#Plaster and lath wall professional#
#Plaster and lath wall crack#

Sometimes entire lath and plaster pieces can fall, possibly seriously injuring everyone below. The material weakens and is more likely to collapse as it ages and deteriorates, cracking. Failure of Lath and PlasterĪ building’s and its occupants’ safety may be seriously compromised if lath and plaster fail. In certain circumstances, repairing or strengthening lath and plaster may not be enough, and a safer, more up-to-date material may need to replace it completely.īuilding managers and owners can also take precautions to lessen the effects of typical wear and tear, such as avoiding leaning heavy furniture or objects against walls and ceilings and keeping the structure well-maintained and moisture-free. It’s crucial to frequently check older structures and take immediate action to remedy any concerns found in order to reduce the risks connected with cracking and crumbling. In some instances, the dust and debris produced by crumbling plaster and lath can also pose a risk to one’s health because it may contain hazardous materials like lead or asbestos.

These cracks occasionally become large enough to cause material fragments to separate and fall, posing a risk to residents.Īnother problem with lath and plaster is crumbling.Īs the material ages, it can start to flake or break off in pieces, making a mess and endangering those underneath.

#Plaster and lath wall crack#

Lath and plaster frequently crack and crumble, especially in older structures.Īs the material ages, it becomes more fragile and prone to cracking, and as the building continues to settle and endure natural wear and tear, these fractures may widen over time. In many cases, this will involve repairing or reinforcing the lath and plaster, or in some cases, removing it entirely and replacing it with a safer, more modern material.īy taking these steps, building owners and managers can help ensure the safety and well-being of those who occupy the building. Regularly inspecting older buildings and promptly addressing any discovered issues helps minimize dangers associated with aging and wear and tear. In some cases, the weight of heavy objects or furniture can even cause entire sections of lath and plaster to collapse. People moving about, moving furniture, and objects bumping against walls and ceilings subject lath and plaster to decades of use in older buildings.Īll of this activity can create stress on the material, causing it to crack or break. Wear and tear can also take its toll on lath and plaster. Over time, these cracks can grow larger, and pieces of the material can break away, creating a hazard for building occupants. This can be accelerated by factors such as moisture, temperature changes, and vibration.

Aging and Wear and TearĪging and wear and tear are two major factors that contribute to the dangers associated with lath and plaster.Īs a building ages, the material begins to deteriorate, becoming more brittle and susceptible to cracking and crumbling. In short, while lath and plaster were once popular and effective building materials, its age and potential for deterioration make it a potential hazard to the occupants of buildings that still contain it. This, combined with the often highly combustible nature of older buildings, can make a fire in a building with lath and plaster especially dangerous. While the material itself is not highly flammable, it can provide a path for fire to spread quickly throughout a building, as the spaces between the laths can act as conduits for flames. Additionally, the failure of lath and plaster can also lead to more serious structural issues, such as the collapse of a wall or ceiling.Īnother danger associated with lath and plaster is fire. This can lead to pieces of the material breaking away and falling, potentially injuring occupants. Over time, the combination of wear and tear and the natural settling of a building can cause the lath and plaster to crack and crumble. Lath and plaster are largely dangerous to its age and state of repair.

#Plaster and lath wall professional#

10.3 Why seek professional assistance with lath and plaster? The Dangers of Lath and Plaster