Had a whole section of 5/8" firecode sag on a Reno job

Was working on a remodel in the old brick building on 3rd Street, hung everything Friday. Came back Monday and a 4x8 sheet over the main hall had dropped a full inch on one side. The existing lath was just too far gone to hold the screws. Had to cut it out and sister in new strapping before the GC lost his mind. Anyone got a trick for checking old plaster keys before you hang?

2 comments

2 Comments

oliviadixon15d ago

Oh man, that's the worst feeling... walking in and seeing a whole sheet just gave up. Had the same thing happen with some old rock lath in a bungalow last year. I started giving the ceiling a good solid poke with my 5-in-1 before I run any board now... if the tool goes in too easy or you hear that crumbly sound, you know the keys are shot. Saves a ton of headache on the back end, even if it takes a few extra minutes.

sam53015d ago

Is a poke test really enough though? Old plaster can feel solid right up until you add weight. I'd be pulling a few test screws to see what actually grabs.