CASE STUDY · LITITZ, PA · 1.5 WEEKS
Saving the Walls a Century Built: Plaster Restoration in Lititz
JOB CARD
The walls of this Lititz home went up when the borough's chocolate factory was young, and they had the cracks to show for a century of Pennsylvania seasons. Two contractors had quoted full demolition. We quoted keeping them, because the tap test said they deserved it.
Repair, not replace, when the keys hold
Most of the plaster was still keyed solidly to its lath, so demolition would have destroyed sound walls to fix cosmetic sins. We reattached the few hollow sections with adhesive and plaster washers, bridged the settlement cracks with mesh and setting compound, then skim coated entire walls for a finish flat enough to embarrass new drywall.
One practical note for pre 1978 homes: sanding old painted surfaces can disturb lead paint, so containment and HEPA cleanup are not optional extras. The EPA's lead safe renovation rules exist for exactly this work, and following them is part of doing it professionally.
What this preserves
Plaster walls are quieter, harder and older than anything sold today, and in a borough like Lititz they are part of what the house is worth. Full demolition has its place, and our decision guide on plaster explains where the line sits. When your walls are worth saving, the drywall and plaster page is where to start.
SHOT ON SITE BY OUR CREW. NO STOCK, NO STAGING.