How to Fix Ceilings in Older Homes – Lath, Plaster & Lime Advice with Master Plasterer Sean Wheatley

In this episode of Talking Conservation, we’re joined by expert heritage plasterer Sean Wheatley, who brings decades of hands-on experience in the restoration of traditional ceilings and plasterwork in older homes. From sagging lath and plaster to hairline cracks and inappropriate repairs, Sean explains what to look out for, how to fix it — andwhen to call in a pro.

🧱 We discuss:

●      What materials were historicallyused for ceilings (and why it matters)

●      How to tell if a ceiling needsrepair or replacement

●      Spotting signs of serious failurevs. cosmetic issues

●      Why modern materials often makethings worse

●      DIY options vs. when to leave itto specialists

●      The pros and cons of differentlime plasters for interiors

●      Myths around steamers, fillers,and patching old ceilings

●      What goes wrong when corners arecut

●      What not to do with cracked or sagging ceilings

🛠️ Whether you're dealing with acrumbling Victorian ceiling or just curious about traditional internalfinishes, this is packed with insight.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:
👉 Expertible– 1:1 video consultations with independent heritage professionals
👉 Stephen Boniface Associates – Chartered building surveyorand conservation specialist

📌 Who is this for?
Homeowners of older UK properties, tradespeople working with traditionalbuildings, and anyone interested in practical conservation.

🎬 Don’t miss our full lime mortar series – Watch the full playlist here

Contents

00:00             Introduction

00:54             Sean’s background

04:07             Worshipful Company of Plaisterers

05:45             Apprentices

07:13             Working at distance from home

08:30             Ceiling constructions and laths

11:53             Choosing riven or sawn laths

13:35             Application and fixing of laths

18:21             Gaps between laths

19:49             Reed as a backing

23:03             Board backings

24:41             Earth plasters

27:07             Identifying ceiling constructions

28:19             Dealing with cracks and discussionabout hair

33:17             Patching ceilings

34:13             Checking the soundness of a ceiling

37:10             Repairing lath and plaster

41:41             Causes of ceiling failures

46:28             Lime plaster mixes

50:19             Hot lime mortar mixes

51:26             Hydrated (bagged) lime

53:04             Using plasterboard

55:29             Overboarding a ceiling

58:27             Concluding comments

59:18             Outro