If you own a century-old home, you’re likely familiar with the charm and challenges of such a historic property. One such challenge is dealing with walls constructed from lath and plaster, a traditional building technique used before the advent of modern drywall. This method involves nailing thin wooden strips (lath) to the wall studs and then covering them with several layers of plaster, creating a durable and smooth surface. While lath and plaster walls have stood the test of time, they can complicate updates to electrical wiring and plumbing due to their solid, monolithic nature.
Removing lath and plaster walls takes some planning.
Updating the electrical and plumbing in a house with lath and plaster walls requires carefully removing these materials. This process is labor-intensive and generates a significant amount of dust and debris. Start by donning protective gear to safeguard your eyes, lungs, and skin. Before any demolition, it’s crucial to turn off the utilities in the area to prevent accidents. Begin the removal process in a small, inconspicuous area, using tools like a hammer, chisel, or pry bar to gently remove the plaster without damaging the underlying structures. After removing the plaster, the wooden laths will be exposed and can be pried away from the studs. This exposes the wall cavity, allowing for the inspection, replacement, or installation of electrical and plumbing systems.
7 Steps to remove lath and plaster walls.
- Arrange bulk trash removal by renting a dumpster or trash bag service.
- Turn off the electrical power to prevent injury from shock.
- Put on protective gear to protect your eyes, lungs, and skin.
- Remove plaster with a hammer and wrecking bar.
- Pry the lath wood strips off the wall studs with a hammer.
- Remove any remaining nails from the wall studs that held up the lath.
- Clean the work area with a shovel and put the debris into the bulk trash you arranged.
Perform updates after removing the lath and plaster.
It’s essential to proceed cautiously and consult professionals for electrical and plumbing work to ensure everything is up to code. Removing lath and plaster not only enables these critical updates but also offers an opportunity to inspect and repair any hidden issues, such as structural damage or outdated insulation, thereby preserving the integrity and safety of your historic home.