Replacing ceiling

[HammieUK]

Evening!

The ceiling in my spare room started coming down a few weeks back (not from me mis-stepping I might add!), it's an old lathe and plaster jobbie, about 4 square foot of plaster has come down so far and there's clearly more to come. I'll be replacing it with plasterboard, the question is should I just board over what's there, pull down the plaster, or pull down the lathes too? I have good access from above to kick it out, and mess isn't an issue. Ta for any advice.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

If the mess is not an issue, and there will be some! so shut the doors lay the dust sheets and open the windows, have brush, shovel, buckets, rubble bags at the ready. Don't forget the PPE, goggles, dust mask, gloves are a must!
Rip the lot down and start from scratch.
If you have a helper, I would suggest using 2.4X1.2X12.5mm boards for the ceiling as it will cover the area quicker with less joints and normally less cuts.
The joints between butted boards should be staggered this will help prevent cracks along the joist lines. Screws every 150-200mm, use dry wall screws also consider a vapour check board to prevent condensation.
A few useful links:
dry wall screws
vapour check
staggered joints
dead man