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When applied to the wood lath, the plaster forms a solid, durable surface with some insulation, fire resistance, and soundproofing properties. The hair adds tensile strength, holding the plaster together and helping to prevent shrinkage or cracks. The lime plaster commonly used with laths is a mixture of lime putty, aggregate, water, and animal hair (often horsehair). These strips are usually nailed to studwork or ceiling joists, creating a base for the plaster application. The lath is a series of narrow strips of wood, typically made from split timber or sawn soft or hardwood. The system comprises two main components: the lath and the plaster. Traditional lath and plaster is a building technique for constructing walls and ceilings. What Is Traditional Lath and Plaster Components of Lath and Plaster Thus, understanding lath and plaster is a fascinating look into the history of construction and may also provide valuable insights for your home renovation projects.Īn example of how lime plaster “hooks” onto laths from behind. It provides superior sound and heat insulation while more adaptable to irregular or curved spaces. Though lath and plaster walls are often associated with older buildings, pre-dating the 1940s, this technique still offers some benefits over modern drywall methods. It then accumulates on the opposite side and forms plaster hooks that hold it in place as it dries. As the wet plaster is applied over the laths, it works through the gaps in the wood. This hair adds tensile strength, holding the plaster together and helping to prevent shrinkage as it dries. The plaster used in lath and plaster construction is a mixture of lime, aggregate, water, and sometimes animal hair, such as horsehair. These laths are then coated in plaster, creating a smooth and durable surface for your home’s interior. They are nailed horizontally across the wall studs or ceiling joists. This method consists of narrow strips of wood called laths. Traditional lath and plaster is a construction technique used for centuries to finish interior dividing walls and ceilings. Get rid of any stuck chunks of plaster by knocking them free of the lath with a hammer or scraping tool.Laths before the plaster has been applied. Be careful because this will likely result in a messier cleanup. If your wall contains horsehair plaster, it’s likely very old so the wall could crumble easily. You’ll want to take apart the plaster and lath separately for easier cleanup.
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Make sure not to destroy the lath during this step. Some plaster might stick to the lath, but try to expose as much of the wood framework as possible. Use a shovel to scrape off chunks of plaster. If you’re having trouble listening for studs, you can buy a wall scanner to make your work easier. Then, use the hammer to poke holes in the parts of the plaster that aren’t supported by studs. If it sounds hollow, you are moving away from a stud. If the tapping sound is solid, then you're approaching a stud. Listen for the wall studs - the vertical wooden beams in the wall - by lightly knocking on the wall with a hammer.