metal lath and plaster walls

If you want the objects to sit at different heights, measure up or down from the second mark. Below is a section of a lath and plaster wall face on. Alschuler, Alfred S. "Metal-lath construction." We use cookies to make wikiHow great. U.S. Patent 1,087,511, issued February 17, 1914. For instance, a screw that is 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) wide may have an anchor that is 0.3 inches (0.76 cm) wide. This minimum plaster thickness may affect the thickness of trim projecting from the wall's plane. Mary Lee MacDonald 1. 2019/12/21 D.Shoemaker said: We just found a ceiling in our 1847 house which is unlike the other plaster-and-lath ceilings; it is an expanded metal lath, hard cement or concrete, on wood lath. Jeff Huynh is the General Manager of Handyman Rescue Team, a full service solution in home services, renovations, and repair in the Greater Seattle area. Or see PLASTER LATH, METAL FAQs - questions and answers about metal lath posted originally on this page. Updating lath and plaster walls to drywall can be done by covering or replacing them altogether. Metal lath was on occasion used also to support poured concrete ceilings (shown here) - unlikely to provide adequate strength for a thick pour unless additional reinforcement was used. Watch out: when you see any of these stucco damage signs there is a good chance of more-serious hidden damage in the wall or ceiling cavity such as rot, insect attack, or mold contamination. As we discuss in detail at at PLASTER, LOOSE FALL HAZARDS, plaster ceilings in newer buildings are not immune from collapse either, as you'll see by the catastrophic ceiling collapse shown just below. Beaver Board and Upson Board: History and Conservation of Early Wallboard, Shelby Weaver, The trick to removing the metal lath is to find the seams. What roles did community planning, zoning, and interior design play in how neighborhoods worked? However, you should use screws with anchors to be more secure. A reader asked if the material shown in the plumbing access cutout photo here was asbestos. As you can see in these photographs, once water gets behind exterior stucco, especially in a northern climate subject to freezing temperatures, the action of water and frost break the mechanical bond that held the stucco cement to the metal lath. Isham: "An Example of Colonial Paneling", Norman Morrison Isham, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, Vol. Most smaller items can be hung pretty securely anywhere on the wall by screwing into the wood lath, but for heavy things that weight more than 10-15 lbs, like large mirrors and TVs, you’ll need to learn how to find studs in a plaster wall. Pre-drill the holes, and use fairly long screws to ensure a secure fit. An example of the cause of leaks behind and extensive damage to the stucco on metal lath covered home shown above is the extreme degree of water leakage and rotted trim shown in our photograph of a Poughkeepsie NY home. Summary and References 7. Common Plaster Problems 3. some equivalent rust-inhibitive coating, such as electrogalvanizing, for interior applications. Attach one end of a wire to the screw, and the other end to the hook on the back of the picture. The lath was wired to steel pipes or bars that in turn were hung from a smaller number of steel supports. Wall or ceiling or stucco crack patterns may follow the borders of metal lath segments, especially if the lath was not securely nailed. If possible, drive the second screw into a stud. In this article series we describe and discuss the identification and history of older interior building surface materials such plaster, plaster board, split wood lath, sawn lath, and expanded metal lath, Beaverboard, and Drywall - materials that were used to form the (usually) non-structural surface of building interior ceilings and walls. Dry lath and the exposed plaster edge will suck water out of wet plaster before … These screws have special fittings that eliminate the chance of the plaster cracking. Then measure 4 inches (10 cm) up from there and put the second screw in. ", Jeff Huynh, the general manager of Handyman Rescue Team, answered: "The anchor expands when you place it in a hole in the drywall. Use a drill bit that is no larger than 0.25 inches (0.64 cm). As you break up plaster, cracks can spread to adjoining walls and ceilings. Modern diamond mesh lath is sold in a variety of metals including galvanized, stainless steel, finished to ASTM 653, and in a remarkable range of pre-formed shapes including. The handwriting of the artisans, the taste of the original occupants, and the evolving styles of decoration are embodied in the fabric of the buildi… Unlike drywall which attaches directly to wall studs, plaster walls consist of two sections. "Metal-lath attachment and support." It has V ribs and greater tensile strength which offering excellent plaster base and reinforcement for all types of walls, ceilings, partitions and fireproofing of steel beam, and columns. This will provide more security for heavier items. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 50,205 times. You can hang heavy items in plaster walls without driving screws into a stud. The large number of openings provide for a better stucco bonding. U.S. Patent 1,372,741, issued March 29, 1921. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. The technique derives from an earlier, more primitive, process called wattle and daub. Should I keep plaster and lath walls or replace them? Wet the Substrate. 