Remove lath and plaster wall
I've especially come to appreciate that solid FEEL of a lath and plaster wall done well. Well, I've had a change of heart now that I've learned more about plaster and have come to have more experience with it. It seems so hard and brittle compared to drywall, and then there's the cracks. I think I know how you feel, because I used to feel that way about plaster. Give yourself time to get to know your building before making such a big change, These projects will keep you busy, and make susbstantial improvements all by themselves. However, there is much you can do in other ways to improve the energy efficieny of your building: insulate your attic joist cavity space thorough sealing with caulking and weatherstripping tightening up (but not replacing) your windows and doors decreasing infiltration from your floors upgrading your heating system etc. Although you can do some types of blown-in insulation, some will create other problems and I have chosen to skip it for that reason. Now, I know about energy costs since I live in an 1840-ish house in northern NY with L&P and not a lick of insulation in my walls. I am puzzled about what might not be likeable about a plaster surface, compared to the less desirable look of sheetrock. It's a big plus for resale and is likely to be an original element of your old house and worth saving for that reason.
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I also think you ought to avoid removing your lathe and plaster. Just remember that as in most cases money is an issue : ) Which living in Ontario Canada adds up to a very expensive heating bill the month of December was atrocious and the temperature averaged above freezing! Drywalling and insulating I have done before so I know more or less what to expect eith it, but removing the lathe and plaster is something I've never experienced, what should I prepare for and what is the best methods to remove it? Also if anyone has any other suggestions of things I could do or try to resolve the issue (such as other insulating methods), I would gladly hear them. Secondly and most importantly I might add is that I'm very confident that there is little if any insulation behind these walls. My reasoning for this is twofold, the first is basically just asthetic value, I personally do not like the look or feel of lathe and plaster walls. The walls are the old lathe and plaster style, and even though they are in decent to good condition I really want to repace them next spring or summer with drywall. My wife and I just bought an old century plus home this past Fall. Wide cracks: A crack of 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in width is problematic it's a sign of something going on that is more serious than a house settling or climate control issues.Hi.They are most common in the first 10 years of plaster installation. Diagonal, horizontal, or vertical cracks: These streak-like cracks are structural cracks caused by foundation movement, moisture expansion, or plaster drying and shrinking.This is a sign of a bigger problem that should be remedied immediately. It could be from outside water getting in or a pipe in the walls that has sprung a leak. Bubbling or discoloration of plaster: If you notice cracks that include bubbling, wetness, discoloration, or water stains, you likely have water seeping into the wall.
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The outer layer may only need removal and replastering. Bulging is usually caused by a simple problem like the outer layer separated from the inner layer of plaster, called delamination.