Solutions for Covering Damaged Plaster Walls

Benefits of Plaster

• Plaster provides a number of benefits that are not available with drywall. The thickness of the material makes rooms coated with plaster more soundproof than those that are made with drywall. Plaster also has a longer lifespan than drywall, provided it is applied correctly. It is also paintable and can be covered with wallpaper if desired.

Causes of Damage

• Prior to repairing any damaged plaster, it is essential to determine the cause of the damage. There are a variety of reasons plaster will become damaged, including simple aging as well as the natural expansion and contraction of wood within the walls. Humidity is a leading cause of this type of expansion, and if this condition is not taken into account, the cracks will reappear. If rooms suffer from extreme humidity, adding a dehumidifier will help keep the amount of humidity level.

Minor Damage

• Minor damage, including small cracks or chips, are fairly easy to repair but require some know-how to complete properly. One repair method for cracks involves chiseling the crack into a “V” shape and filling it with spackle. This repair method will work well unless the underlying movement of the wall is not dealt with. In that situation, cracks are likely to reappear. Instead, utilize drywall paper tape or fiberglass mesh tape, both of which will provide slight flexibility, which means cracks are less likely to reappear.

Severe Damage

• Severe damage of plaster is significantly more difficult to repair than minor damage and requires some construction experience. The damaged plaster must first be removed using a putty knife; ideally, the area should be squared off for easier repair. Fill this gap with a sheet of drywall, securing it to the wooden lath strips with wood screws; apply mesh tape to the seams; and top it off with two layers of drywall mud. Prime and seal the drywall to create a stable base for the finish to stick to. An alternative to regular plaster is to create a faux look using drywall joint compound.