How can I repair the damaged materials I discovered after removing the dropped ceiling?
Asked by Peter Garnier 
8 months ago
Last Updated: May 1, 2024
I took down the dropped ceiling and discovered that it’s all falling apart. Any suggestions on how I can fix it?
So, what was the issue with the drop ceiling? Sounds like a major sheet rock project to take it down.
Before I do anything else, I’d definitely check for asbestos first.
The reason they added extra layers on top of the old asbestos sheeting… is to put the drop ceiling tiles back up and leave it alone
Basically, just replace the drop ceiling tiles where they were originally. 😃
Take everything out but make sure to keep it wet to prevent dust. Put on a respirator and a taped tyvek suit. No problem. Start over. Forget about dealing with abatement. You need to be careful about inhaling it. Use common sense. I’ve taken down a lot of this stuff since the late 70s. Seal off the doorways and create negative pressure by exhausting through a window or door. The key is to keep it wet. You don’t want dust spreading everywhere. If you hire an abatement company, it will cost thousands for removal.
It seems like what you have there is lath and plaster that has cracked and begun to deteriorate. That’s likely why it was covered up with a drop ceiling. Additionally, it looks like there is blown-in insulation on top of it. My suggestion would be to reposition the ceiling tile where you found it and get accustomed to having a drop ceiling. Removing the old plaster and insulation will require a significant amount of effort and create a mess.
Just hang the tiles back up and move forward with your life. There’s nothing noteworthy here!
Haha, cracks me up.
To me, it doesn’t appear to be plaster. It looks more like sheeting. Either way, it seems like you’ll need to install nailers to reattach the sheets if you can access them. Alternatively, you could remove the drop ceiling and then take out the plaster. It’s probably a good idea to test it before proceeding. Best of luck!
Undo, undo
Let’s remove it and make sure it’s done correctly