Plaster provides a solid, seamless surface. It may be applied over wire lath, as found in many older homes, as well as over sheetrock. Spackle, or joint compound, is used to cover the taped seams of sheetrocked walls.
We protect all work areas to prevent the infiltration of dust throughout the house. With safety our top priority, we ask that children and pets be restricted from the work area and that there is a clear pathway to the areas being repaired. Please clear all work areas of furniture, draperies and personal belongings.
It is essential that any leaks which were the cause of water damage be repaired in advance of the start of work. We will identify any additional preparations on a case-by-case basis and will advise you of them at the time of our quote. Occasionally our preparation will expose concealed damage such as rotted wood resulting from prior leaks which will need to be addressed prior to the start of the job. Our work requires access to electricity and water.
There is dust created by our preparation work, which includes removing loose paint, opening up cracks, and removing loose, dried-out plaster. These processes are essential to ensure that all surfaces are sound before the plaster is applied. There is no dust involved in the application of the wet plaster.
As part of our standard quality pre-plastering procedure we apply nylon mesh to all walls and ceilings in the entire area being repaired/restored. This procedure leaves all areas maintenance free for many years. This is not a standard procedure employed by all plastering contractors.
Yes, they can be repaired. Obviously, the leak must be repaired before the plasterer arrives and the damaged area must be left to dry thoroughly for at least two weeks prior to the commencement of repairs/restoration.
50-80 degrees Fahrenheit. In the warmer months all working areas should be kept at around 70 degrees. As the plaster starts to set, it gives off heat, increasing room temperature by another 10 degrees. In the colder months the temperature should not drop below 50 degrees. Keeping the room within this temperature range will allow the plaster to dry properly and will prevent it from cracking due to excessive cold.
Many factors determine drying time, such as the thickness of the plaster which has been applied, temperature, humidity, and ventilation. As an example, with a plaster thickness of approximately 1/8th of an inch in a dry environment with good air circulation, drying time is about 3- 5 days. Thicker coats of plaster, up to an inch thick, obviously require longer periods of drying, as long as 3 weeks. We can advise you at the time of job completion.
Plaster is a porous material. To seal the surface, apply at least one coat of primer.
We recommend Zinsser's "stain-killing primer-sealers" in older homes that have had water damage or where there is/has been tobacco use.
Consult the following documents published by the National Park Service: