While plastering may look easy enough as a DIY project, it is actually a complex job that requires extensive training and experience to get it right. Hiring a professional to take on this task is the best way to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality job and a finished result that will last for years to come.
This article will discuss some of the signs that you need to replaster your walls, and what to do if they’re in need of some attention. So, whether your walls are looking a little shabby or you’ve been putting off a fresh coat of paint, read on to find out the top signs it’s time for a re-plaster!
Traditionally, homes were built with lath and plaster walls rather than drywall. If your home was built before 1940, then it’s likely that your walls are made from plaster, although if you have a newer house, they could be drywall instead. If you’re unsure as to whether your walls are plaster or drywall, then it’s a good idea to use the pushpin test. Push a push pin into the wall at a discreet spot, and if it goes in easily without cracking or breaking off, then they’re probably plaster.
If you have hairline cracks in your walls, they’re a common sign that they need to be replastered. However, cracks that widen, extend diagonally, or form a spider web pattern indicate deeper problems that will need professional attention. Also, if you notice that your plaster is flaking off, it’s likely that the old plaster has become brittle and needs to be replaced. For Plasterers Gloucester, go to pureplasterers.co.uk
When it comes to re-plastering your walls, there are two different procedures that your contractor will need to take on: skimming or replastering. Skimming is where a thin layer of plaster will be applied over the existing plaster on your walls in order to achieve a smooth finish. Replastering involves stripping the old plaster and preparing the surface to be replastered, and takes longer than skimming.
Depending on what your walls need, you might need to do both skimming and replastering in order to make them look new again. The key is to let your plasterer know what you’re after, and to be honest about whether skimming alone will suffice or if a full re-plaster will need to take place.
As a general rule, if you’re looking for a plasterer, it’s always worth hiring a professional. They have the education, training, and experience to do the job properly and will be up-to-date on any innovations in their field.