Historic Plaster Conservation Services USA

12/09/2021

Elaborate paint scheme: Another reason to assess condition of the

A factor that is sometimes overlooked is understanding the consequences of failing plaster that displays elaborate and very expensive paintings/murals. Expensive murals and paint schemes that reside on the face of aging and deteriorating plaster ceilings are subject to being severely damaged or even lost forever. When aging plaster deteriorates, the plaster will begin to fail. Aging or unstable plaster may or may not be evident from the face or the painted side of the ceiling and could fail without warning. This could lead to cracking, falling pieces or a complete collapse of a section or more. Having the backside of ceiling assessed could reveal any doubts in the safety of its current condition. Stabilizing a deteriorated ceiling will not only save the plaster but save the expensive paint scheme as well.

The Global Standard for Conserving Historic Plaster Historic Plaster Conservation Services (HPCS) was founded in 1988 to pursue opportunities in …

01/27/2021

Fibrous Plaster Ceilings Stabilization:
When originally constructed, natural fibers are imbedded into the plaster to reinforce the panels as well as the plaster wads which hang the panels in place. Over time these fibers are subject to rot and desiccation. Inevitably, the building’s micro movements coupled with the failing natural fibers will cause the weakening and cracking of the plaster. This could lead to the disconnection or a total failure of the panel. Proper evaluation and stabilization should be considered during the ageing of the ceiling or whenever disrupting the original construction.

02/11/2020

Insulation: An accelerant to the deterioration of

There are many reasons why interior plaster systems deteriorate over time, including water leaks, age, and poor craftsmanship. But there is another contributing factor that causes plaster to deteriorate and become unstable: . Insulation traps atmospheric moisture and keeps the plaster wet or damp for extended periods of time. Dampness accelerates the deterioration of the plaster matrix, which can be evident upon a preliminary inspection but may take a more comprehensive assessment to determine the extent and severity of the problem. Some of the factors in this diagnosis are falling plaster, moist plaster, friable (powdery or brittle) plaster and broken plaster keys and lugs. Cracking and/or bulging on the finished side of the plaster may also signify a possible issue but these symptoms often do not present themselves. The good news is that most, if not all, deteriorated plaster systems (ceilings & walls, both decorative and plain face) can be stabilized and made to outperform their original as-built condition. If the plaster is treated with the correct products and methods, the insulation can then be returned without worries of further deterioration.

01/06/2020

Sometimes a plaster ceiling can look absolutely beautiful and appear to be stable from the face side ... but after further investigation from the back-side, ominous signs can be uncovered. This cross-section details a hidden danger... broken keys. Depending on the extent and severity, this condition could lead to failure including the possibility of losing the entire ceiling. Broken or friable keys are a sure sign that the plaster system needs to be addressed.

01/06/2020

HPCS welcomes one of the nation’s leading historic building preservation firms, John Canning Studios.