Introduction
With a sturdy eye-catching appearance, plaster walls have been a preferred choice for homeowners throughout time. Despite their durability and aesthetic appeal, these walls are not immune to certain problems, primarily a condition known as 'blown plaster'. This problem can cause deterioration and damage to your home's interior, compromising its structural integrity. This comprehensive guide aims to help you understand the causes of blown plaster and equip you with effective solutions for this common home improvement issue.
Understanding Blown Plaster
Blown plaster refers to the condition where plaster separates from its backing surface, creating patches of loose, bubbling plaster. This can be aesthetically displeasing and eventually result in plaster falling off the wall. Although sometimes visible on the surface, it's not always easy to identify this condition immediately. A common way to check for blown plaster is tapping the wall; if you hear a hollow sound, it's a tell-tale sign your plaster might be blown.
The Causes of Blown Plaster
Several factors can contribute to blown plaster that every homeowner should be aware of to ensure the longtime health of their home's structure.
Moisture
Moisture is a leading cause of blown plaster. Its presence can be as a result of leaks from plumbing, condensation, or damp penetrating through the external walls. Moisture can slowly degrade the adhesion between the plaster and its backing, resulting in blown plaster over time.
Poor Quality Plaster
The quality of plaster used on walls plays a significant role in its longevity and keepability. Poor quality plaster or a badly done application process can lead to an unstable bond which eventually causes the plaster to blow.
Age and Natural Wear and Tear
Plaster walls, like many other components of a home, age over time. With aging comes natural wear and tear, causing the bond between the plaster and backing surface to weaken, leading to blown plaster.
Salt Contamination
Additionally, salt contamination from damp or via the ground can gradually degrade the plaster causing its bond with the wall to weaken and blow.
Solutions For Blown Plaster
Fortunately, blown plaster is a fixable issue. Below are some effective solutions to handle it.
Replastering
The most effective way of dealing with blown plaster is typically replastering. This involves removing the affected plaster and applying a new layer. It's important to use high-quality materials and skilled labor to avoid a recurrence of the problem.
Damp Proofing
If moisture is the cause of the blown plaster, damp proofing is essential. This might involve identifying and fixing leaks, installing a damp-proof course, or using anti-damp paints.
Dealing With Salt Contamination
If salt contamination is behind your plaster issue, the solution is to figure out the source of this contamination and tackle that first. This might involve damp proofing or fixing leakages.
Regular Maintenance
Lastly, regular wall maintenance can go a long way in preventing plaster issues. This involves periodic checks for early signs of problems and dealing with them promptly.
Conclusion
Blown plaster might be a common issue, but it's one that requires immediate attention due to its potential to cause extensive damage to your home’s walls. Understanding the causes and being proactive in maintaining your walls can help keep them in good condition for longer. Similarly, knowing the solutions helps you take quick action if your home is affected by this condition.
In a nutshell, home improvement isn't just about making your residence aesthetically pleasing; it's also about ensuring your home remains a safe, inviting haven for you and your loved ones, and maintaining your plaster walls is part of this process. Remember, the key to avoiding severe damage and expensive repairs is the early detection of issues and prompt action.