Your home’s walls age and wear down, which may cause your walls to break away or crack. Plaster and lath construction also allows for a greater curvature of a wall or ceiling compared with standard sheetrock.Īlthough plaster and lath were used as a reliable form of wall finishing, there are some issues that have presented themselves over time. You can read more about this study at Building Conservation. Additionally, there is less space or air between the wall or ceiling layers, potentially giving fire less oxygen to work with. Studies have been limited however, it is known that carbonated lime (lime that has had months to cure) will spread fire slower than traditional drywall. The traditional lime plaster material is also known for inherent fire resistance. Even dense brownstones in older neighborhoods can hear the difference between rooms fitted with plaster and lath compared with contemporary drywall. The keys, with their irregular shapes between the walls, act as acoustical and sound absorbing elements and the lime plaster is denser than new gypsum board. Most importantly is it’s ability to absorb noise and deter the spread of fire. There are actually many advantages to a plaster and lath construction. Should I keep plaster and lath walls or replace them? Metal: Made up of steel and able to hold and withstand a greater amount of plaster than wood lath, resulting in durability. The plaster is pushed through the spaces and fills the inside of the wall forming keys that hold the plaster in place. Wood: The most common wooden-slat laths are still used in construction and come in narrow strips with spaces between each. It’s moisture resistant and can be simply attached, but can also easily develop long cracks. Rock: Similar to drywall, rock lath consists of a gypsum core between paper coverings that bond together to secure in place. Lime: Created by mixing water and sand the material provides a natural, mold resistant and breathable finish.Ĭement: Cement-based plasters are strong and usually used for exterior structures, but can be lasting and endure harsh weather. Gypsum: Formed and settled by heating up a dried plaster powder with water. The following are different types of plaster and lath that are used: Plaster Depending on the type of plaster, strength and durability may range once the coat is applied. Plaster can be defined as a mixture of lime and sand or cement and water that is applied over walls and ceilings on top of lath, to form a smooth hard surface that can be painted over once dry. The plaster that oozed between the laths is called “keys” and actually plays an important role in the plaster and lath’s ability to absorb sound. Once complete, several coats of plaster were layered on top to solidify the framework. It is a type of backing material used as a base or for groundwork. These laths were placed close together (about 3/8 inch apart). Lath can be defined as thin, flat pieces of wood that form a foundation for supporting plaster. Narrow strips of wood, called lath, were nailed horizontally across the vertical studs. Before sheetrock came into existence in the 1950’s, interior walls and ceilings were constructed slightly differently. Once nailed to the wood studs, a professional sheetrock installer will cover the seams with drywall tape, then a coat of plaster. In new home construction, we typically see interior walls constructed of wooden studs to which large sheets of drywall are attached. Having a home inspector check for insulation levels within the walls and making regular repairs, can help ensure you maintain a healthy and safe environment for you and your family. But depending on the quality of installation and the level of maintenance and upkeep, the condition may be worn down or damaged. homes still have plaster and lath construction. Some plaster and lath walls are durable and fully usable after decades and many older U.S. The housing boom of post-World War II created a need for a faster and cheaper way to create smooth walls, that didn’t require technical skills. The answer to this came in the form of drywall (also known as gypsum board or sheetrock), which was cheaper to purchase and easier to install. Plastering freehand and creating a smooth surface on ceilings and walls is a very difficult skill and quite laborious. Plaster is a very ancient way of creating a smooth wall and has been used in decorative molding, ceilings and walls for centuries. Before the 1950’s, plaster and lath was the typical way to create walls and ceilings.
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