Lathe plaster ceilings

[davesparks]

At the first fix stage you cut out a section of the ceiling between the joists at each light position and fix a bit of plasterboard in its place, once the plasterer has spread his much around it'll be as good as new and you have a stable ceiling.

If it's being over boarded you should still cut a big hole in the lathe and plaster so that the downlights only get fitted in to plasterboard and not the uber-thick lathe and plaster.

 

[cliffed]

Agree,but told not to do this,building being listed ,all original to stay,even had a specialist lime plasterer in,he used real ale,beer to make it stick ,even urinated into mix,then lime plastered.
cheers

 

[davesparks]

How did you get away with damaging the ceiling to fit downlights if the conservation people are being that small about it?

 

[cliffed]

They didn't feel we were damaging the ceiling,we are not actually pulling down ceilings to fix lights.
cheers

 

[davesparks]

You've got to love listed building wombles haven't you!

Whoever designed the installation with downlights in a listed ceiling needs to be taking the wrap for this!

 

[cliffed]

Hopefully light consultant will take the wrap,the larger size lights ain't too bad,it's the smaller,just over 25mm that's the problem
cheers

 

[Sparky_Steve]

just get out the crowbar

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Hi bud,lath and plaster ceilings were NEVER intended to be pierced,and apart from the variation of thickness,it leaves unsupported laths,loose and crumbly! Previous comment regarding fire risk is also pertinent,there are NO better fire-lighters than a handful of those sticks. The edging of all lath and plaster ceilings is a weakness,due to the nature of how the structure supports itself. Options are,overboarding,inserting section of Gypsum board between joists,or,worst of all,rip out! I have seen ingenious use of board and drywall adhesive,but any re-positioning of lamp may result in cracking. ...and don't forget to wash your hair twice :stooge_curly:

Ha! Youre right there,took a whole wall down once and thought the same, these 120 year dry as a bone sticks look like they'd be good kindling.... Wow nothing like it before or since.

 

[cliffed]

That's a real gud pic,scary

 

[davesparks]

The trick with these listed ceilings is to make good friends with the plasterers and know exactly when the historical wombles is due to visit.
That way a carefully planned removal of sections of ceiling and patching up before anyone sees it will be no problem.

(Not that I've ever got away with murder in listed buildings before )