Emily Dickenson's Home - Victim of Ceiling Collapse

[Philip Lamachio]

"Jane Wald, the museum's executive director, said the ceiling's collapse was largely the result of nails that were too small and spaced too far apart. She noted that the plaster was not original to the homestead, but dated to renovations undertaken at the house when it was a private residence in the early 20th century."

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[chris mcintyre]

Philip,

As a remodeling contractor I must admit that your post have made me aware of the importance of the nails/fasteners used when going over plaster, this does appear to be the reoccurring theme, but this doesn't seem to be something that a home inspector can check for.

I know you say look for the cracking, but I have never been in house that is 60, 70, 80 years old that doesn't have some cracking.

[Philip Lamachio]

Chris,

A home inspector could check for it, but he has to be trained to know what to look for.

I have a page on my website just for that titled: Home Inspector's Info (http://estateplaster.com/HomeInspectorsinfo.aspx)

Check it out. If it isn't helpful, then please let me know.

This is something that would be easier to show rather than describe, but that option isn't available to me, other than that I will add some more photos.

Philip LaMachio