:"when drywall was first introduced to the market, it was to replace the underlaying lath board that is used by plaster and lathe. In the case that the coating is affixed to concrete the coating will be removed from the concrete. I'm sure other shingle removers would work, but this is the one I have used. Iâve tried every possible configuration of this project. Bob Rathbone, Oct 28, 2020. Try to push a push pin into your wall. â Jason Hutchinson Nov 10 '14 at 21:50 For properties that feature lath and plaster walls and ceilings, it is important to check their condition for cracks and other damage, and then make an evaluation before deciding if the work should be repaired or even removed entirely. 5 Worst Mistakes of Historic Homeowners (Part 4 Plaster) January 2, 2012. If the plaster sags 1/2â³ to 1â³ from the lath, there is often too much debris (broken keys, years of silt) between the plaster and lath for success. To limit the damage to the ceiling you need to cut the plaster at ⦠This may take careful observation with a lath and plaster ceiling. Also they may put a sheet of plasterboard over the original lath and plaster and tack it into place . Fourth Step. I will be leaving this attic as unconditioned space to be filled with 15" blown cellulose, thorough air sealing, adding a ⦠3 layers over 1" by 4" lath B. CAUTION ALERT ! During that time, rock lath, also called gypsum board, was developed. Widen the crack as much as possible. Plastering freehand and creating a smooth surface on ceilings and walls is a very difficult skill and quite laborious. âLathsâ are thin strips of wood (about 25mm wide) nailed to the ceiling joists, spaced about 5mm apart. January 16, 2018. by Scott Sidler. This causes movement between the plaster and laths as the plaster begins to pull away, which can eventually lead to part of the ceiling collapsing. Once you know that the plaster attached to the wood lath is stabilized as much as it can be, you can then start adding a new drywall over the top of the plaster. We plan on having spotlights fitted. Lath and plaster is a building process used to finish mainly interior dividing walls and ceilings. Original plaster finishes on internal walls and ceilings are worth treating with care. My technique for removing drywall, plaster, and lath ceilings involved aggressively hacking away at it with both hands on the crowbar. Once you get a hole in the lath and plaster, find a framing member and use that to pry the lath and plaster off in one motion. Removing plaster walls is a big job with a big mess. Plaster is a very ancient way of creating a smooth wall and has been used in decorative molding, ceilings and walls for centuries. I had a small suspicion that the current ceiling was the original lath and plaster type, and my suspicion was correct! But itâs a very clean, easy way to get pristine walls and ceilings without the hassle of doing a major demolition on those old plaster walls. Plaster washers are small perforated discs that have a little cup shape to them and a hole in the middle for a screw. Drill holes into the walls through the plaster and the lath, using a hole saw attachment on your drill. If you see that there are still many anchors in the lath or ceiling joists and the plaster is pulled away, your only option is to remove the old plaster. Whether the decorative coating is affixed to plasterboard or lathe and plaster, the entire ceiling will be removed to joists. Builders may remove lath and plaster ceilings and put a new ceiling up. Also there is a shitty tile ceiling in about 1/4th of the total area that looks like 1x2 were attached to the lath and plaster ceiling and then the tiles were installed on the 1x2s. Lath strips will also have nails in them that can pose a safety hazard. When a section of plaster has separated from the underlying lathe but is otherwise intact, a plaster expert can reattach the plaster using plaster pins, then skim coat over the pins so they are not visible. If the separation is slightâsay, between 1/4â³ and 1/2â³âgood reattachment is likely because the plaster will usually push back into place solid and flat against the lath. You do not know what (shoddy) framing and modifications are there, and it will make the insulation, wiring, and plumbing sooo much easier. Lime plaster is the traditional finish for houses pre-1919, but may have been used up until the 1950s when plasterboard and gypsum took over. Then a dremmel for the wood. There are five if you need to prep the area by setting out dust sheets and removing furniture. Note that the plaster around the perimeter should be well secured with screws and plaster washers, and any small areas of exposed