Dry Wall Work Question

[Dr. FLK]

I'm getting ready to paint out master bathroom. It has cathedral ceilings. And at the highest point (of course) the dry wall tape is peeling. So, I need to remove, replace, and cover. The problem is...that highest point is directly above a shower stall. I don't want to put the ladder in the stall to avoid cracking fiberglass base. But, I can't put it outside of the stall and reach the corner because the angle would be too sharp.

So experts...how do I do this?

I've considered putting down plywood over the fiberglass base, and putting the ladder on the base. But, the base is not flat (for drainage), so I'm afraid I will be putting too much pressure around the edges of the fiberglass base.

[AgentOrange]

I'm getting ready to paint out master bathroom. It has cathedral ceilings. And at the highest point (of course) the dry wall tape is peeling. So, I need to remove, replace, and cover. The problem is...that highest point is directly above a shower stall. I don't want to put the ladder in the stall to avoid cracking fiberglass base. But, I can't put it outside of the stall and reach the corner because the angle would be too sharp.

So experts...how do I do this?

I've considered putting down plywood over the fiberglass base, and putting the ladder on the base. But, the base is not flat (for drainage), so I'm afraid I will be putting too much pressure around the edges of the fiberglass base.

I have put ladders on top of non-slick drop cloths right on the shower pan before. If you have a square piece of ply, that would work as well. It should make it so the area you are covering is all on the same pitch and thus the plywood will be flat. The only way you are cracking that shower pan is if you fall off the ladder and land on the pan. There should be some reinforcement under the pan, but if it is original to the house that might not be the case.

[Dr. FLK]

I have put ladders on top of non-slick drop cloths right on the shower pan before. If you have a square piece of ply, that would work as well. It should make it so the area you are covering is all on the same pitch and thus the plywood will be flat. The only way you are cracking that shower pan is if you fall off the ladder and land on the pan. There should be some reinforcement under the pan, but if it is original to the house that might not be the case.

Thanks for the info. I was thinking of putting something between the ladder and pan (like drop cloth?) to take up that space and distribute the weight. You don't think that's necessary?

It is the original to the house (house new in '94).

[AgentOrange]

Thanks for the info. I was thinking of putting something between the ladder and pan (like drop cloth?) to take up that space and distribute the weight. You don't think that's necessary?

It is the original to the house (house new in '94).

Put a drop cloth down. I would make sure the bottom is non slip. If the bottom doesn't have the non-slip on it, you might fall of the ladder.

[Dipper9]

I am curiously and patiently awaiting the story of FLK's trip to the emergency room!

[scOtt]

I am curiously and patiently awaiting the story of FLK's trip to the emergency room!

I would have just hired someone, but then I'm afraid of heights.

[Dr. FLK]

I am curiously and patiently awaiting the story of FLK's trip to the emergency room!

You doubt my home improvement skills?

[paulcoates]

Here is my thinking.

You stand on 2 feet. The ladder has 4. So the weight should be more evenly distributed and therefore you should not crack the pan simply because of distribution

[Dr. FLK]

Here is my thinking.

You stand on 2 feet. The ladder has 4. So the weight should be more evenly distributed and therefore you should not crack the pan simply because of distribution

The ladder will only have 2 feet - extension ladder - and those feet are smaller than my feet.

[paulcoates]

The ladder will only have 2 feet - extension ladder - and those feet are smaller than my feet.

ok, so go buy yourself two pieces of styrofoam and cut an insert in it. Styrofoam is pretty sturdy and it should provide you a broad base for weight dispersal

[Dr. FLK]

ok, so go buy yourself two pieces of styrofoam and cut an insert in it. Styrofoam is pretty sturdy and it should provide you a broad base for weight dispersal

That's a lot easier than my "put ladder on a hovercraft" solution.

[AgentOrange]

You really don't need to go through all that trouble man. I remodeled bathrooms for a living.

To each his own though.

[Dr. FLK]

You really don't need to go through all that trouble man. I remodeled bathrooms for a living.

To each his own though.

Past tense? Are you out of the remodeling biz?

[AgentOrange]

Past tense? Are you out of the remodeling biz?

Yeah, I don't work for a remodeling company anymore. I am trying to use my degree and there were limited opportunities there.

[AgentOrange]

How did this turn out?