Help! Ceiling collapsed!

eryn_kathleen

We rent, so the actual fixing of the ceiling will be sorted out by the letting agent.

My problem is how to get rid of the plaster! It looked bad enough, but once I started actually shovelling it up with a dustpan and brush I realised the magnitude of this problem. It's heavy, it rips holes in even the heavy-duty bin bags, plus I have to get it all down four flights of stairs!

I'd say that there is probably enough to fill 10 rubbish bags full (although they'd be too heavy for me to carry). I have to finish the job today or tomorrow - we've just come back from holiday and my DH goes into hospital on Tuesday for a major operation.

Do I need to buy a mask (the dust is horrible!)? How do I actually get rid of the stuff? Apologies if there is an obvious solution that I haven't found - it's just that I'm tired and stressed!

Thanks!!

Airwolf1

If there is dust, wear a mask. Shouldn't the landlord be doing this work, not you?
The other thing is to put less in each bag, so it won't split the bags.

eryn_kathleen

Yes, the landlord should be doing this work. They were informed of the bulge 4 weeks ago and we had contacted them on 5 separate occasions. They finally had someone in to do an estimate while we were away on holiday.

Unfortunately, there's no one in the office over the weekend and I can't really leave it until Monday as neither of us will be in during the day to let workers in.

I've calmed down a bit now and have decided to buy masks tomorrow and plastic trugs. I think the plasterwork is very old (the flat was built in c 1910) as it's quite thick, and even small amounts seem to go through the bin bags immediately.

I'll be asking the landlord for a hefty rent reduction, though!

27col

If it is plaster board then it does not date from 1910. If it is a mix of wooden lathes and plaster, then it does. Anyway, I would want know what had caused the problem. Bad workmanship, structural defect, water leak, what? Bin bags are not really suitable for carrying builders rubbish. What you need are rubble bags. They are not as large, but they are a lot stronger. I hope your problem is sorted soon.
Good luck with operation.This is a hassle that you could well do without at this time.

Shambler

I agree about the rent reduction, let the landlord know what work you have had to do, I would think that £200 would be fair to pay for your work and the inconvenience.

McKneff

go for a whole months rent, then let him haggle if he dare

Doozergirl

Use boxes instead:)

And buy a water sprayer like you'd use to spray clothes when ironing. Douse it all before you start working and much of the dust will all but disappear. It's most important to do it when you're sweeping up as you'll just be lifting the dust for it to settle round the house for weeks and weeks to come.

tsstss7

Hey this happened to us friday as well - lucky no one was in the room at the time....we cleared up the mess (although we are also rental) as it's in our living room and will most prob take a few weeks to fix ....the same thing happened in our other living room about 5 yrs ago and the landlords guy said I should have left it for him (as he gets paid to do this sort of work) but again at that time it was easier to live with if the mess was kept to a minimum....

my landlords chap is coming round tomorrow am so bang goes my lie in!!