Decorative lath lath and plaster ceiling

[MaryIsA]

We’ve a decorative lath and plaster ceiling in our dining room and living room. 120 years old.

One bit collapsed recently, in a self contained bit above the fire...my god the mess.

We’d love to keep it, but we are having work done upstairs and I’m worried it won’t cope with banging around above it. Anyone any experience of this?

There’s a bit of cracking 8n the corner in the dining room, and a hairline crack in the living room ceiling.

Picture for example only.

I’ve googled and it’s all ‘why lath and plaster ceilings collapse’

You need to get a specialist in. My very ordinary lathe and plaster ceilings failed (no part collapsed but you could tell where it met the coving) and had to have them replaced. You're right it is one messy job! I lost the covngs to but got a specialist in who took a profile from another room and cast from that.
It's a beautiful ceiling so you'll need expert advice on how to preserve it.

I don’t know but wanted to say how beautiful it is and I hope you can save it. Try ask the National Trust.

You could try contacting Osset Mouldings to see if they can advise you.

Depends where you are in the country but Google local decorative plaster places and someone will be able to repair it. I would recommend Yorkshire decorative plaster and they do travel so might be able to sort your ceiling out

Are you definite it's plaster and not lincrusta?

It is a beautiful ceiling - you could try SPAB (Soc for Preservation of Ancient Buildings) who are good on craftspeople who would be able to do your ceiling. The Listed Property Owners' Club may well be able to help too.

The ceilings fail at the point where the mortar is pushed through the gaps between the laths. It forms a sort of mushroom shape and then hardens. It is the "stem" of the mushroom that is the weak bit. Once enough of it cracks the ceiling's own weight will bring it down.

I have heard of ceilings being rescued by removing the floors above them, carefully removing any loose mortar and then resealing over the back of the laths to consolidate what is there. Your ceiling is gorgeous, and I would certainly be trying hard to rescue it. An good architectural plastering firm will be able to patch in the bit that is fallen already and you won't see the difference.

Good luck to you!

I have seen someone mention Ossett mouldings. I concur and suggest speaking to them. We have sub contracted to them before and have been thoroughly pleased with their work.

What a beautiful ceiling.

www.listedandperiodhomes.co.uk/

Try here to get some help.