What Is Lath & Plaster And Why Is It Still Relevant Today?
Lath and plaster is a traditional method of wall and ceiling construction, and many examples can still be found in historic buildings across the UK today. Here’s a look at what it involves, and why it’s important to consider carefully how to proceed if you have a property with lath and plaster walls.
What exactly is lath & plaster?
Before the introduction of modern plasterboard techniques involving drywall, most walls and ceilings in British homes were made with lath and plaster. This involves nailing thin narrow strips of wood called laths across timber wall studs or ceiling joists. Plaster made from a mixture of lime and animal hair was then applied in multiple coats to cover the laths.
This created a breathable surface that was strong and durable, and also lent itself well to moulding and creating perfect smooth finishes. If you live in a Georgian, Victorian, or Edwardian property with authentic cornicing or ceiling roses, then it’s likely to contain traditional lath and plaster.
This traditional plaster has other advantages, including good soundproofing (an important consideration in a terraced house) and it also helps to slow the spread of fires.
Why did it fall out of use?
Despite the advantages of lath and plaster, it was gradually replaced with plasterboard during the 1930s and 40s. The mass-produced drywall was quicker, easier and cheaper to manufacture and install. Lath and plaster is a skilled craft, whereas installing plasterboard doesn’t take a lot of time or training to do.
Why lath & plaster still matters
If you are renovating a property, ripping out old lath and plaster walls might seem to be the obvious course of action. However, it’s not quite as straightforward as that. The first point to consider is that if it’s a listed building, you will need consent from the local planning authority before carrying out repairs or replacements.
It’s an offence to alter or demolish a listing building without consent, and it could result in significant legal penalties. The second point to consider is that even if permission is granted to make the changes, tearing out old plasterwork could affect the breathability of the building and lead to issues with damp and mould.
Can lath & plaster be repaired?
If the basic structure of the wall or ceiling is sound and cracking or sagging is limited to localised areas, it may be possible to repair the lath and plaster. However, this is a skilled technique, and you should consult professionals who have established expertise in this area.
If any sections are beyond repair, they may be able to replicate the original construction methods or combine them with modern techniques for a high quality and sympathetic restoration.