Plastering

Plastering is one of those jobs that is best left to the experts. Someone who attempts to do plastering but is not trained in doing so can cause catastrophic results which could cost a lot of money to correct.

Such problems could be:

• Poorly proportioned mix: This is vital. A bad mix can cause problems that appear years later in a plaster wall.
• Incompatible base coats and finish coats
• Improper plaster application. The finish coat is subject to chip cracking or map cracking (fine, irregular cracks that occur when the finish coat has been applied to an over sanded base coat or a very thin base coat.)
• Too much retardant: If the plasterer has used too much retardant, however, a gypsum plaster will not set within a normal 20 to 30 minute time period. As a result, the surface becomes soft and powdery.
• Inadequate plaster thickness. Over different materials plaster is applied with a different number of coats.
• If a plasterer skimped on materials, the wall may not have sufficient plaster thickness to withstand the normal stresses within a building
• Improper curing: Proper temperature and air circulation during curing are key factors in a durable plaster job
• Dry outs, freezing, and sweat-outs: re-plastering could be needed as rot could form.
• Moisture: if a masonry wall is wet the source of the moisture must be eliminated or bubbles will appear on the plaster
• Sources of external water damage: water travels through masonry and damages interior plaster. Coatings applied to the interior are not effective over the long run. The moisture problem must be stopped on the outside of the wall.

Plastering Tips:

• Plaster is only suitable for use indoors, where there is no damp!
• All plaster should be mixed with clean cold water and always add the plaster to the water, not the water to the plaster.
• Define the area to be plastered.
• Make sure you have the correct tools before you start and it is important to keep your tools clean at all times.
• Keep plenty of water with you when plastering.
• Allow yourself sufficient time to get the repair job done peacefully.
• Plan for the job. As a plasterer you need to know exactly how much work you intend to achieve in a given time period and plan accordingly.

Finally, the most important plastering tips:

• Switch off your mains
• Switch off any/all electrical sockets near the plastering surface
• Switch off any appliance near the plastering surface
• Use safety gear like gloves, goggles etc.

At ProTech Property Solutions our highly qualified, experienced, fully registered teams are able to carry out your plastering needs in any room of your house with the upmost professionalism, causing the least inconvenience possible. Our technicians also clean up after themselves at each and every visit.