Practicality of replacing a section of ceiling

[daginge]

Hi ABers Would it be impractical to replace the plaster from a section of plaster and lath ceiling with plasterboard? we have a small damaged section in the corner of the room (approximately 3' x 3') which we think may have been caused by condensation from the tumble drier. Could I carefully remove the plaster from that section and replace it without disturbing the rest of the ceiling do you think? I simply can't afford to replace the whole ceiling at the present time. TIA

[The Builder]

Definitely, Daggers ............ it's done all the time. If the laths are ok, you'll often find that you can remove the loose plaster, and fix plasterboard right over the laths. Usually, the thickness of old plaster is enough to accommodate 9.5mm board.
Remember to paint around the edge of the old plaster with PVA to stop the suction ........ or the plaster will dry too quickly at the join.

[AlBags]

Yes you can. Messy job it can be though. Lath/ plaster is pretty messy stuff when old .. there may be lots of black or dust on top.
The old-fashioned way (and still a good way) to remove was with a spade!
There will be lots of tacks into the timber joists to remove.
Clear the bad area (the lath may be rotten in parts) and cut section of plasterboard to fit tightly in the gap (you will prob have to use 1/2" board. Chamfer off the old plaster with a sharp knife. Nail up board with long PB/galv. roofing nails. Wet edges well and plaster in flush with 2-coat multi-finish. Finish is not so critical when matching into lath/PB ceiling .. as it will already be lumpy or bendy!

[AlBags]

Must have been typing same time mate ; )

[The Builder]

Hi Al ................ should keep him busy for a while lol

[AlBags]

(Remember .. You have the thickness of the lath .. AND the old plaster to make up)
I agree in some situations .. plasterboard on top of lath might be acceptable .. it's just not the way I personally do it!

[AlBags]

Black face is usually what I end up with : )

[daginge]

Thanks guys! Will have to get myself a bit dirty next weekend from the looks of it! LOL
Mind you; if the laths a are bit knackered TB what're my options?

[The Builder]

Do as Al says Dag, if the laths are no good........... better job too. Just takes a bit longer.

[daginge]

Cut out the lot? Will there be joists above the P&L to fix the PB to? Sorry never done anything like this before! ;-)

[The Builder]

If the laths are solid, and you fancy being a bit more adventurous ........ don't use p/board at all. Use Carlite Hardwall to plaster over the laths..... then skim to finish. That way it's a bit more like the original.

[AlBags]

1. Replace the lath .. and lime plaster it. OK when you know how to mix and how to plaster lath.
2. As above ... PB 1/2" + skim or PB 1/4"+lath + skim (one of these for you I think)

[The Builder]

Oh yes........... floor joists, or ceiling joists if it's upstairs. Plenty to fix to.

[daginge]

Ha ha bugger originality! I want the quickest, easiest and cheapest! LOL

[AlBags]

Yep ... or Toughcote seems to work too : )

[The Builder]

Lime plaster .............. go on then lol, you're right.
You up for that Dags?

[daginge]

Chop out and P/B in I think then! Just hope the rest holds up!

[The Builder]

While you're there Dags, a quick tip about holding the rest up.
Stick in a bradawl or something to locate a joist to fix to.......... (this is for anywhere that's a bit floppy) ............ use a zinc plated screw with a bodywasher to tie it back to the joist. (A bodywasher is a big washer, say 30mm, with a small hole in it)
Screw until the head and wasr are below the surface (just) ........ skim over.

[AlBags]

It always does.
As soon as you see lath, you'll know whether to take all off or just slice away plaster.
Keep an overlap onto joists so you can nail back plasterboard to them. You will need a saw or something to chop ends of lath on the joists.

[The Builder]

^^^^ washer

[The Builder]

I think we ought to go down the pub, Al .............. we've done Daggers head in lol