LATHER: A lather is a trade worker who installs the re-enforcing base (lath) for a plaster coating(s), often including structural elements such as framing, furring, main runners, bracing and hanger wires. The lather also installs the trim accessories that establish terminations and the thickness of plaster. This can include weep screeds, casing beads, drip screeds, reveals, corner beads (aids) and control or expansion joints.
The lather must be well versed on flashing issues as they often install the water-resistant barrier that is integrated with penetrations flashings. A lather can also install solid lath panel base products for plaster, such as gypsum lath used for skim coat or veneer plaster assemblies. The skilled and knowledgeable lather should be able to read blueprints, be good at math and have an understanding of building (structural) loads, deflection criteria and water penetration issues. Lathers require a wide knowledge base of framing and flashing, which explains why many lathers end up becoming estimators or project managers for general contractors.
The SMA video training course on Lath contains two modules (plus an optional test for those wanting a certificate).
The modules cover lath materials, codes and standards relevant to lathing, tools, safety, per-installation inspection, and tips on lathing. The videos explain why lathing and flashing are critical to a successful stucco wall assembly, how stucco systems manage water, how windows and penetration flashing work.
Each module is 30 minutes. You can also choose to take an optional 50-question test (cost $75) if you want certificate of completion on Lathing.
Note: The SMA also offers a combined Lathing and Plastering (LP) certificate for those who pass both the Lath and Plaster tests (at reduced cost of $100 for both).
The SMA now offers 
