![]() Many years ago, we learned of a little-known plaster repair device called a plaster washer - a round metal disc about an inch in diameter used to hold up a sagging ceiling. Always step only on ceiling joists and structural framing members when navigating attic spaces to avoid falling through the ceiling. An adult’s body weight alone can exceed that. The average load-bearing capacity of wood lath plaster ceilings is around 50 pounds per square foot. The effects of stepping on unstable lathing when in the attic space above a plaster ceiling can be sudden and destructive. ![]() Such was the case in the classic holiday movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” when a bumbling and unsuspecting Chevy Chase crashed through the ceiling onto a bunk bed below. Often, it happens when someone missteps in the attic - setting foot on the lath rather than on the ceiling joists. However, a broken key isn’t always the cause of a sagging ceiling. ![]() This occurs when the key breaks and the connection to the lath is lost. One of the most common problems with plaster is sagging ceilings. A plaster finish is infinitely more difficult to patch than drywall. Anyone with plaster can tell you how it cracks, and just try hanging a picture in plaster. Like anything else, plaster has its drawbacks, price aside. Drywall is cheaper to produce and install. The obvious question is why isn’t it used as it once was. It’s strong, has a uniform look, and can last forever. The key prevents the applied plaster from pulling away from the lath, and ample fastening prevents the lath from pulling away from the framing. The excess plaster that dries behind and around the lath is referred to as the key - essentially locking the plaster to the lath. Portland cement plaster was painstakingly hand-troweled onto wood slats (lathing) nailed to the wall and ceiling framing. ![]()
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