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I’ve got a 1921 Bungalow with a saggy lath & plaster ceiling in the family room. It was covered over at some point with 1/2″ mesh reinforced plaster board so it’s in pretty good shape except over time the added weight of the add on has caused a strong 4″ sag over the 16′ span of the 2×4 ceiling joist (go figure). I installed an attic space over new ceiling joist and have yet to sister the old (2×4) with the new because I’m at a quandary as to what to do! I’d like to install crown molding at some point so leaving it as is not an option.
Should I try and jack any of it up and then fur and sheet rock over it or what. oh and I’ve got 1st generation rock wool insulation above so a total tear out is not an attractive idea.
Thanks for any advise!!
Jared
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Jared,
If you already have a floor in place, sistering the old ceiling joists will be next to impossible. Pull out the old ceiling, fur and hang sheetrock.
kind regards
mark
*Jared - Your ceiling 'joists' are so undersized that it's amazing that the whole thing hasn't collapsed. A 4" sag sounds about right. You have compounded the problem by creating attic space, which does have a floor loading requirement (light, but still there). Don't use this space!A possible fix other than just starting over as suggested, would be to add 'strongbacks' a time-tested method of supporting undersized or over-spanned ceiling framing. With 2 x 4's on that span you'll probably need two and you should abandon the attic use to lighten the load. Basically, you add framing i abovethe ceiling that runs perpendicular to the ceiling joists. For instance (and not sized to your application) 2-2x10's set vertically are nailed together and to a flat 2 x 10 plate. The new 'strongback' is set in place with ends bearing over bearing walls and the framing underneath is shored up slightly to reduce bending. The 2 x 10 plate is then glued/toenailed to the tops of all the ceiling joists and the shoring removed. As noted you would probably need 2 of these to reduce the span to around 5' or so. Did I mention that you'd probably have to cut a hole in the outside wall (do you have a wall louver or vent?) to get the long members in, or a hole in the ceiling if you think you can manage it that way.Pull permits and get help for this work before you make another decision!Jeff
*Jeff,Thanks for the info. To clarify, the attic space is on new 2x6 & 2x8 ceiling joist with no current load from the ceiling below. The attic is thus not a problem. My issue is finding the best means to right the plaster ceiling which as I mentioned hasn't yet been sistered to the new members, i.e. get rid of the sag or at least most of it.Do you have any other helpful advise?Jared
*My upstairs ceilings are 2x4 joists on 16" centers spanning 15 feet, built in 1926. They don't sag at all, and the original plaster is in good shape. Therefore, I'd guess that the big problem with your building is that extra layer of sheetrock hanging from the joists. In total, you just have way too much weight on them. I'd second the motion to pull it all down and start fresh.-- J.S.
*Jared,You have a problem. I've been in the next room when two such ceilings fell without warning. Happened so fast there was no way anyone was gonna get out in time. For some lucky reason, no one was in the room either time. Thank you St. Joseph.If you have 2x6 or 2x8 joist floating above this ceiling, that's perfect. Just jack up the old ceiling and hang 2x4's off the new joist to hold up the old joist. Then go downstairs and re-screw off the old ceiling using a long enough screw to grab the old joist. The wood or wire lath that was holding the original plaster ceiling has more than likely pulled loose. You have to reconnect it. I read here a while back, that there are screws with some kind of wide (or wider) head for this very application. Check the archives for sagging plaster ceilings and see what you come up with.Good luck, and move out the furniture now.Ed. Williams
*I agree with Ed except in the use of the term "jack up." You want to i shoreup the sag area, not lift up the joists. I'm sure that's what he meant. He is also referencing the use of plaster washers, which is a good idea for any loose areas.Jeff
*Three things: (1) Tear down the plaster; (2) Shore up the ceiling with adequate sized joists; (3) Add 5/8" drywallto the ceiling.
*Regardless of the mess that may occur, I strongly suggest tear-out and replacement of the ceiling. Trying to jack it up might cause more damage than good (cracked plaster, seperate plaster from ceiling alltogether etc...). Besides, replacing it will give you such a nicer end product.Pete Draganic
*Yep, that's what I'd do. New ceiling. Easiest, and the most predictable and best end result.
*I'd tear the whole thing out and start over or else require a hard hat for anyone entering the room. I can just visualize you coming home from work and sitting down to read the paper when all of a sudden your wearing a fifty pound chunk of plaster where your head used to be.
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I've got a 1921 Bungalow with a saggy lath & plaster ceiling in the family room. It was covered over at some point with 1/2" mesh reinforced plaster board so it's in pretty good shape except over time the added weight of the add on has caused a strong 4" sag over the 16' span of the 2x4 ceiling joist (go figure). I installed an attic space over new ceiling joist and have yet to sister the old (2x4) with the new because I'm at a quandary as to what to do! I'd like to install crown molding at some point so leaving it as is not an option.
Should I try and jack any of it up and then fur and sheet rock over it or what. oh and I've got 1st generation rock wool insulation above so a total tear out is not an attractive idea.
Thanks for any advise!!
Jared