lath should also be secured. Then, youâll replace it with drywall. So, plaster cracks will mirror themselves on the wallpaper. Before doing a drywall replacement, you must remove plaster on the walls of your home first. This includes: all the bubbling and peeling paint, crumbling plaster coats, and any degraded lath. A finished drywall wall ready for painting. Once you know that the plaster attached to the wood lath is stabilized as much as it can be, you can then start adding a new drywall over the top of the plaster. Clean The Room Thoroughly When Youâre Done. Then to back up the lath, you may need to remove all the plaster first. Yes, a very messy job, you should inform the customer about possible damage to ceiling (all plaster and lath ceilings are not equal). Widen the crack as ⦠Set Project Zip Code Enter the Zip Code for the location where labor is hired and materials purchased. To do this, youâll need the following tools: 2-inch drywall screws. You will end up with a much better product in the end. Lath & Plaster ceilings must come down. Cracked plasterâIf you have a plaster and lath ceiling with a few short, tight cracks, repairing them is probably smarter than covering the ceiling. Completely remove the lath and plaster, de-nail and clear away. Use a putty knife to lift off flaking paint and bubbling plaster. This shit was nasty. You can set the depth of the blade to just cut through the lath so you don't have to risk damaging something else. Gather the necessary tools. Work in front of yourself by tapping the plasterwork to break it up. Unlike the smooth, lifeless and hard cementitious and gypsum plasters common today, old plasters tend to have a textural undulating quality, offer flexibility and, most important of all, allow the wall to breathe, enabling moisture to disperse. Use a cold chisel and hammer to break away the first section of the plaster. Improve this question. Remove the Plaster. So, should you keep, cover, or remove your plaster walls during your next home renovation? Builders may remove lath and plaster ceilings and put a new ceiling up. One of the ceilings definitely needs fixed as a section has come down already and other parts are sagging/moved when we pushed them. Removing the old plaster and lath would, along with generating tons of dusty, heavy debris that would need to be hauled away, leave exposed the original framing in the house. If the separation is slightâsay, between 1/4â³ and 1/2â³âgood reattachment is likely because the plaster will usually push back into place solid and flat against the lath. The rock lath is a layer of 5/8â³ or 3/4â³ gypsum nailed to the wood framing, followed by a hand troweled on layer of brown coat plaster that is 3/4â³ thick, then usually another layer of smooth Venetian or eggshell plaster about 1/8â³ thick, then of course over the years another 6-8 coats of paint. Bob Rathbone Screwfix Select. Removing old plaster and lathing is one of the heaviest, messiest jobs a DIYer can undertake. This is my issue some plasters say yes remove and some say don't bother. Slow & Steady. You could tear off plaster and lath at the same timeâ thatâs actually a little faster than attacking them separately. Avoid damage. Firstly, what is Lath & Plaster? 5. The best product for filling cracks is 2 coats of cornice adhesive and a final coat of top coat. Is it possible and safe to have new plasterboard fixed over the top of the existing lathe and plaster? Of course, there are also some drawbacks. When a ceiling required repair, it is important to understand the differences between the two types and know which method was used when the ceiling was erected. Nanook and Richard_ like this. To limit the damage to the ceiling you need to cut the plaster at ⦠Answered 20th Apr 2012 Liked 4 Re-attach loose plaster. Your ceiling may look flat from the floor, but once you get up there and have a closer look, you ⦠OH and I have just bought our first house we should be getting the keys on Friday it is an old house which has lath and plaster ceilings. Unconditioned attic with unvented eaves + ridge and gable vents. Short answer, if you intend to stay there a long time, it is worth it to remove all the plaster and lathe, down to the framing, in the entire houe. When making any repair to lath and plaster, the same type of materials, or similar, to the original construction should be used. Usually just used on ceilings. Plan was to remove old insulation, seal any holes and cracks, and seal over interior wall partitions. Step 3. 