PLASTERING PROCEDURES:

 All diamond lath should be installed in a horizontal position with

deformations in the lath directed upward.
Improper installation can cause cracking.
 All lath must be lapped a minimum of 1/2 in. on side laps and 2 in. on end
laps. When paper-backed lath is employed, the paper must be removed
from one piece of lath to permit a paper-to-paper and lath-to-lath
configuration in the lapped area.
Improper application will cause cracking.
 All lath must be discontinued at control joints. A minimum 1/2-in. gap is
desirable.
Improper installation. If the lath is not discontinued, the joint will not function and can
result in cracking.
 A 1/4-in. gap should be provided between all sheets of plywood. Building
paper and self-furring lath or paper-backed lath should be installed.
Plywood should be covered in storage and covered with building paper
when applied to the structure to prevent wetting. Proper nailing is
important.

Cracking can occur in a plaster membrane due to expansion of plywood sheathing.