oak lath

[k99mn]

Hi after re-daubing the front and gable end of my cottage now comes the plaster bit...... oak lath to be fixed to the frame but with what screws? screws as opposed to nails as I want minimal disturbance to the frame and my new daub, desperate to share my adventures but cant seem to upload any pictures ....bit of a technophobe......but can sure tread daub!!!!

 

[skier-hughes]

Stainless steel. You choose size

 

[Flyfisher]

During re-rendering of our timber frame, the new laths were fixed with stainless staples using an air gun. None of the daub panels were disturbed.

What sort of screw head are you planning to use? Countersunk heads might split the laths unless the laths themselves are countersunk first, which will double the amount of work, but flat headed screws would sit proud and might interfere with the render/plaster (not an expert on this, just thinking ahead - might not be an issue but worth asking).

 

[Feltwell]

Countersunk heads might split the laths unless the laths themselves are countersunk first

But countersunk heads that are not driven all the way in, so the countersunk is left slightly proud, will help form a key. I've used this trick a few times with repairs to holes in ceiling plaster, stick a few stainless screws in first to reattach laths to joists but leave the heads just slightly proud to help provide an extra key for the plaster. Might not always do any good but doesn't do any harm either! Also unlike the original nails it's highly unlikely to ever fail.

Caveat - absolutely no experience of daub whatsoever!

I bought a selection case of Screwfix's "Turbo Ultra" stainless screws for my window repairs, I've been impressed with them, quite cheap as well. However bear in mind that any stainless screw will not be as strong and resistant to snapping as an "ordinary" plated steel screw, so you may need to pre-drill first, esp. if you're going into old tough oak. A cordless impact driver will be invaluable for putting the screws in, much much better than using a drill/driver.

 

[k99mn]

thanks everybody for your invaluable help on my way to screwfix as we speak

 

[lukekelly]

I had a stash of Ty Mawr's plastic washers that I used with the same Turbo Ultra screws as Feltwell. (http://www.lime.org.uk/products/boards-and-backgrounds/board-accessories/fixings-for-boards/) Clearly a more expensive option if you don't have any such washers already lying around but they were noticeably helpful at providing a little additional keying on the ceiling.