The other common problem with lath and plaster walls is sagging or bowing. In addition, seismic activity can cause it to warp further and cause more cracking. This is due to warping in the wood that supports the plaster.Īs temperatures change, the wood will begin to warp, causing cracks in the wall. One of the main issues with lath and plaster walls is that they can eventually crack over time. These problems can help you conclusively identify whether or not your walls are lath and plaster: Cracks and Warping Common Problems With Lath and Plaster WallsĪnother way to tell if you have lath and plaster walls, is to look out for common problems associated with this kind of wall. If you take care of them, lath and plaster walls can last for decades or even centuries due to their extended lifespan.Īnd because they don’t require any chemical treatments like other materials do, they last longer too, with fewer environmental impacts. This makes them an excellent choice for sound-sensitive areas like recording studios or music rooms in your home. Lath and plaster walls are much thicker than drywall, so sound waves can’t transfer through them as easily. SoundproofingĪnother great benefit of lath and plaster walls is that they provide amazing soundproofing capabilities. That’s because the air pockets between the layers provide a buffer that protects against heat transfer that can cause structural damage. One of the main benefits of lath and plaster walls is that they offer incredible fire resistance compared to drywall. Well, there are several, including how fire-resistant they are and their soundproofing qualities. Benefits of Having Lath and Plaster WallsĪre you wondering what the benefits of having lath and plaster walls are? Plaster walls often appear very smooth, while the lath boards (thin strips of wood) underneath are visible in certain areas. If it sounds hollow, then it’s likely drywall if it sounds solid, then chances are it’s plaster.Ī quick visual inspection can also tell you whether you have lath and plaster construction or not. To do this, tap the wall surface with your knuckle. Tap Test: A tap test is a simple way to differentiate between plaster and drywall.Thickness: Plaster walls are thicker than drywall, so if your walls are quite thick, this could be an indication that it’s lath and plaster construction.Raised texture: Lath and plaster walls will usually have a raised texture, as opposed to flat drywall.Here are some telltale signs that you may have lath and plaster walls: Knowing what type of wall construction you have is important for upkeep and repairs, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with these types of walls. Identifying Lath and Plaster WallsĪre you curious to know if you have lath and plaster walls in your home? Press a pushpin into the wall if it goes right through the drywall but not into the plaster, it’s likely a lath and plaster wall. The pushpin test is another way to quickly identify the type of wall you are dealing with. They also tend to be more solid than drywall, resulting in a different sound if you knock on them. Plaster walls are usually thicker than drywall and may have jagged hairline cracks in patterns, especially on older structures and in areas of high humidity. This creates a smooth wall surface that can be easily finished. The wood lath provides a framework for the two-part plaster, which is then spread on top of the wood laths. Lath and plaster walls are made of wood lath and plaster, two materials that were commonly used for building homes and other structures until the mid-20th century. If you want to learn how to tell if you have lath and plaster walls, knowing the basics is a great place to start. When it comes to walls, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with.
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