Ceiling Replacement in Room With Horse Hair Insulation Ask questions and find answers on a range of subjects relating to self build projects

[jigbeff]

I am about to start taking down a ceiling in a room that has horse hair as insulation, the ceiling itself is artexed and has cracks all over so we decided to have a go at doing it ourselves.
The room measures 12x12 so we would need 6 2.4x1.4 mtr boards, we know there is going to be a lot of mess but we need to know about the lights and wires, also do we use screws or nails into the plaster, and above the window, someone has put in a slope but when you tap it sounds empty so can we rip that down, also can we keep the horse hair as it is very good insulation as it is a 1930's house.

Thanks.

[stoneyboy]

Hi jigbeff,
I'd strongly recommend you just overboard the existing ceiling and use screws to hold the boards in place.
If you take the ceiling down you may find all kinds of biting insects are waiting for a meal.
Regards S

[jigbeff]

Thanks for that.

We were looking at doing that as the ceiling is Lath and Plaster as it's a 1930 house, so best be safe than sorry.


Thanks again.

[stoneyboy]

Hi jigbeff,
Lathe and plaster makes it difficult to cut holes and make good. You may have to remove the complete ceiling and replace it with plasterboard.
Good luck!
Regards S

[jigbeff]

Thanks for the reply.

My main problem at the moment is finding the joists, I have found one but can't find the other, the loft is completely covered with boards so we cant see how far distance we need to be looking. I have already done the main method for present-day but because this is 1930, I might have to go 2mtr.