Repair and Inspection of Historic Ceilings
Best Practice Guide: Repair of Historic Ceilings
Produced by the FIS Heritage Plaster Group which includes representatives from the plastering trade and building conversation, and written by Sarah Mayfield, a building conservator, sculptor and ornamental plasterer, the guide is an invaluable aid to building owners, managers, architects or surveyors, plaster contractors or conservation officers. This publication will guide them through the specification of traditional ceilings, the multiple varying scenarios and the advantages and disadvantages of each repair technique in accordance with its historic value.
Split into sections, the guide covers everything from the principles of building conversation to understanding the history of the ceiling and its materials, along with the assessment process. It offers a series of points to consider when carrying out repairs in terms of the appropriate materials and techniques, and suspension methods
Inspecting Fibrous Plaster and Heritage Ceilings
FIS members providing this service bring specialist knowledge and hands-on experience in the inspection and assessment of traditional fibrous plasterwork and historic ceiling installations. Inspections focus on evaluating structural condition, identifying defects and potential risks, and understanding patterns of deterioration, with recommendations aligned to best practice and heritage-led conservation principles.
These services support building owners, clients, consultants, and contractors by providing reliable, expert insight to inform decisions on maintenance, repair, conservation, or sensitive redevelopment of heritage and traditionally constructed interiors.
Toolkit – Buildings/inspection and maintenance of fibrous plaster ceilings
These forms and checklists have been produced in conjunction with The Theatres Trust (TTT) and Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) to provide a robust and structured process for building owners, operators and main contractors to establish the competency of companies and individuals to carry out inspection surveys, remedial works and upgrade works to plaster ceilings and plaster works in theatres, historic building and places of entertainment. The suite of documents covers competency framework and an inspection checklist.