What type of drywall is this?

avro1 · 03-01-2010, 11:13 PM

I'm just currious about what the deal is with this drywall? It looks like the "sheets" are about 12" wide and nailed to the wall horizontally. Then there is this layer of sandy looking "morter" just as thick spread all over it and then finally a thin layer of plaster. The house was built in 53....is this really how it was done back then or was someone just carried away with plastering, drywalling, or what ever you call it....

Scuba_Dave · 03-01-2010, 11:30 PM

Looks the same as what I have - also built in mid 50's
Someone did mention what it was called
Rock lathe I think? Yes - just checked - thats the name

Its like cement & dulls sawzall blades very quickly
Also very heavy

avro1 · 03-02-2010, 01:48 AM

Thanks Dave. I did a quick google check and this is what I found. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lath_and_plaster

Boy that would be alot of work! Seems funny that they would put that much plaster over the drywall and not just mud and tape it. Must have been an old practice carried over from the earlier days of wood laths and plaster.

They sure don't make em like they used to....and that's a good thing.

ccarlisle · 03-02-2010, 08:23 AM

It was during the transition time between the old plaster-and-lath method and the advent of drywall panels. I have the same...sort of a hybrid as no-one was sure how the new technology would hold up.

avro1 · 03-02-2010, 05:32 PM

Does anyone know when the transition period was over and just drywall was used?

This is nasty stuff to work with compared to just drywall.

firehawkmph · 03-02-2010, 08:12 PM

I don't know what the year of the changeover was, seems like early 60's. The rock lathe system you have is a good, solid wall. It is much more constistent than the old lathe system. I think it was a good way to do things, too bad it would be so costly to do nowadays.
Mike Hawkins

**Gary in WA** · 03-02-2010, 09:12 PM

Enjoy.......... http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief21.htm

Be safe, Gary

Mop in Hand · 03-03-2010, 12:14 AM

Good read Gary, thanks.

Willie T · 03-03-2010, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avro1

Thanks Dave. I did a quick google check and this is what I found. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lath_and_plaster

Boy that would be alot of work! Seems funny that they would put that much plaster over the drywall and not just mud and tape it. Must have been an old practice carried over from the earlier days of wood laths and plaster.

They sure don't make em like they used to....and that's a good thing.

Understanding the amount of work that went into the old homes that seem to just endure and endure, you will never have to wonder why there are so many problems with many of the 'newer' homes.

No, they sure don't make them like they used to.... and that is a damn shame.

ccarlisle · 03-03-2010, 09:14 AM

Yup; it's a shame alright. But then again, expectations are different now from those of days gone by...a bit like asking Why did the Depression happen? why did WWII happen? Fact is that they did and a lot of economic dreams ended up down the proverbial. Hence manpower in adundance and guys working (hard and long) for 50 cents a day.

Not our 50 cents...but the 50 cents that was earned by the 10-12 hour day, 6 days a week. "Building for the future" since all the old stuff was destroyed. Oh, they had lousy workmanship back then too, but if you did lousy work you lost your job overnight. Not much chance of getting another one...

Scuba_Dave · 03-03-2010, 09:36 AM

I find our house stays warmer in the winter/cooler in the summer & is quieter then newer houses
There is 3/4" sheathing on the outside, some insulation (being updated), then the 3/4" rock lathe
And it not only cuts down on noise from outside but also room to room

Sir MixAlot · 03-03-2010, 10:09 PM

Here in Florida, the transition from plaster to drywall was around 1962-63.