Cracked ceilings

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DIYer1986

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Im re-decorating my whole house and having all the walls and ceilings skimmed. Can i board over the existing ceilings before my plasterer skims them as there is a lot of cracks running across them in some rooms. Not sure but think it might be plaster and lath as there is a small bit above the stairway that i have uncovered.
 
You can overboard in certain circumstances yes.
Ask your plaster that is doing the wals and ceilings ?
If you dont trust his judgement get someone else in.
 
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can i use 9.5mm boards. it will be easier for me to put up on my own (or as good as, with my missus). Will the screws go through the old plaster and lath ok? What size would you recommend?
 
yes you can but dont expect any guarantees if the cracks reappear due to dodgy overboarding...
if youre gonna do it, make sure you do it correctly...
might save you a bit of cash but if youre not used to it then in all honesty a professional would be 4 times quicker and 4 times better at it than you, youre trading quality for cash...
its not as easy as it looks, specially overboarding...
youre on the right track though, lath and plaster ceilings are always better for a reboard... you'll be lucky to save the cracks coming back without it although it is possible youll get away with it...
 
If you are going to do it urself just knock the ceiling down.
It weil be dusty but it will be easier for you in the long run.
only takes 30 mins to knock down and clear away another 30 to de nail.
Then u can see what ur dealing with.
I wouldnt entertain 9.5 boards on a overboard get 12.5mm.
if you knock ceiling down get fireboards.
 
my problem is, i've already had the walls done in one room. i guess that will mess up my new skim knocking the ceiling down. Maybe do that on all the other rooms then but just board over this ceiling before skim. So why not go for 9.5mm?
 
probably gone about it the wrong way - getting the walls done before the ceiling! Also, i take it there's nothing toxic in old plaster and lath ceilings. Just that i had a ceiling before that had asbestos in it and i have 2 kids. dont want toxic dust flying about in the house.
 
You get abetter finnish with 12.5 boards they take any ump and bumps better they take the screws better,an overhaul better finnish in my opinion mate.
I f it was my house and i was gonna live in it (not rent it ) id frieboard it.Not becuse u have too but becuse ud get a better job with the knowledge that its also more fireproof /sound proof and better insulated.
 
oh and i've never seen plasterboard taped and joined before as a finished product. is there a massive difference once painted? would that not be a better option if i cant take this ceiling down as the walls are already skimmed.

Sorry for all the questions. just want to look at all the possibilities
 
Personally i hate to see tape and joint work done in domestic houses.
Personally i think the time saved in 2 fills and sands prime sand then paint is not enough to warrant not plastering it.
Tape and jolinting not done corectly looks terrible.
Just skim it !!!
Mate if money is driving you to do t & j save up and get it done properly.
 
DIYer1986 said:
my problem is, i've already had the walls done in one room. i guess that will mess up my new skim knocking the ceiling down. Maybe do that on all the other rooms then but just board over this ceiling before skim. So why not go for 9.5mm?
Click to expand...

Tell the plasterer to put skrim tape on the joints
 
Money's not the issue. Im doing my house how i want it for the long term. Just wondered if there was a big difference. It wont cost that much to skim anyway. The ceiling is only about 9'x7'.

So as i've had the walls skimmed already, should i over board this ceiling and have it skimmed? I dont wanna start smashing the ceiling in from above, then have chunks of my newly skimmed walls coming off! But all other rooms, knock the ceilings down, re-board then have it skimmed and then re-skim the walls after the ceilings?
 
Over board recent skimmed for sure, get plasterer to do it though if u not experienced.
The other rooms id say rip them down and start from scratch using fireboards , it is much easier once ripped down if you have no experience and doing ur self.
Im not going into the ins an outs on how to do it but if u look through old threads im sure there are how to do's on this.

If you ask ur plaster he could over them for you at approx £250 a ceiling inc plastering it.
 
I've measured up and its only 1 whole board, 1 board 3/4 width and two 1' long boards of the same widths, obviuosly staggered to prevent cracking full width/length across the ceiling. The room is slightly off square but its minimal. Pretty sure i can manage the boarding myself with my experience. Thanks for your advice on everything.
 
if you overboard try and find the joists before you start and mark them on the walls and ping a chalk line across the ceiling... will save you a rake load of time :-)

All great advice above though... good luck and let us know how you get on :-)
 
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