Plaster fell off from ceiliing!

fivefive · 20 Jun 2018

Hey guys,

Just had plaster fell off from the ceiliing at home: -
https://imgur.com/a/doZ0xEC

Does anyone know what's the easiest DIY solution to it please? Would it be possible to put on PVA then skim with just plaster? I understand it's probably best to use plasterboard but then for me it's kind of difficult... I don't really mind the quality, all I want it's to cover it up.

Would this white plaster do the job??
https://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-ready-mixed-plaster-white-10kg/23226

I would be really grateful.

Many thanks!

JohnD · 20 Jun 2018

you have a lath and plaster ceiling. Due to age, and probably war damage, it is no longer sound.

If you are a vandal you can rip it all down

If you do nothing it will probably all fall down

If you are respectful you can get an experienced restoration plasterer to retain the ornamental rose and coving and replaster the rest of the ceiling. This is the only step that will retain the value of the home.

bobasd · 20 Jun 2018

find all the ceiling joists and mark them with lines on centres.thats the joists in the exposed patch an the joists across the ceiling below the plaster. - mark them all.
then screw up into the joists through the plaster and plaster laths.
patch plaster the patch and then skim the whole ceiling.

dont mess with the coving or the ceiling rose unless they are loose. if they are come back here.

whats happening on the floor abovethat might cause vibrations?

fivefive · 20 Jun 2018

Thanks a lot for your replies. Unfortunately, I really don't have the budget to redo the entire ceiliing.

Basically, I'm looking for a quick easy DIY solution just to cover up the area. I wish to screw a plasterboard to the ceiliing joists. Then which product should I use to skim please?

Would the following work please? If so, does it need PVA??
https://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-ready-mixed-plaster-white-10kg/23226

I would be really grateful.

Many thanks!

bobasd · 20 Jun 2018

if you screw a p/board over the patch as it is you will make the p/board proud to the rest of the ceiling.
if you simlpy plaster over the patch as it is you will risk bringing down more of the ceiling including the patched bit.

fivefive · 21 Jun 2018

bobasd said:
if you screw a p/board over the patch as it is you will make the p/board proud to the rest of the ceiling.
if you simlpy plaster over the patch as it is you will risk bringing down more of the ceiling including the patched bit.

Thanks for your reply! Sorry, but what does it mean by "p/board proud to the rest of the ceiling" please? Does it mean the plasterboard will stick out and become noticeable on the ceiliing?

Many thanks!

cwhaley · 21 Jun 2018

Yes he does mean that. Imagine a big sheet of plasterboard (probably 12.5mm thick) just screwed to the ceiling - it'll look a mess. That plaster coving is beautiful and definitely something to keep, so I'd be inclined to find the money and have the ceiling boarded with the original rose and coving kept intact. you'll look back and thank yourself in years to come.

Hard to tell from the one picture, but the room doesn't look very big given the size of that alcove. It might not cost as much as you think to get the ceiling done.

fivefive · 21 Jun 2018

Unfortunately, it's not an option for us at the moment and I will explain why: -

1. We have a tenant living in that room at the moment, so I cannot just kick him out to redo the entire ceiling

2. We will refurbish the entire house in the future, which is when we will have builders to redo everything professionally, so we wish to leave it until then and seek a DIY solution instead just to cover up that area...

I would like to screw a plasterboard to the ceiliing joists, but then I don't know what to do next in order to skim... Does anyone know which ready mixed product I could use to skim please? And would I need to apply PVA first?? Anyone have an easy step-by-step guide please?

I would be extremely grateful.

Many thanks!!

pilsbury · 21 Jun 2018

You can buy 9.5mm plasterboard. I suppose you might get away with that not sitting proud of the rest of the ceiling. As for ready mixed plaster, not sure. Why not just buy a £5 of multifinish and mix yourself. That’s the proper stuff and probably much cheaper.

To be honest your DIY repair even when painted is going to look a bit naff. Quite a knack to blend in. And I have a sneaking suspicion that as you repair you’ll disturb more of the plaster that’s clearly had it’s day.

fivefive · 21 Jun 2018

Thanks a lot.

I'm not really good at mixing stuff, so would really prefer ready mixed plaster that I could use to skim right after I have screwed on the plasterboard...

pilsbury · 21 Jun 2018

fivefive said:
I'm not really good at mixing stuff.

The mixing is very easy....... it’s the spreading that is hard......

fivefive · 21 Jun 2018

pilsbury said:
The mixing is very easy....... it’s the spreading that is hard......

Thanks! Do I need to apply PVA first before the plaster skim please?

pilsbury · 21 Jun 2018

Not on the plasterboard. But it might be worth slapping some diluted pva on the edges of the original plaster your joining too. Could also add some scrim tape and feather the plaster edge out.

DaveHerns · 21 Jun 2018

If the rest of the ceiling falls down on your tenant, you can expect a big claim for compensation.

JohnD · 21 Jun 2018

if there should happen to be a fire (heaven forfend) it's the plaster ceiling that provides the fire barrier to the upstairs. So the joists and floorboards will be alight, electric cables melting, and smoke pouring through.

Probably won't happen, but it's a terrible thought.

You'll also get noise transmission, of course.

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Plaster fell off from ceiliing!

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