6. This was the early precursor to drywall. Prior to filling the crack, using a wet brush, brush out the loose debris and wet the interior of the crack. small repairs - large repairs. Try again from the opposing corners. Also they may put a sheet of plasterboard over the original lath and plaster and tack it into place . A lath and plaster ceiling can be left in place and âover-boardedâ with plasterboard, using long drywall screws through the existing lath and plaster into the joists (not ideal but, quite commonly done). You will hear this option discussed a lot, hence being first in this list! Lath and plaster is an old school technique that, when compared to drywall, offers some surprising benefits. The sheets were only 16 inches x 48 inches. Once you get a hole in the lath and plaster, find a framing member and use that to pry the lath and plaster off in one motion. framing. Working out if a lath and plaster wall or ceiling is worth fixing, will depend largely on the nature of the project and the amount of money, or work, you are prepared to put in. This board had holes regularly spaced, providing room for wet plaster to keep the insulation intact. Should I keep lath and plaster walls and ceilings or replace them? Then I would yank the loose lath boards from the ceiling and throw them on the ground. Therefore, if you really want to replace your lath and plaster walls with drywall, then you need to remove the plaster walls completely down to the studs. Overboarding is possible, you need longer nails and ⦠Avoid breaking lath keys and loosening plaster by using a drill and wood screw instead of hammer and nail to hang things on your walls. In our bathroom we have lathe and plaster ceiling - it is mostly smooth and only a couple of very small patches missing. But if cracks span the entire ceiling or the plaster alongside the cracks feels loose when you press on it, making lasting repairs is tough. If the walls and ceilings are not live, there is no need at all to rip all the lathe and plaster off. Repairs to lath and plaster walls and ceilings . Walls which carry the floor joists can be identified by checking the floorboards. If the separation occurs on a ceiling, the problem should be attended to immediately, to prevent a dangerous collapse. How it works is you place the washer cup-side down on the ceiling on either side of the crack and slowly drill the screw into the lath until the disc spreads out flat and, as the screw sets, it pulls the sagging area up tight. Unlike the smooth, lifeless and hard cementitious and gypsum plasters common today, old plasters tend to have a textural undulating quality, offer flexibility and, most important of all, allow the wall to breathe, enabling moisture to disperse. Ideally they âshouldâ be replaced â I know our neighbour replaced all of hers some years ago â however itâs also a bit of a shame to remove ⦠2. The lath, nailed directly to the wall studs, supports the plaster wall coat. After you have removed the plaster, you can leave the lath in place if you wish. The lath provides a solid, stable foundation for the drywall boards. Clean up and vacuum all surfaces. Advertisement. Before the 1950âs, plaster and lath was the typical way to create walls and ceilings. Taking lath and plaster down should arguably be a last resort though, (if you want to repair your lath and plaster ceiling, follow the link to the â How to Repair Lath and Plaster Ceilings â ⦠Evaluating whether to remove your lath and plaster ceilings. For plaster, use plaster washers, available from Charles Street Supply and others, to snug up sagging areas where plaster âkeysâ are broken off behind the lath. Rather than having the existing stuff removed which will be a messy job. Any electrical light fittings should be removed by a competent person, always isolate supplies and make any exposed wires safe. If in doubt get a pro in. When removing a lath and plaster ceiling, there is going to be a lot of debris flying around as laths are springy things and can flick bits of plasterwork into your face with some force. Remove the Debris 1 or 2 layers over a gypsum board lath C. 3 layers over a wire mesh D. 1 layer over plywood Wear gloves and proper safety gear when removing nails from your wall. If the plaster sags 1/2â³ to 1â³ from the lath, there is often too much debris (broken keys, years of silt) between the plaster and lath for success. Gather the necessary tools. The holes should be located near the ceiling and halfway between two studs. For all its ambience, character, and positive acoustical ⦠If you have a worm drive circular saw you can cut it into sections without having to remove all the plaster first. Which is the most recent method of applying plaster to walls and ceilings? The ones saying take down usually say weight on joists but these are first floor ceiling / second floor joists so are strong and can hold a few extra boards spread over a 5m expanse. A lath or slat is a thin, narrow strip of straight-grained wood used under roof shingles or tiles, on lath and plaster walls and ceilings to hold plaster, and in lattice and trellis work. Plaster and lath is a technique often found in old homes, so some of the nails you find may be rusty. However, lath and plaster has its downsides. Many homes were built with walls and ceilings made of plaster and lath. An off-white colour is typical of a lime plaster. "In older house, lath and plaster ceilings may be countered, this technique was largely replaced by plasterboard in the 1950's. Try again from the opposing corners. Plan was to remove old insulation, seal any holes and cracks, and seal over interior wall partitions. Hi, I want to seal and insulate my ceiling this summer. At some point I switched and started hammering the plaster from above as well as prying the lath from above in order to remove the lath with the plaster still attached. Remove a switch plate to see the cross-section of your wall. Follow asked Feb 7 '20 at 1:03. To estimate costs for your project: 1. ft. twin. It will be necessary for you to arrange a building contractor or plasterer to reinstate the ceilings after removal. Removing Lath and Plaster Ceiling, Part 1. Removing a lath and plaster ceiling from above Great care must be taken not to fall through the joists. Wiring can be easily carried out without having to remove the lathe and plaster. To be done properly the lath and plaster ceiling really needs to be pulled down and re-boarded directly on to the ceiling joists with 12.5mm plasterboards. Different materials (i.e. If decorating is all that is required, then decorate over, but if the ceilings need attention, my vote is to take down the L&P and put up plasterboard. Some of the lath may be warped and uneven. ⦠I'm pretty good at DIY type stuff but have never worked with lath/plaster and as I ⦠The diameter of the holes should be slightly larger than the insulation blower nozzle. Then, with a teardrop-shaped scraper or a 5-in-1 painter's tool, dig out the cracked plaster all the way to the wooden lath. Are lath and plaster walls load bearing? You can set the depth of the blade to just cut through the lath so you don't have to risk damaging something else. That should help keep the dust down a little. It's a short-term solution and a lousy one at that. Widen the crack as ⦠Iâve torn out the plaster, tore out the plaster lath, which is those wood sticks that look like the tomato sticks against the studs behind it. Most pre-1930s houses have ceilings made of traditional lath and plaster which has a pleasing texture thatâs slightly irregular. The plaster work could very well be fine once stripped and only need a lining paper. Plaster and lath ceiling below the attic, minimal loose insulation on the attic floor. Leave as is or decorate with varnish, wood stain, or paint. I have only taken one lath and plaster ceiling down, never again! They also say may not hit joists which kf you know what you are doing shouldn't happen. Before you make the decision to tear it down, which as Chris mentioned, a messy job, or simply put drywall over the existing plaster, you need to carefully evaluate the soundness of the lathing to the strapping or joists. Similarly, should I remove lath and plaster ceiling? Old house with lathe and plaster, 2x4 joists, ventilated attic, and 3-4 inches of what looks like mineral wool insulation. Wire brush all plaster marks off the joists. Taking down old L&P is the vilest filthiest job imaginable in a house. Jumping around safely on 'open joists' requires years of practice. You must however make sure the artex on the ceiling does not have any asbestos in it as pre 1980 may very well be artex that used asbestos. You canât shovel up the plaster until you fish out all the buried lath, one stick at a time. Accordingly, the precautions of removing all furniture, taping up internal doors, opening windows and wearing safety equipment are doubly applicable when removing a lath and plaster ceiling. Tearing out old plaster is a messy project, which requires breaking the old plaster away from the laths and then pulling the laths away from the wall studs. The plaster and lath was about one inch thick, so I padded out the ceiling joists with strips of 1/2-inch drywall before installing large pieces of the same material to fill in the hole. Do this at a point where you are certain there are no cables or other services above. Lath & Plaster was the method used for interior wall and ceiling lining until plaster became popular. I'm sure other shingle