1, a series of monographs on the history of plywood manufacturing",Plywood Pioneers Association, 31 March, 1967, www.apawood.org, Asbestos products and their history and use in various building materials such as asphalt and vinyl flooring includes discussion which draws on, ASTM C 841 Metal Lath or gypsum lath installation. Plaster of the same general formula as discussed in the two wood lath based installations above was later applied over expanded metal lath. "Studs are the framing that hold the wall up. installed painted or electrogalvanized Set a level on the line made by your tape measure to make sure the second anchor will be even with the first. You should also use screws with plastic anchor attachments if you can. Download the PDF Plaster in a historic building is like a family album. To prevent that, cut the plaster where you want the demolition to stop. He has a BS in Business Administration from the San Francisco State University and his Certificate in Industrial Electronics Technology from North Seattle College. Weaver: Beaver Board and Upson Board: Or, if you prefer, you can wrap one end of a piece of wire tightly around the screw head, then attach the other to the object's hanger. That friction creates holding force once the screen is installed, provided there's enough support behind the wall.". Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly. "Metal lath." (AMICO 2019), Factory-applied paper-backed metal lath (galvanized), Produced by stamping or perforating a metal sheet, then expanding the holes by pulling its edges apart, Mesh size 5/16" x 9/16" diamond pattern - interior plastering, or larger mesh sizes for stucco work or as a support for loose fill rock wool or similar insulations, Self-furring: dimples into the surface hold the lath 1/4" away from the attaching surface, used for fireproofing structural columns, Paper-backed diamond mesh lath: waterproofed paper backing glued to the back to act as a moisture barrier and to reduce the amount of plaster consumed in applying the brown coat, Sheet size: 27" x 96", packed in 10 sheet bundles to cover 20 square yards, Similar to Diamond Mesh Metal Lath above, with the addition of metal ribs formed lengthwise in the lath to add stiffness, Rib lath sheet sizes: 27" x 96" for 1/8", 3/8" ribs, 29" wide & 5', 10', & 12' lengths for 3/4" rib sizes, A similar rib lath was produced by welding steel rods to the back surface of standard diamond mesh metal lath, 1" mesh: Constructed of galvanized woven wire (looks like "chicken wire") with 1" hexagonal openings, 20-gauge wire, sold in rolls, used over gypsum & fiber insulating lath board as reinforcement and for cornerite and stripite, used often as a stucco mesh over felt paper on open stud construction or over building sheathing. This type of fire protection does not rely on a … As the plaster falls away, you will be able to find the metal lath behind it. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. All you need to do is drive the anchor into your pre-drilled hole, then push the screw into the plastic anchor. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. By using our site, you agree to our. Sagendorph, Robert H. "Metal lath." To install the additional anchors, measure out the required distance right or left of the first one (depending on where you want the shelf to sit). The minimum total thickness for plaster on gypsum board (rock lath) is Æ inch. This article has been viewed 50,205 times. Make sure you leave half an inch out of the wall so you have space to hang your artwork. For instance, drive a screw into the strip on the spot just above where you want to hang a picture. Our OPINON was that there is not likely to be a measurable asbestos hazard from this cement or plaster material, even if it contains asbestos, as long as it's left un-disturbed. Product Overview. He has a BS in Business Administration from the San Francisco State University and his Certificate in Industrial Electronics Technology from North Seattle College. Get fair costs for your SPECIFIC project requirements. With the seams exposed, you can use the hammer to loosen everything along the studs. PLASTER LATH, METAL at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice. Not just metal roofing – Best Buy Metals’ complete line of building materials and coverings. The other lath are going to be approximately the same size and spaced up to maybe 1/4" apart. Below (a New York garage ceiling) the plaster coating was left quite thin; you can see rusting metal lath around the light fixture and at the upper right in our photograph. Cut the Plaster Walls. Plaster-and-lath walls - specifically when the lath (or base structure) of the wall is chicken wire or similar corrugated wire, to which the plaster is added to create the wall. U.S. Patent 764,989, issued July 12, 1904. They're installed first, then plaster or drywall is applied on top. If you own an old house with plaster and lath walls, you may have discovered how utterly useless a stud finder can be. Photo above: expanded rib lath with stiffening ribs. Question: asbestos in explanded metal lath plaster? When thinking about lath and stucco expanded metal lath or woven wire lath comes to mind, depending on what part of the nation one lives, along with Portland cement plaster. INSTALL OUTLET BOX IN WOOD LATH AND PLASTER WALL. Plastering Skills, F. Van Den Branden, Thomas L. Hartsell, Amer Technical Pub (July 1, 1985), ISBN-10: 0826906575, ISBN-13: 978-0826906571 [purchase at Amazon.com], Gypsum Construction Guide, National Gypsum Corporation, 2001 Rexford Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28211, Tel: 704-365-7300, Email: ng@nationalgypsum.com, Website: http://www.nationalgypsum.com. Steel Framing Components A high-strength lineup of steel framing components, including red oxide and galvanized zee-purlin, cee-purlin, struts, and more. Reading List 8. InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. It consists of narrow strips of wood which are nailed horizontally across the wall studs or ceiling joists and then coated in plaster. Lack of maintenance of the building trim led to extensive wall leaks and costly damage to the building stucco, trim, and windows. