Many historic ceilings may be unstable, even if this is not visible from the underside.

Detailed condition surveys are undertaken assessing the condition from both the underside and roof space. Where access is poor, fibre optic investigation is utilised.  Different methods of suspension are specified aiming to allow future inspection of the historic plaster surfaces. Our methods aim for lightweight systems and suspension from the upper-side only, where possible.

(Above) An example of a condition survey of a ceiling logging defects

(Below) Overview of the upper-side of a ceiling showing various suspension systems including tray, rod and wire fixings. Note in the foreground the earlier repairs, which prevents monitoring.

* Main page image shows using a boroscope to investigate the upper-side of the
ceiling at St John the Baptist Church,Matlock Bath