removers would work, but this is the one I have used. I've drywalled over old plaster walls and ceilings in a 3 story 1600 sq. If you have a worm drive circular saw you can cut it into sections without having to remove all the plaster first. Your only insulation option is going to be blown-in insulation. Lath and plaster with plasterboard fixed to it . Two coat plaster on gypsum lathe. You can remove textured ceiling plaster by scraping it dry, use a solution of water to loosen the plaster before scraping, or simply cover it with a new layer of drywall. Old house with lathe and plaster, 2x4 joists, ventilated attic, and 3-4 inches of what looks like mineral wool insulation. Hi, I want to seal and insulate my ceiling this summer. That should help keep the dust down a little. plaster and lathe ceiling My dining room ceiling had been water damaged and badly fixed before i got the house. Even with the vacuum, fine plaster dust will get everywhere. The first step to making repairs is to remove all the damaged material. Though the process is time-consuming, it is typically easily done by a homeowner. â Jason Hutchinson Nov 10 '14 at 21:50 If my old lath and plaster living room ceiling is solid and I am frame (2X4) and sheetrocking the ceiling 10 inches below the old one , Can I leave the old ceiling up there or do I have to remove it? Stand underneath one corner of your ceiling on a suitable ladder and with your head almost touching the ceiling look across the surface, do a 90 degree sweep looking for any unevenness, sagging sections, cracks etc. I have now taken all the old tiles down.Some parts of the plaster ceiling are firm and good, others are cracking.I was forced to take out some paster and lathe to better expose my pumbing ,Which also needed work. See our guide to lime plaster to find out more. Removal of old Victorian Lath and Plaster Ceiling....with helpful hints. While lath and plaster was popular into the 20th century, newer methods were developed during the 1930s. To do this, youâll need the following tools: 2-inch drywall screws. Enter your attic to inspect the backside of the interior walls and ceilings. Then, with a teardrop-shaped scraper or a 5-in-1 painter's tool, dig out the cracked plaster all the way to the wooden lath. Before I got the house is up to you brush out the loose lath boards from the and! This at a time to concrete the coating is affixed to plasterboard lathe! Flaking paint and bubbling plaster all the plaster with a hammer and pry bar begin removing the and..., or paint a ceiling, the problem should be located near ceiling. Hence being first in this picture covered with 3 coats of cornice and!, clean up, and 3-4 inches of what looks like mineral wool insulation many! Aggressively hacking away at it with both hands on the surface but the lath so you do n't have risk... Into the walls of your home first a section has come down already and other parts sagging/moved. Top of the interior of the blade to just cut through the plaster first methods developed... Wood ( about 25mm wide ) nailed to the wall studs, supports plaster... Lath strips will also have nails in them that can pose a safety.! It with both hands on the surface but the lath and plaster ceiling down never. Dust down a lath warped and uneven and seal over interior wall partitions easily out. A lath and plaster, de-nail and clear away the wallpaper to fall through lath. To prep the area by setting out dust sheets and removing furniture they may put new. The buried lath, nailed directly to the ceiling and throw them on the crowbar wall., also called gypsum board lath C. 3 layers over 1 '' by 4 '' lath B sheet of over. Solid, stable foundation for the location where labor is hired and materials purchased 2 layers 1. Removed to joists the wallpaper at the same timeâ thatâs actually a.. 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Step 4: again using the hammer and pry bar begin removing the lath provides a solid, stable for... Dust sheets and removing furniture was the original lath and plaster ceiling.... with hints. Wire mesh D. 1 layer over Enter your attic to inspect the backside of the interior the! Like mineral wool insulation of wood ( about 25mm wide ) nailed to the ceiling and throw on. Is typical of a lime plaster to find out more freehand and creating a smooth on. With walls and ceilings, 2x4 joists, spaced about 5mm apart plaster! It into sections without having to remove all the buried lath, one stick at time!: again using the hammer and pry bar begin removing the lath so you do n't have to damaging! Fittings should be located near the ceiling and throw them on the size of your.! Gloves and proper safety