Ceiling Replacement
.Ceiling replacement is not cosmetic work. It involves plaster ceiling removal or drywall ceiling replacement, followed by the installation of a new ceiling system, and it requires experience with both drywall and traditional plaster construction.
Carrigan Painting specializes in plaster and drywall repair, which is why homeowners across the Buffalo NY suburbs call us when a ceiling can no longer be repaired. Most local painting companies do not work with failing plaster ceilings at all. We do.
For over 16 years, we have worked throughout Amherst, Clarence, Lancaster, and surrounding areas, where original plaster ceilings are common. When a ceiling shows signs of instability—sagging, cracking, or separation—ceiling replacement is often the safest, most cost-effective long-term solution.
Because we handle both the ceiling replacement and the painting, your project remains fully integrated. We remove the damaged ceiling, install the new system correctly, fix any wall damage, and finish the space completely—start to finish, without handoffs between trades.
Contact Carrigan Painting today at 716-697-3560 to discuss your ceiling replacement options.
Emergency Ceiling Replacement
Most ceiling problems don’t require urgent action — but when they do, time matters. If your ceiling is sagging, or you’ve noticed sudden cracks or bulges, it may be at risk of collapse.
Amherst, Clarence, Lancaster-
How to tell if a Ceiling is nearing collapse
Ceiling collapses more often occure with plaster than drywall. The common problem with plaster ceilings collapsing is the lack of adequate fasteners when the ceiling was installed 80+ years ago. We have observed a re-occurring theme across multiple towns. Nails that are not long enough to support the weight of the ceiling. Over time, the 1.5" long nails pull out of the ceiling joists. Due to the regidity of plaster, the ceiling will not always show signs of impending collapse, and often will remain intact for sometimes decades. However as soon as large cracks begin to appear, it is only a matter of time before the ceiling hits the floor.
large sudden cracks create room for the ceiling to move, and once it starts moving, it doesn't stop until it drops. We have seen plaster ceilings exceed 4,000 pounds!
Drywall can be more deceiving in this regard because drywall is more pliable than plaster. So in cases of water leaks, major bowing of the ceiling will preceed the collapse, as well as almost a water fall of water pouring through the ceiling. This is why we suggest poking a hold in the ceiling to let the water out. Small holes are better than a big hole.Call the Pros
716-697-3560
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 10/31/2026
“The ceiling could not be kept in place by merely covering it. In fact the rock lath plaster was not even attached to the floor joists above in large areas of the ceiling.”
— David W. | Google Review | Plaster Ceiling Replacement in Snyder NY - October 20, 2025.
Protecting Your Home During Ceiling Removal
Once we are on site, the room is fully prepared before any ceiling material is removed. We install Ram Board and plywood to protect the floors, often set up a small scaffold, and then cover all surfaces with drop cloths. Heat vents are sealed, doorways are taped off, and windows and fireplaces are fully protected to contain dust and debris.
Plaster ceiling removal is inherently dangerous due to the weight of the material. We never attempt to pull an entire ceiling down at once. Instead, we begin by carefully creating a controlled opening large enough to work from safely, then remove material outward from that opening. This approach reduces the risk of sudden collapse and injury.
In some cases, a plaster ceiling may be too unstable to remove entirely by hand. When that happens, our priority becomes damage control—limiting dust, debris spread, and impact to the home. Once significant cracking appears in a compromised plaster ceiling, the risk of injury increases substantially, and removal methods must be adjusted accordingly.
As material is removed, we clean continuously. Older ceilings often contain insulation above them, which can be extremely dusty depending on the type. Removing that material from the home as quickly as possible reduces airborne debris. After the ceiling is down, we clean and prepare the top edges of the walls. How involved this step is depends on how the original ceiling was installed.
⚠️ What You Should Know Before Scheduling Ceiling Replacement
- Ceiling replacement is a major construction process. It is loud, dusty, and disruptive.
- A dumpster will be placed in your driveway for approximately five days.
- The room being worked in will be unusable for the duration of the project. While we take extensive measures to contain dust, fine dust will still be present.
Plaster ceiling replacement involves extremely heavy materials and elevated safety risks. Realistic expectations are essential.
716-697-3560
Call the Pros
New Ceiling Installation and Finishing
Once the old ceiling has been removed and the space is fully prepared, we install the new ceiling using moisture-resistant drywall, commonly referred to as green board. While it costs slightly more than standard drywall, the added protection is worthwhile—particularly in the event of future roof or plumbing leaks, where moisture resistance helps reduce the risk of mold growth.
We install furring strips when needed to improve ceiling flatness and provide extra fastening surfaces. The drywall is secured using both drywall adhesive and mechanical fasteners. Each sheet is glued and fastened with approximately 25–30 screws, exceeding manufacturer minimums. The combination of adhesive and higher screw density reduces movement, minimizes future cracking, and significantly increases long-term durability.
If the room has existing crown molding, it is typically replaced rather than reused. In most cases, original crown cannot be removed intact without damage. New crown molding allows for clean transitions and proper alignment with the new ceiling plane.
After the ceiling is installed, we fix any wall damage created during removal. The ceiling and repaired areas are then fully primed. We apply three coats of paint to the ceiling and two coats to the walls to ensure uniform coverage and consistent finish.
The project concludes with a detailed final cleanup, returning the room to a clean, finished, and ready-to-use condition.
716-697-3560
Carrigan Painting
