Welcome to Talking Conservation, where we talk about all things related to our built heritage. Whether you own an historic building, are responsible for a heritage site, or are a professional consultant, contractor, or simply interested - this is the place to find out more.
We discuss various matters and conduct interviews with a wide range of people involved with our heritage in some way. This includes architects, surveyors, archaeologists, conservation officers, contractors, conservators, historians ... the list goes on.
We are interested in and talk about any aspect of heritage; not only listed buildings, but all older and traditionally constructed buildings and anything that could be considered a heritage site.
Stephen's Heritage Conservation Community information can be found here: https://beconservation.com/heritage-conservation-community
Rich's platform putting owners in touch with consultants can be found here: https://expertible.com/
Welcome to Talking Conservation, where we talk about all things related to our built heritage. Whether you own an historic building, are responsible for a heritage site, or are a professional consultant, contractor, or simply interested - this is the place to find out more.
We discuss various matters and conduct interviews with a wide range of people involved with our heritage in some way. This includes architects, surveyors, archaeologists, conservation officers, contractors, conservators, historians ... the list goes on.
We are interested in and talk about any aspect of heritage; not only listed buildings, but all older and traditionally constructed buildings and anything that could be considered a heritage site.
Stephen's Heritage Conservation Community information can be found here: https://beconservation.com/heritage-conservation-community
Rich's platform putting owners in touch with consultants can be found here: https://expertible.com/
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 — andwhen to call in a pro.
🧱 We discuss:
● What materials were historicallyused for ceilings (and why it matters)
● How to tell if a ceiling needsrepair or replacement
● Spotting signs of serious failurevs. cosmetic issues
● Why modern materials often makethings worse
● DIY options vs. when to leave itto specialists
● The pros and cons of differentlime plasters for interiors
● Myths around steamers, fillers,and patching old ceilings
● What goes wrong when corners arecut
● What not to do with cracked or sagging ceilings
🛠️ Whether you're dealing with acrumbling Victorian ceiling or just curious about traditional internalfinishes, this is packed with insight.
🔗 Mentioned in this episode:
👉 Expertible– 1:1 video consultations with independent heritage professionals
👉 Stephen Boniface Associates – Chartered building surveyorand conservation specialist
📌 Who is this for?
Homeowners of older UK properties, tradespeople working with traditionalbuildings, and anyone interested in practical conservation.
🎬 Don’t miss our full lime mortar series – Watch the full playlist here
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 discussionabout 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