Historic Plaster Conservation Services
The Global Standard for Conserving Historic Plaster
Historic Plaster Conservation Services
Applied Science
Our knowledge and expertise in historic plaster conservation allows us to provide problem-solving solutions for even the most complex projects.
John Canning & Co. uses not only its knowledge and experience but also state-of-the-art technology to repair structural problems in fragile historic buildings. As one of the few authorized installers for HPCS (Historic Plaster Conservation Services) we have access to a suite of products to use as additional tools on consolidation and fragile plaster projects. John Canning & Co. implements the advanced technology of HPCS to save old plaster by addressing the problem at its root- where the plaster meets its substrate.
Plaster Consolidation is the long-term solution to the plaster problems that historic structures often encounter. The HPCS treatment method dramatically strengthens and adheres plaster to its substrate, leaving the ceiling strong and maintenance free for a long time. This HPCS treatment method of "plaster consolidation" effectively converts plaster and wood lath into a single unified system.
John Canning & Co. as a specialty historic restoration contractor, can handle all stages of historic plaster conservation including plaster condition surveys/assessments, stabilization & reinforcement of fibrous plaster panels/coffers, plaster on masonry, consolidation of plaster on wood or wire lath, plaster restoration & stabilization as well as ornamental, flat, and acoustic plaster -restoration & replication.
Historic Plaster Conservation Services for each Stage of the Project
PLASTER CONDITIONS SURVEY
STABILIZATION & REINFORCEMENT OF FIBROUS PLASTER PANELS/COFFERS
CONSOLIDATION OF PLASTER ON WOOD LATH
PLASTER RESTORATION & STABILIZATION
ORNAMENTAL, FLAT, AND ACOUSTIC PLASTER - RESTORATION & REPLICATION
HPCS PLASTER CONSERVATION PRODUCTS
Plaster Conservation Products
Case Study
Saint Agnes Parish, Reading MA
John Canning Co. was brought in to perform plaster stabilization of the ceilings at the nave, aisles, and sanctuary.
John Canning Co. started this plaster stabilization project by setting up temporary access, lighting and safety equipment. After removal of broken plaster keys, plaster consolidate was applied to the wood lath from the attic space. Acrylic grout/caulk was injected/applied to reconnect plaster to the wood lath. Missing keys were recreated with grout/caulk and where required wood lath was reattached to furring with reinforced caulk. In addition to the above ceiling ribs were mechanically fastened to the wood structure. A combination of the HPCS Co Consolidants and Ad Adhesive products were used for this project.
1887
Year Built
4
Products Used
9,500
Square Feet
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It has been my pleasure to work with the John Canning Co. for over 15 years. Their talent and skill in execution is unique in the arena of historic restoration projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the HPCS method and plaster consolidation that other contractors offer?
The HPCS conservation treatment technology strengthens original plaster in place and greatly extends the useful service life of the plaster. We treat the entire plaster ceiling system as a whole. Other contractors use mechanical fasteners and spot injections that provide little more than a temporary fix.
How long has the HPCS treatment process been around? How many projects has the HPCS method been used on?
The HPCS treatment method has been used for over the past 30 years. The HPCS treatment method has been used to consolidate more than 100 ceilings in important buildings in the United States and Canada.
Are the HPCS products only used to consolidate plaster?
Yes, HPCS has developed a roster of plaster conservation products that not only consolidate plaster systems but address every conceivable challenge that fragile plaster presents.
What's the longevity for the HPCS products?
There are many HPCS projects that are 25 - 35 years old and have never had a failure of any kind. In two specific cases we know the HPCS consolidated ceilings have survived severe water infiltration from roof leaks without any structural ill-effects. In short, we know of no reason to doubt that an HPCS consolidated ceiling will perform well for a hundred years or more.