• Ewing Restoration (Also referred to as "ER" in this investigation) is a small company whose sole purpose is the restoration, installation and management of plain (flat) and ornamental plasterwork projects. Our projects are centered around the qualifications and capabilities of Brian Ewing, a nationally noted professional in the field of plaster restoration.
• Moisture contents for this project were measured using "Protometer" electronic moisture measuring devices which measures moisture in one half percent increments.

General Conditions

• Most problems pertaining to the plasterwork in the house, while significant, are not directly attributable to the plasterwork itself. Movement and water infiltration has made it crack, effloresce, or eff (efflorescence is caused by water infiltration carrying alkaline to the surface of the plaster where it crystallizes and destroys the lime in the finish coats leaving a white powdery substance on the surface) and in some places made the plasterwork unstable, unsafe and/or fall. Lack of ventilation over a long period of time has allowed ambient moisture levels to remain high and this also has contributed to the deterioration of the plasterwork and loosening of the white coats.
• All ceilings should be reinforced with plaster washers and reskimmed.
• Walls should be reinforced where noted.
• All centerpieces should be reinforced (cracks can be seen around the circumference).
• All loose cornice work should be reinforced.
• Centerpieces (ceiling medallions) are of the "ventilated" variety and made of plaster of Paris, reinforced with hemp fiber and adhered to the ceilings with a slip of plaster of Paris (unless otherwise noted).
• Rib mouldings have been both run in-situ (in place) with plaster of Paris and lime or bench run then planted.
• Rosettes have been cast and planted with a slip of plaster of Paris.
• Flat walls and ceilings are split wood lath (fir) with cut nails. Slaked lime, sand and horse hair base coats. The white coats are selenitic slaked lime.
• Decorative paint schemes are evident on the cornices, rib mouldings, rosettes and centerpieces, paint research is suggested for these areas.
• Bottom moulding of cornice (picture rail) is wood, in all rooms.
• Radiators should be temporarily moved to expose details of the wall behind them. Wallpaper can be seen behind the radiator in bedroom 8.
• Bay windows show signs of once having centerpieces in them. The centerpiece in the first vestibule may be the style that was there judging by the size of the shadows in the bays.