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How to Fix a Plaster Ceiling

Plaster ceilings are subject to cracking and can sag away from the lath to which they were attached. It is possible to repair plaster ceilings using drywall sheeting instead of plaster.

What You Will Need:

• Sheetrock board of the correct thickness
• Sheets to cover the floor and furniture
• Hammer
• Chisel
• Tape measure
• Putty knife
• Drywall tape
• Jointing compound
• Drywall knives
• Sanding blocks

Step 1 – Assess the Extent of the Damage

Check the extent of the damage and decide if you want to go to the trouble of repairing the plaster in the original way (usually because of the age) which will require an expert.

Step 2 – Protect the Floor

Cover the floor below the damaged part of the ceiling and remove the damaged plaster. As the plaster is removed you will expose the lath and joists.

Step 3 – Mark out a Work Area in the Plaster

Carefully convert the area of removed plaster into as close to a rectangle as you can. Use the putty knife and a straightedge to score the rectangular shape into the plaster and then use the hammer and chisel to cut the old plaster away in as straight lines as possible.

Step 4 – Cut the Sheetrock to Size

Cut the sheetrock to fit into the rectangle you have just made in the ceiling—make it as tight a fit as possible. Take a note of the position of the joists and mark them on the underside of the sheetrock.

Step 5 – Secure the Sheetrock

Present the sheetrock to the hole and secure it to the joists using screws spaced 4 to 6 inches apart. The sheetrock can also be screwed to the lath.

Step 6 – Jointing Compound

Apply jointing compound around the sheetrock and allow it to dry for 24 hours. Don’t worry about any slight shrinking that might occur.

Step 7 – Blend the New Surface into the Old

Apply more jointing compound and feather it out onto the plaster to create a continuous surface and leave it to dry and then, if necessary apply one more coat and let that dry.

Step 8 – Final Check on the New Surface

Smooth the surface using the sanding blocks and take care to check for ridges and bubbles. A final light coat of jointing compound might be needed to finish the job off let it dry out completely before the last sanding.

Step 9 – Finishing Touches

Treat the whole ceiling with a light primer so that the repaired patch cannot be noticed. To really put the final touch you can paint the ceiling with ceiling white which will make the repair invisible.

Although you have not used the original materials you have performed a very effective plaster ceiling repair that will last.

Information provided by www.doityourself.com

Home Sweet Home Improvement

Whether you’re planning an addition for a growing family or simply getting new storm windows, finding a competent and reliable contractor is the first step to a successful and satisfying home improvement project.

Your home may be your most valuable financial asset. That’s why it’s important to be cautious when you hire someone to work on it. Home improvement and repair and maintenance contractors often advertise in newspapers, the Yellow Pages, and on the radio and TV. However, don’t consider an ad an indication of the quality of a contractor’s work. Your best bet is a reality check from those in the know: friends, neighbors, or co-workers who have had improvement work done. Get written estimates from several firms. Ask for explanations for price variations. Don’t automatically choose the lowest bidder.

Home Improvement Professionals

Depending on the size and complexity of your project, you may choose to work with a number of different professionals:

• General Contractors manage all aspects of your project, including hiring and supervising subcontractors, getting building permits, and scheduling inspections. They also work with architects and designers.
  
• Specialty Contractors install particular products, such as cabinets and bathroom fixtures.
  
• Architects design homes, additions, and major renovations. If your project includes structural changes, you may want to hire an architect who specializes in home remodeling.
  
• Designers have expertise in specific areas of the home, such as kitchens and baths.
  
• Design/Build Contractors provide one-stop service. They see your project through from start to finish. Some firms have architects on staff; others use certified designers.

Don’t Get Nailed

Not all contractors operate within the law. Here are some tip-offs to potential rip-offs. A less than reputable contractor:

• solicits door-to-door;
• offers you discounts for finding other customers;
• just happens to have materials left over from a previous job;
• only accepts cash payments;
• asks you to get the required building permits;
• does not list a business number in the local telephone directory;
• tells you your job will be a "demonstration;"
• pressures you for an immediate decision;
• offers exceptionally long guarantees;
• asks you to pay for the entire job up-front;
• suggests that you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows. If you’re not careful, you could lose your home through a home improvement loan scam.

Mason Contractors
Galesburg Masonry Restoration
343-9143
Galesburg
Painting Contractors

Bradshaw, Jane
335-1780
St. Augustine

Burford, Bill
343-3075

Campbell, Don
221-4105
74 S. West St.

Clarks Coatings
344-1282
P.O.Box 263, Henderson

Davis, Dave
341-2220
912 McClure St.

Hall Painting
343-0859
129 Fulton

Jackson Painting
342-9636
827 N. Cedar

Jerns Painting & Wallpaper
337-1814

Johnson Painting
342-7640
P.O.Box 29
Johhson Painting

M & R Kenney Painting
371-9504

Masterson Painting
343-8908
1158 Beecher Ave

Midwest Painting & Wallpaper
289-9530
P.O.Box 101, Knoxville

Moss Interiors
344-0704
1988 N. Broad St.

Olson, Steve
335-9375
Galesburg

Redfern Painting
221-9779
221 N. Seminary St.

Saska Painting & Wallpaper
337-2788

Showalter Painting
344-0556
485 Olive St.

Spectrum Painting
371-3947
Spectrum Painting

Swanson, Kenny
343-8809
1701 Beecher Ave.

United Painting & Decorating
509-5000
Galesburg

Plumbing Contractors

Bi-State Home Improvements
343-5017
1150 W. Carl Sandburg Dr. Ste1224

C N Home Improvements
335-4182
Galesburg

Champion Siding & Windows
345-0799
Galesburg

Evans Siding & Windows
351-9263
Galesburg

JB & D Siding & Windows
343-1109
425 Home Blvd.
JB & D Siding & Windows

New Age Siding & Windows
343-4701
1290 W. Main St.

United Siding & Windows
342-5361
765 E. 2nd St.

Voorhees Siding & Windows
344-1716
Galesburg