L&P Ceiling - Board Over or Bring Down?

[subzero]

Hi

Some advice needed please!

We have a Lathe & Plaster ceiling which has started falling down (about 2sqm so far). Unfortunately the buildings insurance won't cover it (common problem so it seems) so we are having to fork out for the repairs ourselves.

We've had a couple of quotes so far. One plasterer advised to just board over what's there already, screwing plasterboard to the joists (through the existing plaster and lathe obviously).

Another plasterer advised to take down all the existing plaster and lathe, and then to board and skim.

I would think the second approach is the most sensible one, although obviously more time consuming and messy.

Your expert opinions would be gratefully appreciated.

 

[Richard C]

I would think the second approach is the most sensible one, although obviously more time consuming and messy.

Your absolutely 100% correct & probably why the 1st guy didn’t want t do it; it’s an absolute sh i te of a job. It will obviously will more expensive because of the sheer inconvenience let alone the mess it will make which will permeate throughout the rest of the property.

Over-boarding can work if the lath is all largely still intact but if it’s falling down then you’re just asking for problems with over-boarding & the possibility of undulations forming later as the new boards try to hold up what’s left of the deteriorating lath trying to fall down. Its one area where you will save some cash by pulling it all down yourself before getting quotes so you get covered sh i te rather than the spread. But leave the re-boarding & prep unless you know what your doing & your spread is happy to accommodate you doing it. Personally I would be quiet happy for you to pull the old one down & clean up but would want to do the rest myself.

 

[ashymoko]

overboarding the ceiling is the easiest and cheapest option to be fair.
if youve ever experienced the dust from removing a lathe and plaster ceiling then you would understand. the dust will cover the whole house one way or another, no matter how you sheet up.
Removing is only really beneficial if you want to level up the ceiling, install spot lights or insulate.
I left two labourers at a customers house to remove a lathe and plaster ceiling in a bedroom, I emphasised how important it was to tape up the door to the brand new white ensuite room. The lads rang and said all was good and they finished. Later that evening i had a picture text from the customer of the white ensuite now black with "your in trouble" written in the dust.
She had been warned before and had actually assisted the lads to tape and sheet the door up.......unlucky lol. She found the funny side lucky enough.

choice is yours.... but trust me if you remove there will be mess!!! lol.

 

[roughcaster]

If there's no chance of saving it,, take it all down. If you overboard a ceiling that's a bit dodgy and it fails,,,it will ruin the new plasterboard. There's a lot of weight hanging up there.

Roughcaster.

 

[Richard C]

Beat ya to it
Lots of new advice about in the last few days RC

 

[roughcaster]

Beat ya to it
Lots of new advice about in the last few days RC

Pipped at the post.

Roughcaster.

 

[NickB_99]

Pipped at the post.

the competition on this forum is really hotting up!

Will have to ask the Mods to install a photo-finish option on the site, to check for a winner

 

[subzero]

Guys, you're all winners!

Thanks for taking the time to respond with your valuable advice.

 

[roughcaster]

Guys, you're all winners!

Thanks for taking the time to respond with your valuable advice.

You're most welcome Subz'o.

 

[wozza56]

overboarding the ceiling is the easiest and cheapest option to be fair.
I would have to disagree with this ,yes it makes a mess but can be pulled down in no time and makes putting up the new boards a lot easier and your more likely to get a flatter surface if your not following whats already there
The cleaning up is the worst bit