Hi all, we had a pipe freeze in the attic resulting in the need for new ceiling. We've got recessed lighting (can lights retrofitted with LEDs mounted to ceiling joists). What's the easiest way to measure and cut holes in the new panels to match the existing can lights? Is it simply measure from all four sides to the center of the can or is there a better way to do it? I've searched but everything I find relates to installing new can lights in existing ceilings, not the other way around. Thanks for the help.

I have since pulled down more of the ceiling paneling that was damaged.

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Arrakis_Travel_Agent t1_j24p19x wrote on December 29, 2022 at 5:18 PM

Pull measurements from the adjacent panels to find the centerline of the can (x & y axis). Mark the centerline on the new panel, making sure you take into account the proper orientation of the panel once hung. Use a compass to draw your circular cut line. Make it slightly larger but still close enough to actual diameter that the scussion covers it. If you're matching existing 1/4" panel, I'd use a jigsaw with a fine blade to cut the hole. Hang panel. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Drywallers use a router. They'll hang the sheet, find the approximate location and do a plunge cut. Find the edge and follow it around.

PanhandlerFL OP t1_j254rcl wrote on December 29, 2022 at 6:58 PM

Thanks! You made me remember, I used a drywall router bit the first time around years ago!

Synaps4 t1_j24h0n2 wrote on December 29, 2022 at 4:26 PM

With the bezel from each light removed, you could put some grease pen grease on the circular edge of the light fixture and mount the panel right up against it, then remove the panel. The grease will transfer where the light was pressed up against the back of the panel and you can cut there.

Also, you could lay the old bad panel over the top of the new one, clamp them together and use the old one to trace or even as a router jig to cut the new one.

PanhandlerFL OP t1_j24jfe3 wrote on December 29, 2022 at 4:42 PM

Thank you. I like the grease pen idea. Unfortunately the old panels fell apart!

bcvickers t1_j25p38x wrote on December 29, 2022 at 9:10 PM

Measure 3-4 times and make sure you're "looking" at the panel and placing the measurements correctly, front vs back or top vs bottom.

PanhandlerFL OP t1_j26h9g5 wrote on December 30, 2022 at 12:22 AM

Always good advice!

JonJackjon t1_j25ud1l wrote on December 29, 2022 at 9:45 PM

If the grease pen doesn't work you can tape sharpies to the fixture. If you use three different colors you can see where the can would "like" to be.

PanhandlerFL OP t1_j26hcq2 wrote on December 30, 2022 at 12:22 AM

Great idea, thank you.

skydiver1958 t1_j2be6hm wrote on December 31, 2022 at 12:24 AM

Figuring out a hole is easy. What I want to know is why in the hell do you have water pipes in an attic that can freeze? Get the pipes out of the attic.

Sorry I live in Canada and water pipes in the attic space or in outside wall space is not accepted

Don't bother fixing the ceiling until you get rid of water pipes unless you like a redo every year.