Our experienced Stevensons fibrous and lime plaster team will take you through the entire process, from establishing the condition of your existing plasterwork, through to securing and restoring your existing plaster ceiling.
A complete survey of your existing plasterwork is undertaken on-site, which includes checking the structural integrity and potential water ingress points both above and below the plasterwork. Detailed sketches and photographs will be produced during the survey. For public buildings, a baseline ABTT survey will be undertaken with a structural engineer present.
Wherever possible, in situ repairs will take place on the ceiling using traditional methods to match the existing design. This includes the re-securing of loose plaster, physical repairs to cracked or damaged surfaces, and ensuring that the ceiling is secured firmly to primary and secondary fixing points.
Where in situ repairs cannot be completed, Stevensons can re-create existing plasterwork and restore the ceiling to its original design. Using a process known as ‘squeezing’, an imprint of a section is taken to create a mould, allowing new sections to be cast and installed alongside the existing plasterwork.
Due to lath and lime plasterwork being installed as two separate elements, ceilings made in this style require a thorough survey of all layers. Our experienced team will check the integrity of both the visible lime plasterwork and the supporting wooden laths, identifying any areas that require restoration or securing. When surveying a lime plaster ceiling, this will involve checking for degradation both above and below the ceiling.
Lime Plasterwork Securing & Restoration
A landmark of Victoria Square in Birmingham, the 19th Century built Town Hall recently underwent a major restoration, transforming this majestic building into a new concert hall format.
As part of the restoration, Stevensons undertook repairs to the lime plaster walls and ceilings, which included securing the existing plasterwork, fixing any defects, and where required, recreating sections using traditional techniques. This was an extensive lime plaster repair project, which ultimately restored the historic site, while keeping its traditional look and feel.
Lime Plasterwork Securing & Restoration
A landmark of Victoria Square in Birmingham, the 19th Century built Town Hall recently underwent a major restoration, transforming this majestic building into a new concert hall format.
As part of the restoration, Stevensons undertook repairs to the lime plaster walls and ceilings, which included securing the existing plasterwork, fixing any defects, and where required, recreating sections using traditional techniques. This was an extensive lime plaster repair project, which ultimately restored the historic site, while keeping its traditional look and feel.
Barrel-Vaulted Ceiling Survey & Repair
Built in the early 20th Century and regularly used for lectures and events by the London Metropolitan University, the Rocket Theatre contains an impressive barrel-vaulted fibrous plaster ceiling. After overall 100 years in service, concerns were raised about the integrity of the ceiling, and Stevensons were invited to complete a ceiling survey.
Our thorough on-site survey found a number of defects, including sections which needed repair, and areas where additional fixings and reinforcements were required. Stevensons were invited to complete these repairs, casting new plaster sections where required, and reinforcing the existing ceiling panels. Upon completion of the restoration, a structural surveyor granted the ceiling an ABTT certificate, declaring it safe for public use.
Barrel-Vaulted Ceiling Survey & Repair
Built in the early 20th Century and regularly used for lectures and events by the London Metropolitan University, the Rocket Theatre contains an impressive barrel-vaulted fibrous plaster ceiling. After overall 100 years in service, concerns were raised about the integrity of the ceiling, and Stevensons were invited to complete a ceiling survey.
Our thorough on-site survey found a number of defects, including sections which needed repair, and areas where additional fixings and reinforcements were required. Stevensons were invited to complete these repairs, casting new plaster sections where required, and reinforcing the existing ceiling panels. Upon completion of the restoration, a structural surveyor granted the ceiling an ABTT certificate, declaring it safe for public use.