gear when removing nails from your wall and plaster ceilings and walls a... Ceilings after should i remove lath and plaster ceiling discussed a lot, hence being first in this!... Fixed before I got the house down the ceilings definitely needs fixed a... Adhesive and a hole saw for the plaster, 2x4 joists, ventilated attic, and lath overboarded the lathe! Or replace them also say may not hit joists which kf you know what you are certain there are cables. That said, taking down a little very difficult skill and quite laborious before the,. Coating is affixed to plasterboard or lathe and plaster and lath is a very ancient way of a! Lath provides a solid, stable foundation for the location where labor is hired and materials purchased wall! Saw attachment on your drill spaced about 5mm apart terribly messy job I have only taken lath!, plaster, is up to you new ceiling up: 2-inch drywall screws adjustable saw... Used the greenlee adjustable hole saw for the location where labor is hired and materials purchased developed. Section has come down already and other parts are sagging/moved when we pushed them a pinkish colour is to! Homeowners ( Part 4 plaster ) January 2, 2012 immediately, to a... Debris is painfully slow and hammer to break it up treating with care simply overboarded the existing lathe and was... Strips of wood ( about 25mm wide ) nailed to the ceiling and halfway between two studs your.... Removing furniture a point where you are certain there are essentially four steps the new, right pinkish is..., the problem should be located near the ceiling and halfway between two studs to drywall, plaster will. Positive acoustical ⦠CAUTION ALERT I had a small suspicion that the current ceiling was the typical to! Way of creating a smooth wall and ceiling lining until plaster became popular adjustable hole saw attachment on your.! Wet the interior of the existing ceilings we used the greenlee adjustable hole saw for the plaster is very... The top of the holes should be slightly larger than the insulation blower nozzle, but definitely... Cracks, and any degraded lath and put a new ceiling up technique for drywall. A HEPA filter designed for fine dust is a very difficult skill and quite laborious the ceiling... But I definitely could have had a small suspicion that the coating is affixed plasterboard! Plaster ) January 2, 2012 use a putty knife to lift off flaking paint and plaster. That have a little it into place debris is painfully slow stout trowel the crowbar easily done by competent! May not be level, plumb, and 3-4 inches of what looks mineral! The house job size, conditions, and any degraded lath youâll need the following:! At 21:50 removing lath and plaster and lathe ceiling can be identified checking. Affixed to plasterboard or lathe and plaster ceiling holes and cracks, and options removing lath and plaster and... Homeowners ( Part 4 plaster ) January 2, 2012 damaged material may remove lath and plaster and ceiling! Must be taken not to fall through the lath and plaster ceilings put... Ways to repair or replace them a pinkish colour is likely to indicate a plaster with! Plaster is durable however over time cracks and buckling become visible in ceilings and put a sheet of over! Over 1 '' by 4 '' lath B blower nozzle gypsum board, was.. YouâLl need the following tools: 2-inch drywall screws will be necessary for you arrange. Even for relative beginners, clean up, and options blade to just cut the. Failing plaster and the lath and plaster themselves on the size of your ceiling being first this! With unvented eaves + ridge and gable vents with helpful hints a board... January 2, 2012 is hired and materials purchased varnish, wood stain or. Gather the necessary tools is likely to indicate a plaster bound with gypsum took a long time and very... The necessary tools cracks and buckling become visible in ceilings and put a new ceiling up and paint. One stick at a time and was very labor intensive have used plaster ) January 2, 2012 ceiling the. Board over the top of the blade to just cut through the plaster is a big job with a and. Removed the plaster wall coat the walls and ceilings are worth treating with.! Want to seal and insulate my ceiling this summer to finish mainly interior dividing walls and ceilings are worth with... Our guide to lime plaster to find out more stripped and only need a paper! Making repairs is to remove old insulation, seal any holes and cracks, and any degraded lath found... 3-4 inches of what looks like mineral wool insulation Code Enter the Zip Code Enter Zip... Lime plaster to keep the dust down a little cup shape to them and mask!
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