Replies

1. 
   calvin_ | Nov 13, 2001 05:20am | #1

   *
   A drywall bucket of plaster has been known to weigh in from 15 to 40 lbs. Some of that stuff is heavier than others. It does seem to multiply in volume. As to non damaging demo, that's something you have to look ahead for. Know what you'll hit if you slip, and what's going on on the other side of the wall. That wired stuff is a nitemare. I've cut through the mesh/plaster in the corners and at other junctures with a sawzall/plaster blade to gain more control of it. It's dusty, dirty, sharp edges galore. The wire is nailed allover the place. Sometimes its easier to beat the crap outta it and then deal with the wire. Best of luck.

1. 
   Jerry_Hill | Nov 13, 2001 06:07am | #2

   *Ditto...sawsall w/ a demo blade(s),snips,2 lb. hammer,dust masks, and a good box of band aids!A square point shovel and wheelbarrow come in pretty handy too.Mask off the area wih plastic and a zip door and go for it ...neatness doesn't apply here.

1. 
   Mark_McDonnell | Nov 13, 2001 06:17am | #3

   *Last summer, tried a novel way; after years off beating the crap outta tile on sand/cement on wire.Went to the rental shop, got a big diamond blade Stile concrete saw...resperator, goggles, earplugs, fans.......fired that sucker up, cut between the studs and after the dust settled, a simple tug and we hauled these 16" slabs out neat as you be.....

1. 
   doug_hubbard | Nov 13, 2001 06:43am | #4

   *ditto the concrete saw- and it helps to have a helper manning a shop vac- put the hose right up to the cutting surface -suck it up as you go...

1. 
   darrel1 | Nov 13, 2001 04:02pm | #5

   *i Sometimes its easier to beat the crap outta it and then deal with the wire. Best of luck. We took out a dumpster load of wire-lathe plaster ceiling from our basment. We did the 'beat the crap out of it' method where we just beat on it until it fell. This just left the wire mesh, which was easily removed simply by tugging on it.Weight wise...I don't know. But it took 3 guys 3 hours to hall it out of the basement two buckets at a time...I'll second the dust mask and eye goggles, too. If it's a big room, you'll also have plaster dust floating around for days...be sure to get the room well ventilated before you begin.

2. 
   Jeff_Clarke_ | Nov 13, 2001 04:06pm | #6

   *timothy - depending on the age, plaster may contain significant amounts of asbestos. It is worth the cost of testing ($50-$100) to confirm this prior to demolition.Jeff

3. 
   xJohn_Sprung | Nov 13, 2001 09:40pm | #7

   *Another thing to consider: Protect the floor from impact damage and shoveling of the rubble. I saved some crappy old wall paneling that's ideal for this.-- J.S.

4. 
   Mike_Shultz | Nov 13, 2001 11:05pm | #8

   *Leather gloves.

5. 
   timothy_morris | Nov 14, 2001 07:47pm | #9

   *I really need an idea as to the weight of this stuff. We've got approximately 15,000 sq.ft. of ceiling and wall to remove and need some idea as to how many dumpster's are required,due to not being able to fill each one due to it's weight. Thanks for any help.

6. 
   doug_hubbard | Nov 14, 2001 08:28pm | #10

   *cut out a square foot and way it. then multiply by your area

7. 
   Mr._Pita | Nov 14, 2001 11:36pm | #11

   *PocketRef lists a boat load of weights of materials. They list "Plaster" as 53 lbs per cubic foot. I don't know if this refers to dry plaster before mixing/application, wet plaster, or dried plaster as on a wall.Even assuming it's the value you want, dried on a wall, then 15,000 square feet breaks down differently (assuming an even thickness):@1" thick, 12 sqft to the cuft = 15k/12 = 1250 cuft. (x 53) = 66,250#@1.5" thick, 8 sqft to the cuft = 15k/8 = 1875 cuft. (x 53) = 99,375#They can be some big assumptions, though.

2. 
   timothy_morris | Nov 14, 2001 11:36pm | #12

   *
   What is the weight per sq.ft. or is it per sq.yard? What is the quickest and yet most efficient removal method without damaging the wall or ceiling framing,residential removal.