying some kind of plaster.
Those of you who know - isn't gypsum plaster more manageable than others if you haven't plastered before?
If you feel with your hand or hold a piece of toilet paper in front, you might notice if it blows or sucks in air?
Touching it up isn't difficult, but you might need to do it in stages with drying time in between if it's a deep hole in the wall. It's good to brush off any loose material first and then spray water with the plant sprayer before applying some kind of plaster.
Those of you who know - isn't gypsum plaster more manageable than others if you haven't plastered before?
Hello!
Gypsum plaster is probably the most common thing used in such situations!
Available in well-stocked paint stores! They usually have a small "how to" brochure you can get if you're nice enough/ask for it!
Best regards!
Gypsum plaster is probably the most common thing used in such situations!
Available in well-stocked paint stores! They usually have a small "how to" brochure you can get if you're nice enough/ask for it!
Best regards!
A disc, preferably gips, you can glue with PL 400 at the points that lie against the wall. For the channel, you can use a filler that fills deep holes and sets quickly, called "One strike filler" manufactured by Ever Build. Expensive as hell but fills much better than anything else I've used except maybe plaster, but you don't want to mix plaster.
Thanks for the good answers, but IF I'm going to use plaster now, I wonder about this:
I've heard that you should use the same mortar as the one underneath for it to be good, is that true? Or does it work with the gypsum mortar regardless?
How do you mix the mortar, don't you need some form of mixer? I think my Black & Decker drill that has been used extensively for almost 10 years would protest.
Otherwise, Jan-Å's suggestion is tempting...
I've heard that you should use the same mortar as the one underneath for it to be good, is that true? Or does it work with the gypsum mortar regardless?
How do you mix the mortar, don't you need some form of mixer? I think my Black & Decker drill that has been used extensively for almost 10 years would protest.
Otherwise, Jan-Å's suggestion is tempting...
The plaster adheres well to other plaster, and you can mix it manually if your machine isn't working.
It looks like the flexible hose comes from the chimney, which you might not want to just seal up, and there seems to be some electrical connection there too, what is that?
It looks like the flexible hose comes from the chimney, which you might not want to just seal up, and there seems to be some electrical connection there too, what is that?
Okay, it'll probably be gypsum-based mortar then! Otherwise, I'll just keep getting annoyed by the seam...
I expect to have to install a vent instead of the hose, but that shouldn't be any trouble, right? Someone from the association is supposed to come and take a look and explain how I should do it.
The cord is just a regular extension cord that someone has threaded through a drilled hole. There's a storage on the other side that's connected to and part of the apartment. It's not connected to anything at either end right now, so I'll just remove it.
I expect to have to install a vent instead of the hose, but that shouldn't be any trouble, right? Someone from the association is supposed to come and take a look and explain how I should do it.
The cord is just a regular extension cord that someone has threaded through a drilled hole. There's a storage on the other side that's connected to and part of the apartment. It's not connected to anything at either end right now, so I'll just remove it.