Plaster has fallen from our ceiling in a 12" X 4" chunk. Ideas please!

Teresa
by Teresa
Hole needs plaster. Wooden lathe underneath. Plaster is ¼ to ½ deep depending on edge. I think just plastering over this will not work, it will just fall again over time. Ideas please?
  6 answers
  • Mar33482700 Mar33482700 on May 23, 2018

    it looks like a leak was there if the main problem has been taken care of use dry wall or cement board attached to the sub floor or ?? tape off the seams and prime then paint

    • Teresa Teresa on May 23, 2018

      Thank you for your answer, that sounds like a good idea

  • Eva Beatty Eva Beatty on May 24, 2018

    Looks like the hvac ppl cut a vent hole in the wrong place. Easy fix, place a 12” x 4” vent cover on the hole.


  • Robert Kinsman Robert Kinsman on May 24, 2018

    Drywall is available in 1/4" and also 3/8" if standard 1/2" won't work for you, I would screw it on and try securing the existing plaster with a few drywall screws as well. Then tape and mud it 'till you get it the way you want it, then prime and paint...done.

  • Annie Annie on May 24, 2018

    It appears you’ve lost the lathe too. Put wood strips to fill that gap and then cover with a piece of sheetrock. Tape and spackle over joint. Really is an easy fix but taping and spackle is something of an art. Usually needs 3 coats and lots of sanding to smooth out and blend to the existing ceiling. Always prime this before repainting.

    • Teresa Teresa on May 24, 2018

      Thanks! I have seen the tape come loose in another home...is this something I can prevent? I appreciate your answer.

  • Annie Annie on May 24, 2018

    Yes. That usually happens when the tape is not pressed hard enough against the wall or spackle not allowed to dry between coats. There’s a very nice product at HD or Lowes that is a mesh material with adhesive on one side. Its great and would probably make the job much easier for you since it’s such a small job. Check out some tutorials on line, very helpful. You spread the spackle out a good distance from the original seam to make it blend. Good luck, fear not!

    • Teresa Teresa on May 29, 2018

      Boy, that's helpful, you sound like a pro, thanks so much for your advice!

  • Annie Annie on May 29, 2018

    Hardly! I was just married to a man who was utterly useless around the house so I had to learn this stuff for survival! You have to just go for it when it comes to stuff like this...nothing to lose, really.

    • Teresa Teresa on Jun 14, 2018

      That's inspirational, thanks for your insight! A little courage is exactly what I need to get going.