I just bought a house originally built in 1924. There was some wood siding over a plaster wall along a stairwell. The siding was ugly, so I decided to pull it down. When I did this, much of the plaster wall came with it because the siding was attached with nails and glue (some of the plaster is still there with "cement" looking texture behind it). I decided that I'd just clean off the loose plaster, then replaster the wall. So, I scraped off the loose plaster, then discovered (reading this board) that old plaster often contains asbestos. If anyone has any information about this, I'd appreciate it...otherwise, I've been breathing the stuff for about 4 hours tonight and am not sure what to make of it. Its amazing how many things appear to contain this stuff. That said, I need to repair my wall. What kind of plaster do I use for this? I was at a home depot this evening and purchased "plaster of paris." Is this the right stuff to fix a wall? Thanks.

my basement. the previous owner build a drop down ceiling and it is too low that only leave 6' height on the basement. I don't know why he dropped to that low but it annoyed me, I can feel like it hit my head. I am planning to take them all out and put drywall up, that will leave 1' extra for my head...... If I throw away the drop down ceiling materials is kind of waste money, but nobody will buy them used or maybe it doesn't fit there house size. If I rise it up, it is quite a bit of works, I have to take them all out first then ... a lot of little steps go along. Now if I take them all out, then screw new drywalls up, it is faster but cost money. What you guys think, should I raise the ceiling or put new drywall in? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each case? which case is better sound prove? There are fiber glass insulations between the joints already. your time is really appreciated. Bill