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 — and when to call in a pro. 🧱 We discuss: ● What materials were historically used for ceilings (and why it matters) ● How to tell if a ceiling needs repair or replacement ● Spotting signs of serious failure vs. cosmetic issues ● Why modern materials often make things worse ● DIY options vs. when to leave it to specialists ● The pros and cons of different lime plasters for interiors ● Myths around steamers, fillers, and patching old ceilings ● What goes wrong when corners are cut ● What not to do with cracked or sagging ceilings 🛠️ Whether you're dealing with a crumbling Victorian ceiling or just curious about traditional internal finishes, this is packed with insight. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: 👉 Expertible – 1:1 video consultations with independent heritage professionals https://www.expertible.com/ 👉 Stephen Boniface Associates – Chartered building surveyor and conservation specialist https://beconservation.com/about/ 📌 Who is this for? Homeowners of older UK properties, tradespeople working with traditional buildings, and anyone interested in practical conservation. 🎬 Don’t miss our full lime mortar series – Watch the full playlist here    • Lime Mortar for Old Homes – Complete Guide   👉 Subscribe to our channel for future episodes on building conservation, heritage homes, and expert advice. 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 discussion about 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