Plaster walls fell out of favor as the popularity of drywall skyrocketed in the 1950s, but they’re still widespread in older homes. You may need to replace crumbling plaster that hasn’t held up when your house sinks or new electrical wiring or insulation.
In any event, with the correct equipment and enough time, removing plaster is simple but will require a contractor dumpster in Nashville.
How to Remove the Plaster
By softly striking on the wall with a hammer, you can hear the wall studs, which are the vertical wooden beams in the wall. Then, with the hammer, make holes in the plaster that isn’t supported by studs. Scrape off bits of plaster with a shovel and place it directly into a contractor dumpster bag.
Although some plaster may adhere to the lath, attempt to leave as much of the timber structure exposed. To make cleaning simpler, disassemble the plaster and lath individually. Remove any adhered plaster bits from the lath with a scraping tool.
Removing the Lath
Now remove the lath that was supporting the plaster. Break and remove portions of lath using a hammer or pry bar, starting with the horizontal strips. Wear gloves throughout this step to avoid getting splinters from loose nails or wood splinters. Also, take care not to damage or remove the studs.
Cleaning up
Remove any dust and grime accumulated in the exposed wall, especially if you want to install insulation. For the most part, a large broom and dustpan will suffice, but if your wall is very dusty or if there are any hard-to-reach areas, consider renting a shop-vac and a contractor dumpster in Nashville.
