skimming a lath & plaster ceiling

Hi, Lath & plaster when it starts to come away in my experience it is advisable to re board and skim. This then reinforces the integrity of the ceiling. Regards James

Hi, sometimes just re-boarding and skimming isn't the best move, sometimes taking the old ceiling down and then re-boarding then skimming is a better and ide say safer long term option, if there is blown points in the original ceiling this will cause movement, movement means cracks. I would defiantly remove old ceiling then re-board and skim. Kind regards, James

Lime plaster, which would be what has been used over the laths, in my experience, doesn't usually go soft unless there is damp present. Before going any further, I would be inclined to have a look at where that might be coming from. Unless it is of particular merit, taking down a lath and plaster ceiling is often the best way. You can board over it, but you should be aware that there is a lot of weight in these ceilings and the plaster can be up to an inch thick. You really don't want to be underneath it if a chunk of that comes down. Removal, is a really unpleasant job, but not beyond an enthusiastic DIY-er You will need both a hard-hat (for reasons already mentioned), a dust-mask, as you will look like a Homepride flour grader when you are done, and a good crowbar. Once it's down, it's a good opportunity to check your joists. These are usually bedded into the walls on houses of this age, and if there is any damp in the walls, they can rot. It's also a good time to add any sound insulation you might want to install and to replace old wiring.

Hi definitely overboard with minimum 50mm drywall screws this will not only reinforce the existing ceiling but add sound and fire protection to this a well. regards fine finish plastering services.