Those living in older houses may feature plaster walls as part of their historic charm; preserving them should be a top priority as long as they are in good condition.
Plaster had fallen out of fashion around the 1960s, yet it still offers numerous advantages over more modern materials.
Strength
Plaster walls are stronger and more resistant to damage than drywall due to the chemical reaction that takes place when water leaves the plaster mix. Plaster’s durability depends on which lath is chosen as well.
Drywall construction has become the standard in modern homes, but traditional masonry walls and plaster ceilings are still prevalent. Plaster provides a sturdy base for drywall to rest upon; painting it adds another level of customization for an overall aesthetically pleasing home environment.
Plastering is much simpler to install than drywall and produces less dust during its application, yet it requires skill, practice, and an insulating substrate like wood lath or steel mesh mesh for repairs to be effective. Repairs also become more challenging since large sections of wall must often be removed to make repairs possible, although this investment could prove expensive in terms of protecting walls and increasing their lifespans.
Durability
Plastering can dramatically improve the durability and quality of walls and ceiling surfaces by creating an impenetrable layer that resists knocks better than their counterparts made of drywall. Plus, its coating provides stronger adhesion than drywall, which helps ensure greater resilience over time.
Plaster also requires less maintenance and repairs, making it an attractive choice for homes that need durability.
Plaster stands out from other wall surfaces because of its ability to be painted or embellished with wallpaper or stencilling for a personalised look. Furthermore, this flexible material can be applied over brick, stone, half-timber, or frame constructions without issue.
Identifying professional plasterers near you if you want your walls and ceilings plastered is crucial for proper service and protection against climate-related disasters such as rainwater, humidity, or heat. This ensures the work will be carried out flawlessly and safeguards against risks like rainwater infiltration, humidity, or heat waves.
Energy Efficiency
Plaster walls’ thick surface area makes them excellent insulation materials, helping you save on energy costs throughout the year while simultaneously muffleing sound and minimising vibrations within your home.
Thick walls tend to be more resistant to impacts and dents, especially if using modern metal lath instead of thin wooden lath strips that were commonly found in older homes.
However, plaster cracks more readily than drywall; therefore, it’s wise to enlist professional assistance to ensure the task is completed accurately; otherwise, you risk devaluing and making your home less comfortable to live in. Plaster repair kits can often be found at hardware stores for use when fixing small holes or chips in walls.
Aesthetics
Plastering walls is an effective way of creating beautiful yet durable walls in any house. Additionally, this makes cleaning easier, as plastered surfaces can easily be scrubbed down.
Plaster walls add charm and character to older homes, so it is worth keeping them intact. However, modern plasters made from natural materials may achieve similar beauty without needing acrylic fortifiers.
Natural plasters such as lime and clay are great choices for builders interested in sustainable practises, according to Endeavour, an eco-building institution. Furthermore, these types of plasters help improve indoor air quality by lowering humidity levels and storing moisture vapour within walls.
Soundproofing
Plastering is the practise of covering uneven walls and surfaces with a plastic material known as plaster. Plaster is composed of lime or cement concrete mixed with sand and water in the appropriate proportions.
This material provides walls and ceilings with protection from adverse climate conditions such as rainwater, heat, and humidity while helping to maintain their quality surfaces.
Additionally, it’s a pollution-free solution as its installation process does not produce any dust, taking much less time and requiring less attention than drywall would. Furthermore, its durability level surpasses that of drywall due to increased resistance against dent and impact damage and painting ability, allowing you to add your personal aesthetic into the mix.
