Drywall surrounding vent no longer supports screws;

Question

Screws that normally fix the vent in place can't do their job anymore. The drywall has crumbled to the point that the tapped hole for the screw lacks a boundary with the duct. (Picture attached.)

Perhaps:

The cutout for the original vent larger than necessary, forcing the screws to be closer to the duct than is optimal?
The original installation should have used some sort of plug so that the threads of the screw didn't compromise the integrity of the drywall so easily?

How would you:

(a) go about fixing this?
(b) prevent this from happening in future installations?

The issue, in an image:

gregmac · Accepted Answer

My default fix would be just to put in some type of anchor. Given the damage and the fact this is on a ceiling, I'd be inclined to use a screw-in type anchor, because they hold on to a larger area and would deal better with some damage.

If that couldn't work, the next thing I would look at would be getting a new surface to screw into.

Normally the method is to use a backing board, which is basically just a small piece of wood -- perhaps 3/4" x 2" x 4" -- to screw into on each side. Unless the vent can be moved easily, this will be difficult.

In this case I'd actually construct some "wings" using some sheet metal to wrap around and over top of the drywall, which the vent would then screw into. They'd anchor into the vent itself.

Pam · Answer

I got a tip elsewhere about using JB Weld, as I had the same problem. Worked like a charm! I got the one made for wood. It was a putty stick. You knead it together then stuff it into the screw hole. It hardens in 1 hour and gives you a fresh surface to drill a new hole. Good luck!

Answered by Pam on May 6, 2021

Nate · Answer

If this is a heating duct, place a piece of sheet metal on the other side of the drywall and use a self-drilling screw to reattach the cover. If this is just a cover over a ventilation hole to the next floor (somewhat common in older buildings), you can safely use a piece of wood instead.

Answered by Nate on May 6, 2021

Colin Wright · Answer

I had the same problem in my basement, as well as for a few clients (I'm a handyman). I came up with a spring system to hold the vents in place. Here's a link to the video I created for it. It's not dependant on the drywall holding anchors, or any screws of any type.

https://youtu.be/bHWa9MCxrDQ

Steve · Answer

How about getting springs and drill small holes for the springs at the end of the vent's inner frame and corresponding holes in the metal duct high enough so you can attach the springs while pulling down but where the springs also pull the vent up into place afterwards. Just like some recessed light housing covers that are held up with springs.

Answered by Steve on May 6, 2021

Drywall surrounding vent no longer supports screws;

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