Plaster Ceiling Demo Question - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

nmcomeau · 01-03-2009, 11:29 AM

I have a 5600 sf. ceiling, plaster on wire mesh. No plenum or air gap. Typically I handle this kind of demo from above (plenum/air gap), but given that I can't, I am trying to find an efficient method for removing from below. Other than banging the plaster off the mesh, removing, mesh, etc., I am looking for ways to remove the ceiling in as large chunks as possible. The sub-structure is staying, so my concern is getting the ceiling off the joists as efficiently as possible.

Ideas?

Thanks!

fastg60 · 01-03-2009, 11:52 AM

you could locate the joists and sawzall along them (with proper blade of course) and take it down in strips. it's going to be heavy as heck, don't get stuck under a piece that might drop suddenly on your head!

twinremodeling · 01-03-2009, 11:56 AM

there is one good way of doing this . Get a showel with square end and put it between the plaster and tear down the celling it should go down in pices

Mellison · 01-03-2009, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastg60

you could locate the joists and sawzall along them (with proper blade of course) and take it down in strips. it's going to be heavy as heck, don't get stuck under a piece that might drop suddenly on your head!

Ditto Sawzall

SC sawdaddy · 01-03-2009, 12:30 PM

Give the hardest job to the laziest man and he'll find the eaisest way to do it.

gallerytungsten · 01-03-2009, 02:59 PM

+2 on the Sawzall. And as far as the strips falling down on you at an inopportune moment: you can first make some cuts perpendicular to the joists, so the as you slide along the joists with the main cutting, the sections will drop out behind you.

mdshunk · 01-03-2009, 03:01 PM

K12 and a baker scaffold. You're going to go through hundreds of sawzall blades if you do it that way.

nmcomeau · 01-03-2009, 03:38 PM

Thanks for the response...the Sawzall thing sounded good, except for that pesky blade issue. No idea what K12 is...not language I am familiar with. Please advise.

mdshunk · 01-03-2009, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmcomeau

Thanks for the response...the Sawzall thing sounded good, except for that pesky blade issue. No idea what K12 is...not language I am familiar with. Please advise.

K12 is a generic term for a demo saw:

nmcomeau · 01-03-2009, 03:57 PM

Thanks. But a demo saw, over the head, all day? Won't the guys get tired fast? Or is there a track or something we can run it on.

mdshunk · 01-03-2009, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmcomeau

Thanks. But a demo saw, over the head, all day? Won't the guys get tired fast? Or is there a track or something we can run it on.

Hey, the job is going to suck, no matter what you do it with. Frankly, I've never seen anyone take down a wire lath ceiling with anything other than pike poles and other similar manual implements of destruction.

nmcomeau · 01-03-2009, 04:11 PM

Now you're talking. I suspected the job would suck, but was looking for an efficient, sucky means...typically we use a range of wrecking bars/sledgehammers, etc. Pike pole is a new on one me and looks like it could be a good investment. Thanks!

rustyjames · 01-03-2009, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SC sawdaddy

Give the hardest job to the laziest man and he'll find the eaisest way to do it.

Good one.

I've seen it done by prying between the joists and mesh/plaster with long-handled shovels. The weight of the ceiling actually will work in your favor--gravity being your helper. Once you have large sections hanging vertically you cut the sections with an appropriate method, poking with shovel might work for this too.

BHR · 01-10-2009, 06:31 PM

I use sawzall blade for cast iron when cutting through plaster - goes a long way

A W Smith · 01-10-2009, 10:59 PM

shingle eaters and a shale bar. When you get the mat on the ground or hangimg like a curtain from the ceiling you can cut it with a diamond blade in a k12 or circular saw. dont bother with a sawzall on large scale work, you will pay a buck a square foot in blades.

Greg Di · 01-11-2009, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmcomeau

Now you're talking. I suspected the job would suck, but was looking for an efficient, sucky means...typically we use a range of wrecking bars/sledgehammers, etc. Pike pole is a new on one me and looks like it could be a good investment. Thanks!

Get a pike pole with a D handle at the bottom. You definitely DO NOT WANT a straight pike pole for pulling plaster all day. The D handle is the ONLY way to go.

Take it from me. I usually have to pull out the plaster ceiling while it's on fire.

WarnerConstInc. · 01-15-2009, 03:54 PM

That thing looks like fun!!!

neolitic · 01-15-2009, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdshunk

Hey, the job is going to suck, no matter what you do it with..........

"Can't swim?
Hell the fall will probably kill ya!"

Norrrrrrrrrrrrm · 01-15-2009, 05:41 PM

I second the cast iron blades. Get some quality diamond encrusted blades and you should rip much better.

plazaman · 01-15-2009, 07:52 PM

dude, there no easy way around, crow, pry, shingle bars... all do the samething, start ripping the crap out. by the time you asked methods on here and settled on , you could of had half the ceiling done already, lol, just joking..

just get at, respirator, goggles, gloves, vent fan. plaster dust is nasty.