karenldee

My home recently suffered some damage during a tornado. Some areas of the plaster ceiling have water damage and there are also just cracks ..... My contractor is suggesting that we go over the existing plaster ceiling with 1/4" sheetrock and then put a thin layer of plaster over the sheetrock. Is this a good alternative? Would that keep the integrity of my 1930 house in tact? I'm told the alternative is to replaster the areas that got wet and then do a sand finish on the entire ceiling. He said though that the ceiling would still crack with this solution while doing the first suggestion would eliminate future cracking. I'd appreciate some input.

ARI001

I have heard of installing drywall to keep cost down. You can also use it to fill areas that have been removed due to damage and that is acceptable practice. The key to hanging the drywall will be finding the joists. I would bring in a couple different contractors you should get at least 3 estimates and typically go with the one in the middle. Don't compare apples and oranges have them all quote you for the same type of work. Also verify license and insurance information. I would recommend you bring in guys that specifically do plaster work. It is kind of a specialty trade and not all drywall contractors know how to do it.

II Weeks

is the ceiling flat? If so then going over it with 1/4" is the cheapest way out and drywall contractors will most likely give you a better price and better job than your average GC IMO

ARI001

Most GC's sub out the work and accept responsibility for the quality of the work. Cheap is not better and in most situations leads to trouble down the road. A drywall contractor may also be a GC. Your opinion is based on what? Years of experience in the field? Drywall and plaster are different, which is why I suggested someone specializing in plaster work.

If you hang 1/4" (3/8") drywall on the ceiling you need to verify the joists are 16" o.c. this is a code requirement not an option. If you are worried about maintaining the integrity of the house you should repair the damaged ares not hang drywall. There are products available for plaster repair as well as standard repair techniques that will accomnplish this.

Leah Frances

I love insomnia DIY Chatroom time!

Drywalling over your plaster ceiling hits two birds with one stone - cracks and water damage hidden and lead paint encapsulated. Bing. Hire a competent contractor or DIY. Bang. But do check to make sure you have the 16 OC joists. Boom.

Cheers.

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bjbatlanta

Either 1/4" or 1/2" drywall will work over plaster. The 1/2" is better if the ceiling is somewhat wavy. It will "span" the inconsistencies better. Regardless of price, I'd go with the drywall contractor with the best references. Cheaper isn't always better.....

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estateplaster

If you want to keep the integrity of the plaster, then hire a plaster repair person.

If you don't mind sheetrock, it is definitely cheaper and will solve a multitude of problems, unless they miss the joists or dont use long enough screws.

If I were doing the plaster, I would remove loose plaster (topcoat or basecoat), prime with kilz, use mesh tape or mesh screen as needed and patch smooth, sand, prime and paint.

It is skilled work. The problem is, a drywaller can do repairs to plaster, but may skip the priming with Kilz over water damage, because they don't know any better. This work will not last.

Don't use paper tape on plaster either, just the fiberglass mesh tape that comes in rolls.

Many plaster ceilngs have more than one issue going on at once. A knowledgable plaster repair person will address all issues, from water damage to poor bonding, latex over oil, loose or weak areas that need anchoring, etc....

Good luck,

Philip LaMachio
http://estateplaster.com

GBR in WA

I hope it's done by now, three months later.......
Be safe, Gary

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