7 Common Plastering Defects and Their Causes 

For many people, finding a good place to live is a dream. We design our homes in several ways, one of which is painting on plastered walls. Plastering not only smooths the surfaces but also offers a good finish to the walls, ceilings, and other sections of the building, and it is an important part of construction.

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It is important to be aware of plastering defects in order to ensure good plaster quality. Understanding the different plaster defects and their causes will help you fix them before they get worse. So read on to learn more.

1. Cracked Plaster

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It is the most common issue that you may notice‌. Hairline cracks, delamination cracks, and settlement cracks are all examples of cracked plaster. There are a lot of reasons these cracks might appear. The movement of foundations, or thermal movement of the roof, could cause shrinking brickwork.

2. Uneven Plaster Surface

Poor craftsmanship causes inconsistencies in the finishing plane of the plastered surface, resulting in an uneven plastered surface. A poorly done plaster job hurts the aesthetics of the finished product.

You can get away with using a block hand sander if the plaster is only slightly uneven in sections. You may need to use an electric sander if the plaster is extremely uneven. In either case, use a fine grade of sandpaper and work slowly.

Applying a skim coat of plaster to the walls may be preferable if the walls are extremely uneven. This is like regular plastering, only you’re merely filling in the gaps. This is a lot easier than sanding, but you’ll need a steady hand or you’ll just end up with more work.

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3. Bubbled Plastered Wall

One of the major causes of plaster damage is moisture and damp environments. This is a problem that occurs when the material bubbles or expands outward because of severe water damage. If you don’t address the problem quickly, the damage may worsen, and the affected area may develop mold.

To fix, identify the source of the leak and do everything possible to stop the flow of water. Begin by removing the damaged plaster and any loose particles from the wall and allowing it to dry. Apply an oil-based primer-sealer to the clean and dry surface before painting the damaged area.

4. Debonding Plasters

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This defect occurs when the material peels away from the wall. It’s time to start a full-fledged repair job if the debonding spot spreads to a larger area.

To restore, begin by gently cleaning any dirty or oily wall surfaces. Before plastering, use a cement slurry or a splatter dash coat on the walls. To avoid future de-bonding issues, add bonding liquids towards the end.

5. Grinning in Plastering

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Mortar joints that are visible through the plaster also count as plastering defects. The difference in suction between brickwork and mortar mostly causes it, as well as the removal of mortar joints.

To avoid this, it’s best to apply an undercoat or spatterdash coat before plastering. This method prevents the sliding of rendering and plastering materials.

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6. Blistering

Blistering is the formation of tiny plaster patches that expand beyond the plastered surface. Improper cement mortar mixing and dampness intrusion in a wall causes air pockets to form.

After dealing with the moisture problem, removing the affected plaster and replacing it with a patch is an efficient way to remove the blister. Joint repair compound is easy to apply and dry, and it allows you to replicate the plaster surface with a paintable patch that blends in with the surrounding plaster, giving you the fine plaster look that old buildings are known for.

7. Softness of the Plaster

Extreme moisture causes the plaster to soften at specific spots on the plastered surface. Excessively thin finishing coats, deliquescent salts, and the high suction of the undercoats cause softness.

RELATED: DIY Ways to Fix Hairline Cracks in Walls

It is important to understand the type of plaster defect present on your property and the degree to which it is tolerable. Address plaster defects like structural cracks right away. Other flaws may require a dampness assessment; this applies to blistering, efflorescence, or softness of the plaster, all of which risk moisture intrusion into the walls or ceilings. Given the importance of health and safety, these faults require immediate attention and remedy under the supervision of a team of professionals before the problem worsens.

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CITATIONS:

• SeniorCare2Share. (n.d.). How Do You Fix Peeling Plaster Walls. Retrieved March 21, 2022, from https://www.seniorcare2share.com/how-do-you-fix-peeling-plaster-walls/
• Simmons, L. (n.d.). How to Fix Blistering Plaster in an Old Home. eHow. Retrieved March 21, 2022, from https://www.ehow.com/how_7912263_fix-blistering-plaster-old-home.html
• Pavan. (n.d.). Defects in Plastering. HomeInspeKtor. Retrieved March 21, 2022, from https://www.homeinspektor.com/defects-in-plastering/
• BuildersMart. (2019, October 22). 10 Common Defects Observed in Plastering. Retrieved March 21, 2022, from https://www.buildersmart.in/blogs/defects-in-plastering/
• Affordable Roofer. (2018, May 8). Common Plastering Defects and Methods to Fix It. Retrieved March 21, 2022, from https://www.affordableroofer.com.au/common-plastering-defects/