Ceiling Repairs & Installation in Johannesburg

The most common cause is water ingress from a roof leak, blocked gutter, or plumbing leak above the ceiling. Water saturates the rhinoboard or plaster, causes it to swell and lose its bond to the brandering (ceiling frame), and the wet weight pulls it down. Other causes include incorrect brandering spacing during original installation, and age-related plaster failure in older homes. We always identify and fix the water source before repairing the ceiling — otherwise the damage returns within months.

A repair is appropriate when the damage is localised — a single water stain, a cracked section, or one area of sagging rhinoboard. We recommend full replacement when more than 25–30% of the ceiling is affected, when there is widespread mould (which penetrates deep into the board), or when the brandering (frame) is rotten or incorrectly spaced. During your free inspection, we give an honest assessment of which option delivers better value.

A minor rhinoboard patch takes 2–4 hours. A single room full ceiling replacement typically takes 1–2 days — one day for installation and boarding, and a second day for skimming and painting once the plaster has dried. Bathroom ceiling repairs take 3–6 hours. We minimise disruption and clean up fully before leaving.

Rhinoboard ceiling repair costs R250–R400 per m² in Johannesburg in 2026, depending on damage extent and room accessibility. A new ceiling installation (supply and install, including brandering, rhinoboard, skim plaster, and one coat of paint) costs R300–R500 per m². Bulkhead ceilings cost more — R800–R1,500 per linear metre — because of the additional framing and finishing involved. We provide free, itemised quotes so you know the exact cost before we start.

Yes, in many cases. If ceiling damage was caused by a sudden and unforeseen event — such as a burst pipe, hail damage to the roof, or storm water ingress — most South African home insurance policies will cover the repair. Gradual damage from ongoing neglect or maintenance failures is typically excluded. We can provide a professional written assessment of the damage cause to support your insurance claim.

For standard residential ceilings with brandering spaced at 450 mm centres, 9.5 mm rhinoboard is the most common specification and is suitable for most rooms. Bathroom and kitchen ceilings should use 9.5 mm moisture-resistant rhinoboard (MR grade). For brandering spaced at 600 mm centres, 12.5 mm board is recommended to prevent mid-span deflection. We always check brandering spacing and condition before recommending a board specification.

Yes. We carry out ceiling repairs and installation throughout Gauteng — Johannesburg, Sandton, Midrand, Fourways, Randburg, Centurion, Pretoria, Roodepoort, and surrounding suburbs. Our ceiling teams are based in Bryanston and can typically schedule an inspection within 48 hours. Call or WhatsApp +27 82 868 8396 to book.