Ceiling / molding is coming down in parlour - can this be fixed?

We recently purchased a house in need of work. The ceiling is coming down in the back parlor room on one side of the room. Part of the ceiling and molding has literally cracked and dropped. We are currently taking care of waterproofing and other roofing issues that this is most likely related to…However, when contractors come by to look at the work they recommend tearing down the ceiling: “not salvageable,” they say. Any recommendations for someone to restore/repair it? Or are the contractors correct cannot be repaired, etc.

anonCH

in About Brooklyn 11 years and 3 months ago

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thetinkerswagon | 11 years and 3 months ago

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there is a guy named tony who works for or used to work for Eric Paints (google eric paints brooklyn). Tony did an internship some years ago restoring the plaster in a century old theatre. he knows this stuff. I bet he can help. read what the others say as there is good stuff there.

cate | 11 years and 3 months ago

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Yes, it can definitely be repaired. The best method depends on the situation. Options include re-attaching the existing plaster using special screws and skimcoating over it, starting over with traditional methods and three coats of plaster, or substituting dry wall and skim coating over it. If there are fancy details, a master plaster person can re-create or repair them. Be sure to use Plaster Weld and fiberglass mesh under your skim coat so cracks do not re-appear. Whatever method you choose, it is probably best to use an experienced plaster person, not a regular contractor or drywall person. See past posts here in the Forum for recommendations.

Rick | 11 years and 3 months ago

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Can you post a photo? If the ceiling is special it is worth saving. Most contractors are more concern in getting the job done fast. You need a craftman to restore a fancy plaster ceiling.

Arkady | 11 years and 3 months ago

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This was posted recently about a similar question: http://brownstoner.staging.wpengine.com/forums/topic/recommendations-for-fixing-detailed-ornate-plaster-work-in-vestibule/#replies

rh | 11 years and 3 months ago

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You need a master plasterer, not just any old contractor. Amzi Hill swears by a couple of guys…if you can find him floating around this blog somewhere. Paging Amzi!

greenstuy | 11 years and 3 months ago

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Check out Big Wally’s Plaster Magic. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,20353121,00.html http://www.plastermagic.com/ This process is time consuming and not cheap – though I do think it will be cheaper than replacing the ceiling with dry wall. We did it in our house on several walls and on a ceiling to save a rosette and plaster molding. There are a lot of advantages of keeping existing plaster ceilings – one big one is that you create a lot less waste and dust.