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. exterior applications, and in painted or Apologies for the delay. U.S. Patent 802,727, issued October 24, 1905. Use of a covering of all exterior surfaces with a waterproof building paper or plastic, Use of heavier gauge metal lath with larger mesh openings, Lath is not applied in direct contact with the background or base, by using furring nails that hold the lath out 1/4" to 3/8" from the base or framing, Use of protective flashings and details to keep water from passing behind the lath (and stucco surface), ASTM C 842 - 05 (2015) Standard Specification for Application of Interior Gypsum Plaster, available from ASTM at https://www.astm.org/Standards/C842.htm, ASTM C 841 - 03 (2013) Standard Specification for Installation of Interior Lathing and Furring, available from ASTM at https://www.astm.org/Standards/C841.htm, Gypsum Construction Guide, National Gypsum Corporation, Hayes G., "Metallic Lathing", U.S. Patent 420656, issued February 4, 1890, Curtis, O.H., "Metal Lathing", U.S. Patent 460,850, issued 10 October 6, 1891, Ohl, G.A., "Machine for Making Metal Lathing", U.S. Patent 475,700 Issued 24 May 1892. Move the stud finder about 16 inches (41 cm) to the side of the first screw and try to locate another stud. Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia. U.S. Patent 1,701,125, issued February 5, 1929. (Maylon 1996). This article explains plaster systems based on metal lath in building interiors. Van Den Branden and Hartsell explain that metal lath for plaster systems is divided into four groups with different properties for different applications: Photo above: diamond pattern expanded metal lath stacked for sale at a building supply store. First, lath attached to the wall studs. Can be used as a plaster base and reinforcement on almost all types of walls and ceilings, and over wood or steel framing. You'll see from the Hayes 1890 patent that early forms of metal lath were punched but were not using the "expanded metal lath" technique. Make sure you use plaster screws to secure the plaster properly. : A Guide to American Architecture, Rev., John C. Poppeliers, S. Allen Chambers, Wiley; Rev Sub edition (October 6, 2003), ISBN-10: 0471250368, ISBN-13: 978-0471250364. Jeff Huynh is the General Manager of Handyman Rescue Team, a full service solution in home services, renovations, and repair in the Greater Seattle area. Scammell, Charles H. "Metal lath." This should be fairly easy, but you can use the drill with a screw … If ceiling plaster is bulged and moves when you apply gentle pressure to it, chances are that the plaster keys, the protruding plaster that oozed between the plaster lath strips to mechanically secure the plaster surface in place, have broken off. When lath is figured into the thickness, then lath and plaster walls are considered to be thicker than drywall. It's actually not too hard to hang things on plaster walls, however, as long as you use screws and work slowly and carefully. 112-116, available by JSTOR. Self-Furred Lath is used extensively in exterior stucco and stone work over sheathing and as a plaster base over masonry walls. Many older homes (and some modern ones) have plaster walls. that are installed in buildings. dipped galvanized lath is allowed to be This article has been viewed 50,205 times. U.S. Patent 657,827, issued September 11, 1900. How could homes be designed and built more efficiently? All you need to do is pre-drill a hole slightly narrower than your screws, then use the drill to drive a screw into the hole. Hammer along the seams until the plaster breaks apart. Dickinson, Clarence W. "Expanded-metal lath." must have ¼” self-furring properties, built into the lath sheet. honeycomb expanded metal mesh/expanded metal rib lath Rib Lath is a versatile metal lath stiffened by the longitudinal ribs. yds., also used for stucco and open-stud construction. We’ve found 100 companies in Wilson that can help you tackle your lath and plaster repair project. For more tips from our Home Improvement co-author, including how to install shelving in a plaster wall, read on! The plaster thickness shall be measured from the face of the lath where applied to gypsum lath or metal lath. element because some contractors have This article was co-authored by Jeff Huynh. Stiff metal sheet with perforations punched through the metal as slits, crosses, and ridges. Lath and Plaster vs. Drywall Thickness . This plaster ceiling was applied on expanded metal lath. Lath and plaster walls are usually thicker than most drywall sheets. That resistance may increase if the drill enters the lathe (the wooden support that holds up the plaster). In North America metal lath was in popular use before 1890, and the term "expanded metal lath", appearing in McCall's 1900 patent, was in popular use by 1914. We also provide a MASTER INDEX to this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. See professionally prepared estimates for lath and plaster removal work. 2" mesh: 16 gauge wire interwoven with fibrous absorbent paper backing secured by a 17 gauge wire corrugated every 4 3/8" to form a plaster key, in sheets 30 1/2 " x 49", in cartons of 44 sheets, 50 sq. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/Hang-Things-on-Plaster-Walls-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Hang-Things-on-Plaster-Walls-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/Hang-Things-on-Plaster-Walls-Step-1.jpg\/aid9511241-v4-728px-Hang-Things-on-Plaster-Walls-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"