Plaster is one of Australia’s most often used building materials because of its affordability and repairability. However, it can soon display symptoms of general wear and tear or deterioration due to the temperature, particularly in severely dry or humid situations.
A new home may have some wall and ceiling plaster cracking after a few months of construction due to foundation settlement, sagging/moving ceiling joists, and walls made of wood, masonry, or other materials.
This is typical of newly constructed homes and can usually be repaired by taping the seams again. However, if the cracks are more severe, an engineer may be required to analyse the problem, remove the affected section, and then replace it with fresh plaster.
You can fix difficulties before they grow bigger and cost you more money if you know what kinds of issues can happen and how to fix them.
Plasterboard cracking is one of its key issues, and it can happen for a number of causes, such as building movement, differing soil types, and moisture damage.
Minor cracks can be fixed; however, replacing the damaged area is usually simpler and results in a superior finish for larger or more severely damaged regions.
Below are different forms of plaster problems that you may encounter in your house.
Hairline Cracks
These are tiny fissures that may be directed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. They are often the least significant and, unless they are expanding, merely require aesthetic care.
Settlement fissures
These are caused by soil or foundation sinking and are particularly prevalent in new or remodelled homes. These fractures should be watched for since they can be identified by clusters of cracks convergent in one direction.
You should hire a professional to look into them if they keep spreading or if new cracks start to form.
Delaminating Cracks
This indicates plaster pulling away from the wall or ceiling stud behind it. On both ceilings and walls, these fissures typically run parallel to the studs, and there is a risk that the plasterboard could separate. These require immediate maintenance or replacement.
Plaster That Has Lost Its Colour
This can indicate water damage. Soon after a leak starts, stains will appear. The degree of damage will determine the extent of repairs or the necessity for replacements, but in order to stop recurring issues, the leak must be located and fixed.
Plaster That Bubbles
Plaster may start to bubble or expand if there is extensive water damage or moisture. This can happen even if there are no obvious water stains. Similar to delaminating fissures, these problems demand prompt, professional assistance.
Conclusion
Plaster is an important material for the structure of your home, and it is important to be aware of potential issues that may arise. It can be affected by moisture, cracking, and deterioration due to age. This is why it is important to inspect your plaster regularly for any signs of damage and have it repaired quickly to avoid further damage.
In terms of any home maintenance, prevention is vital. Depending on your level of skill, you might be able to handle little projects on your own, but you should seek professional advice for bigger, more complicated jobs.
We Plaster & Recruit delivers an excellent plastering service on the Gold Coast. We are a registered plastering company that provides the best plastering services with operations throughout Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Queensland. Contact us today to learn more!