Lath And Plaster Ceiling Repair

Steps for patching a plaster and lathe ceiling.

Lath and plaster ceiling repair. What old house owner doesn t have a cracking or sagging plaster ceiling in need of repair somewhere. Lath is the name for the narrow boards of varying widths that are fixed to the timbers inside your walls. When originally installed wood lathe was nailed to the ceiling joists. A sagging ceiling does not necessarily mean that the plasterwork has broken away from the lath though old houses settle and the ceilings go along for the ride.

Besides the normal wear and tear of living plaster and lath ceilings are at the mercy of gravity and they can take only so many water leaks and structural movements before they pull away from the framing. One option is to cut out the damaged area and install a 3 8 thick sheet of blue board and plaster. You will hear this option discussed a lot and for many it is considered the only option mostly to avoid the horrible mess created. If there are areas where you suspect that the plaster has separated from the lath gently push upwards with the palm of your hands.

Prior to the widespread use of drywall after world war ii most walls and ceilings were constructed using a lath and plaster system. Using plaster magic prevents having to skim the entire ceiling because it uses a very effective adhesive to reattach the plaster to the lathe meaning no permanent plaster washers. Here s a quick list of the tools and supplies you ll need. In older homes.

This creates a horizontal working surface that allows the plaster to bind to it to give your walls a lasting surface. Plaster mixed with horsehair or goat hair was then forced onto the lathe forming a key that holds it to the lathe. Lath and plaster is a process used to finish interior walls and ceiling. Before doing any plaster ceiling repair make sure to setup drop clothes and wear eye protection.