#Lath and plaster walls professional

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.

#Lath and plaster walls professional

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