Home Damage Resources Windows Doors Ceilings Roofs Walls Services Furnishings Re-building Damaged Homes - Ceiling Repairs and Replacements : By Richard Edkins Introduction : Fires and explosions can severely damage inter-floor elements, which usually consist of some kind of plank or panel floor supported on heavy timber or steel joists. More panelling forms the ceiling of the rooms below, being nailed or screwed to the joists or to wooden studding fastened to the joists. Whilst not absolutely essential, ceilings do make all the difference for women between a shack and a home. Falling plaster and ceiling panelling often injure occupants and damage furnishings. The only damage more troublesome is that caused by flying glass, fire and building collapse. For that reason, ceiling replacement and repair calls for good workmanship. Replacement Ceilings : There are several possible ceiling repairs :- Lath and lime plaster : Laths (split wood, cane, etc.) are nailed to the joists to give 10 mm. gaps to act as keys. An underplaster of lime, fine sand and chopped hair or rag, is applied to the laths. Once dry, a second coat of fine plaster is applied. False ceilings attached to joists or timber studding. These can be :- (a) : salvaged board or panel; (b) : lightweight split or whole cane or laths as a decorative feature; (c) : stretched fabric stiffened by some kind of non-combustible paint or plaster. (d) : other individual design ideas (e.g. woven matting), but preferably not vulnerable to fire. It should be noted that broken plaster-board (e.g. Gyproc) can be kilned and made into Plaster of Paris, which has an excellent finish as a final plaster or as a 'skim' on strong fabric. Alternative Interfloor Elements (floor/ceiling composites) are structural and so are covered in the Walls section, as being most suitable for major reconstruction considerations. Home Damage Resources Windows Doors Ceilings Roofs Walls Services Furnishings © 2003 Richard Edkins. Site maintained by Dalbeattie Internet. Last Updated 16th April 2003.