A Guide To Plaster In Old Homes

A GUIDE TO PLASTER IN OLD HOMES

Understanding and maintaining the plaster in an old home is an essential aspect of owning a period property. Discovering what type of plaster you have, and how to go about repairing it will help when it comes to renovations. Victorian coving specialists in London can guide you!

There are plenty of reasons why you might be looking at renovations in 2020, whether you just want to breathe a new lease of life in to your home, or are thinking of selling, and improve your valuations and impress potential buyers.

Original plaster adds unbeatable charm and quality to a period home, the traditional lime and clay formulas have a soft appearance, full of character. It’s important for the breathability of the plaster to allow the old brick and stone walls to have the moisture within them evaporate. This helps avoid damp and condensation.

To help identify what kind of plaster you have:

•   Lime plaster is traditional in houses that pre-date 1919, but has been used up until the 1950s, until plasterboard and gypsum took over.

•   A pinkish colour would indicate a plaster bound with gypsum.

•   Off-white plaster is typical of a lime plaster.

•   A more earthy colour suggests an earth binder.

Look closely at the walls, as the plaster may have, or be hiding intriguing evidence of the house’s history. There could be decorative details and scheme, and wall paintings were typical of pre-Georgian houses.

If you’re finding that the plaster, especially in the ceiling, is cracked, loose, crumbling and flaking, or has completely missing areas, then don’t despair. Repair is often available rather than having to completely replace it.

If you’re in need of specialists to come advise you, or repair plaster coving and ceiling decoration, get in touch today to speak with one of our knowledgable specialists.