LATH AND PLASTER
Repairing lath and plaster work maintains the material integrity of the building, and the look and feel of the space, while staying true to the original construction methods.
Cracks and holes in plastered surfaces can often be spot repaired at less than the cost and disruption of removing the original materials and replacing the entire surface with drywall.
Lath and plaster that has been damaged or suffered failure over time can often also be stabilized, consolidated, and repaired, removing the need to demolish the structure and drywall over.
In more extensive restorations, entire areas can be re-lathed with new laths and freshly plastered with traditional, haired lime mortar.
PLASTER MOULDINGS, CORNICE, AND COVING
If your house or building already has a decorative plaster moulding that has been damaged or is missing a section, it is usually possible to repair this. It is also possible to create new mouldings to an original or historic design.
Many older homes in Victoria have coves. These have sometimes developed cracks or may have sections missing due to renovations and alterations in layout. It is often possible to repair and replicate these as needed.
SKIMMING
Original lime plaster ceilings can develop hairline cracks due to building movement or damage caused by building renovations. These cracks are usually not structural, but they are unsightly. A light skimming with a lime based plaster compound can refresh these surfaces.
Many homes in Victoria have textured walls and ceilings. Sometimes these are original to the building, but in older homes they were usually added later to 'modernize' the look of the house or to hide defects. In either case, it is possible to freshly skim these surfaces with a lime based plaster to create a clean, smooth finish.
JOINERY REPAIRS
I have also had the opportunity to sometimes replicate the type of timber mouldings and casework often found in many of the older houses in Victoria. It is not uncommon for sections to be missing or badly damaged, particularly after renovations.
This has been a new and fascinating avenue of work that I have enjoyed learning about and could be something that I could help you with.
Full lath & plaster renovation to the Guardhouse of the former British Navy Munitions Base at Cole Island.
This project was completed with the assistance of Heritageworks.
View Royal, Victoria, BC
Two in situ run plaster cornices (one plain, one with decorative enrichments), and a custom designed ceiling rose.
Private residence, London, UK
Ceiling and wall stabilisation involved cleaning out the backs of the laths from debris and broken plaster keys and establishing fresh plaster keys. Surfaces were then re-skimmed with lime and limewashed with a lime/milk paint.
Point Ellice House, Victoria, BC
After a lath & plaster renovation, we replicated the missing baseboard and box hole cupboard joinery that was missing due to having been torn out at some time in the past. Occasionally, we are able to undertake joinery tasks like this in order to complete the restoration of missing, original features.
Point Ellice House, Victoria, BC
The facade to this Victorian building had had it's mouldings removed and been stuccoed in cement at some point. Restoration involved the removal of the cement back to the brickwork, application of new stucco in a lime rich, cement/lime mortar in keeping with the material originally used and the re-establishment of the arches that had originally been there.
This project was carried out with Heritage Masonry & ThinkEpic.
Wharf Street, Victoria, BC
Lath & plaster restoration to the Henry House at Ruckles Farm.
Salt Spring Island, BC
Reproduction of ceiling oval in a private residence.
Reinstating lost plaster oval present on original lath and plaster ceiling, and recreating missing section of cornice.
Private residence, James Bay, Victoria, BC
My name is Kerry Kyriacou and I am a British heritage plasterer with 20+ years of experience based in Victoria, BC.
I trained in London, working both for myself and with various conservation companies and was fortunate enough to receive guidance and instruction from a number of Master Plasterers. I have worked on the restoration and repair of buildings ranging from modest vernacular structures, houses, churches and stately homes.
I have a Heritage Skills Diploma (NVQ level 3) from Highbury College, Portsmouth and was a member of The Guild of Traditional Plasterers in England.
I have been working in Victoria since relocating here with my family in 2017. I now specialize in the restoration and repair of heritage plasterwork in domestic and historic buildings.