Should we replace or repair our ceilings?

[misty1001]

Victorian house with cracked ceilings - although not about to fall down - plasterer says knock them down and put up new plasterboard and skim - any thoughts other than the monumental mess lath and plaster is going to make when it comes down!? Our house is divided over this - please cast your votes now...

[Tweed]

I'd agree with the plasterer. It'll have to happen sometime.

[jake-the-peg]

I'd agree too *provided your house is not listed*

[PlainJane]

Is there any reason why the old ceiling has to be removed before the new plasterboard is put up. It would be a lot quicker, and there would be a lot less mess if the old ceiling were just covered up.

[mongos bird]

replace!

[JOEYSHABADO]

Replace. What's the option? Replaster? Then watch that crack as the old cracks above it open further? Craaaaaaaack.

[marmaduke]

How many plasterers are going to say replace? Why not just go over it?

[Hgrove]

I would say repair. I once had to replace the ceiling in the kitchen of my old house and the mess was unbearable for me.  Another time, there was a leak from a radiator (which was fixed) but finding a plasterer to patch up the ceiling (in the lounge) took years - I kid you not.  They were all literally running out of the house as soon as they saw it with comments like "don't you know your insurance has to pay for a whole new ceiling";  "no point because it will leak again";  and "I don't want to be responsible if my repair falls on your head".  Excuses.  Eventually I found someone who did a topical repair and I was very pleased.  It looked fine, it stayed there, no mess, no fuss, reasonable cost, no queries with the insurance co. etc.  Of course, it depends on the state of your ceilings, the extent of repair needed, your own inclinations etc.

[ludwig]

If they're just cracked but not coming down, you can just put a new set of plasterboard underneath and skim over that. That's what we did. It was alot cheaper and less hassle than replacing the whole lot. We were assured by a trusted builder friend that it would work just as well, and it has, but I suppose it would depend on the state of your ceiling

[jakesi]

You can always repair the cracks and put some scrim tape over them and then give it a glue and skim (2 coats of plaster, first 2mm second 1mm).

[Compostella]

Considering it is on your mind, bite the bullet, move EVERYTHING out of the room then get it boarded and skimmed.

It will be easier to decorate nicely afterwards and you'll not keep looking up at it all the time and wondering.

As long as you move everything out before you take the old ceiling down, the mess should be cleaned up within an hour with a good hoover

[misty1001]

thank you, like the idea of putting new plasterboard after old - for me its the mess I can't bear! but then again there is the thought of always looking up and wondering....
have to make a decision soon!!!