On Thu, 8 Jan 2009 09:37:52 -0500, "RonABC" wrote:

Jimw wrote:

You should have left the laths in place, but since you removed them,
you will have to use laths or strips of plywood to shim the high
joists.

I did leave some of the laths in place and only took down the ones that came
down in the demo process. So, maybe part of the "packing" (oops, I mean
shimming :-) process is already done. I'll have to go back and check.


Yes, you can just fill in gaps with the ones that came down. You dont
need them completely covering the ceiling, just so the joists are
covered so you can fasten the sheet rock well. Just be sure all the
plasted pieces are removed between them so you dont have them falling
on the sheetrock during installation and causing bumps. A shop vac
with extra long hose should help get rid of plaster. (2 vac hoses duct
taped together).

Jim

Using steel studs seems silly and costly when you can just
re-use some of the old laths, which you have many of. It's time
consuming, but it works. Be sure to use LONG drywall screws when you
install the sheetrock so you get into the actual joists and not just
the shims. Get yourself a long level and use a string to get them all
lined up. Or maybe a laser would help too.

Look at it this way. A lath is about 3/8" scrap paneling is about
1/8" 1/4" plywood is 1/4", etc. You can do all the shimming
yourself, then get the sheet rock guy to put up the drywall, and you
will save money.