Hello

We are considfering buying an old victorian terrace. The basement has a hole in the ceiling (see below picture). Does anyone have any idea what could be causing this ? Is it simplely a case of replastering or is there more of a deeper problem i.e. with the floorboards above ?

Thanks all.

Hi,

Basically that is old lathe and plaster and really if in a basement it probably has come to the end of it's shelf life, unless there are any signs of a leak, but judging by the photo there aren't.
Best way forward with this is to remove (very dirty job) and insulate the ceiling before re-tacking and skimming

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Hello

Thanks for your prompt reply. We dont think there is any leakage as this would show up as water marks no doubt. The floor above doesnt feel bouncy so structually it comes accross OK. I take it from your answer, the ceiling could just need re-laying/plastering, but there shouldnt be anything wrong structurely ? I fully appreciate you can only base your answers on the sole photo I have posted!

Thanks
Dave

What is the basement going to be used for?

If only for storage and there is enough height, quickest way would be to overboard with plasterboard, and skim.

However if is going to be used for a 'living' type room as suggested you could strip out,insulate the floor above.

What is the room above used for?


John

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Hello

The room above is a dining room with no visibile issues. The basement would no doubt be used as a storage area, maybe in the future it could be used for some other "livable" area, but as yet no plans. My main concern is if there is a problem structually with the foundations and the like, but from the comments it seems just to be cosmetic and insulation ?

Thanks for your input

David

If it's just a storage area you could just patch it up with plaster.

You should lag the pipes while you're down there.

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Hi,

Under no circumstances is this a structural problem like other posters have listed just old materials coming to the end of there life,
My previous house had all lath and plaster ceilings and i removed them all over a period of time, because in my experience when one section comes away the rest is ready to fall aswell, not so bad in a basement but in a living room or a bedroom it is a nightmare

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Thanks a lot for your time and advice, it has been most useful.

Thanks
David