Common Plastering Problems (and what causes them)

Plaster is undoubtedly one of the most commonly used construction material all around the globe. It is easy to apply and repair, thus making it a preferred choice amongst homeowners and builders. It is extensively used in residential as well as commercial properties.

As time passes, however, plaster starts showing signs of wear and tear. As it is used both on the inside and outside of buildings, the problems can be encountered in both instances. When you encounter any problem in your building’s plaster you should repair it immediately before it gets bigger and more expensive to handle.

• Understanding the problem and taking proper measures to solve it is the proper way to deal with it. And as soon as you observe any issue, you should call a professional plasterer to solve them. In this blog, we will discuss some of the common plastering problems and what causes them.

Different kinds of cracks (hairline, settlement and delaminating)

Cracking is one of the most common problems with plaster walls. It usually appears on old plaster walls surfaces. These cracks are quite common and it isn’t always an alarming sign. You can consider it as a warning though. The following are different kinds of cracks:

• Hairline Cracks - 
  Hairline cracks are the most common amongst all the cracks. They form due to daily wear and tear or direct physical action. These cracks are either vertical, horizontal, or diagonal. These cracks should be attended only for aesthetic reasons, as they are no threat to the structure. The best way to deal with them is by using putty and applying a layer of paint over them.

• Settlement Cracks –
  As the name itself indicates, these cracks are formed as a result of soil or foundation settling. It is a common occurrence in a new or renovated home. If any part of your home is drooping, you may encounter converging cracks in that particular direction. If they keep on growing in that direction, then it is time to call the professional plasterers who will help to curb them.

• Delaminating Cracks –
  This type of cracks are an alarming sign. Delaminating cracks occur when the plaster is pulling itself away from the wall or ceiling surface behind it. These cracks run parallel to the surface of the ceiling and walls. There is a high risk of the plasterboard detaching, which can be dangerous. As soon as you encounter these type of cracks, you have to call an expert to fix the issue.

Discoloured plaster-
Discoloured plaster is another common plastering problems. This is an early indicator of water damage. Stains on the surface of the plaster appear soon after any leaking begins. It is always advisable to not take this sign lightly and immediately call an expert for a quick assessment. They will identify the cause of the leak and fix it to solve the problem. You can also use a stain-blocking primer to solve the staining problem but solving the leaking will be the priority.

Bubbling plaster-
Plaster may bubble when water damage intensifies and becomes more severe. You may not notice water stains before this stage. But when this plaster problem occurs, you have to remove the portion and patch it with a new one. You must take speedy action to deal with it, as chances of mold growing in the affected area increases. Just like discoloured plaster, you have to find the leak first and fix it to stop the water, before replacing the plaster.

Bulging plaster

Overall, plaster is a strong building material and can withstand a great amount of weight. But sometimes the entire layer of plaster comes completely loose of the lath and starts drooping, and this problem is called bulging plaster. It can look the same as delaminating cracks; the only difference is that they aren’t cracks. If the affected area is smaller, you may be able to fix it by yourself. But if the affected area is large you might need to contact an expert.

Holes (caused by accidents)

Everyone makes mistakes and has accidents. And when it comes to plaster walls or ceilings, we can sometimes knock a hole or two in them by accident. Holes on plaster walls and ceilings are common. It can be caused by any sort of accidents, especially when there are kids around. And it can be caused by fists, balls, falling objects and other things. A simple doorknob can also be the culprit if a door is pushed too far, driving the doorknob into the plaster.

It is always advisable to identify any plastering problems and try to solve them before things gets worse. The above-mentioned plaster problems are quite common, but one has to act swiftly if you encounter any. If the problem is such that you can’t take handle it yourself, then seek the help of experts. Read our another blog on "How to fix a hole or crack in a plaster wall".