Ceiling plaster water damage - paint only?

[Girl from Mars]

We recently had some water damage to a lathe and plaster roof around a skylight when tradesmen broke roof tiles without advising us. They have agreed as this point to arrange for the internal damage to be fixed, but are suggesting that all it needs is to be sanded back and repainted. I am worried that this will fix the superficial appearance, but may not deal with any more serious long term damage, and that we may have the ceiling fall down at some point in the future! Any thoughts?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nisatkinson/2539285963/in/set-72157594151439113/

[woodsie344]

It depends on how much water got in. If the tiles have been fixed and the ceiling has dried without bubbling or cracking and is not wet or cold to touch, then some paint should conceal the stain. If it still feels cool or damp compared with another area then chances are it hasn't dried out and any paint would bubble and come off.
It's a lot easier and cheaper for the tradies to splash some paint over than it is to cut out and replace the ceiling which is why they would choose to do it that way. If your unsure of what to do, take a photo of the damage and post it here. If you can recall how long it's been like that and if it's improved since it was last wet i may be able to offer some more advice.
As i said, although painting it may seem like a cheap way out, it may not require replacing but then again.. they might be trying to save themselves a few bucks at your expense.

[Girl from Mars]

You can see a couple of photos here:

http://flickr.com/photos/nisatkinson/2539285963/?addedcomment=1#comment72157605415644164

[madrat]

That doesn't look that good GfM.
Can't say I would be happy with a quick paint job.
We have had our kitchen bulkhead replaced twice with a third to come (within the span of 4 months) thanks to 'tradies' who have accidentally left off roof tiles when doing some work and forgot to replace them when finished. Unfortunately, we had downpours on both occasions.
Really nice bubble effect was created :((
Hubby has replaced them everytime himself because the 'she'll be right with a coat of paint' was not an option for us!
We won't be doing the third replacement until all other reno's are done.:wink:
Good luck!

[woodsie344]

OMFG!
No amount of paint will fix that.
Call the 'boss', tell him to get his @ss over there and rectify the problem. Did the person who suggested paint even look at the damage?
Dodgy tradies will walk all over you if you let them. Don't take no for an answer, you have the law on your side so let them know that you know this is NOT acceptable.
If you have insulating bats they must be soaked through and would need replacing as well. I'd be inclined to get a real professional (of your choice) in to repair the lot and send them the bill.
When a dodgy tradie can sense he's talking to someone who may not know any better, he'll say anything to save/make himself a dollar. They can be very good at intimidating people and will try to confuse you into believing them.

[Rod Dyson]

Yep definitly need a plasterer to fix that one.

I would not be surprised if that entire area fell out. It is repairable but you will need someone skilled to do the repair properly.

Cheers Rod

[jaw65]

Hi i am the manager of a lagre painting company and trust me that ceiling needs a plaster to fix before it is painted, if they give you more sh$t go to Fair trading.

www.mcnaughtgroup.biz