Talk:Lath and plaster

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I don't know if anyone will ever read this. Here in new orleans, and since the flood, I've found that the mixture of materials in our old plaster walls dissolve, where the newer drywall patches applied to it later are rotten and falling from the walls. So we're considering (and by we I mean my paint and construction company), re-plastering the walls to regain that resilience. As this is somewhat of an aside, I don't know if it belongs in the main article.

I think this article is usful -- it provides basic information for those looking to purchase a older home where the lath and plaster are still used on teh interior walls...

[edit] Chronology?

Is there any way to tell when the changeover from plaster to drywall began? More specifically, is there a way to tell whether a given wall or ceiling in a 40-50 year old home is plastered or drywalled? --Wspencer11 (talk to me...) 15:18, 20 December 2006 (UTC)

I would just drill into it a little bit to find out. Just be careful you don't crack it if it is plastered. 40-50 years old, it's probably plaster over drywall ... --Captadam 19:35, 21 December 2006 (UTC)

Plaster is still in use as an architectural finish in commercial construction as it allows for curves and other architectural designs that can not be done with regular gypsum wall board. - Jeremy

Does anyone have suggestions as to the best way to hang pictures and or drapery rods in lath and plaster walls? Sometime both nails and screws cause chipping and cracking. Thanks Mzucker55 05:00, 13 August 2007 (UTC)

Well, this page is for discussion of the article, not the topic, but what you do is drill a hole and then tap in a plastic anchor that has a screw in it. Go ask the guys at your hardware store. 71.63.105.172 (talk) 18:12, 3 February 2008 (UTC)

 This is my first time time editing anything on wikipedia, so im not too sure what all the rules are.  I would just like to say that the article written is very misleading.  I've worked in the lath and plaster trade for over 10 years, and my father has for over 40.  With that said, I can testify to the fact that that drywall has not replaced lath and plaster.  I would like to see someone hang drywall on the outside of a building and see how long it lasts.  Lath and plaster is still very much in use today as it was nearly a hudred years ago.  The fact is, is that its not used in interiors as much, which is where drywall has taking over.  Most commercial buildings still utilize lath plaster.  The company I work for is busy all year long on various types of projects covering buildings up with lath and plaster. 
 I can also say that it depends on what part of the world you are in that will determine how much lath and plaster work you will find going on. The lath and plaster trade is a good trade but it is a dying one, at least where I'm from.  By a dying trade, I am referring to the art of the trade as opposed to the useage.  There is alot to know about lath and plaster yet many of the workers who go into the trade never bother learning all the ins and outs.  Again I am basing all this on the area I am from.  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.160.144.119 (talk) 22:23, 7 June 2008 (UTC)