Wall Plaster
There are times when home maintenance and decorating can take their toll on your walls. There is also a possibility that problems such as damp and leaks will damage your plaster.
As long as the problem is minimal, you should be able to repair small areas of damaged plaster with a simple filler.
Before Filling
Before filling a crack or hole yourself, you should be sure that the damage has been limited to the plaster and that the structural integrity of the wall was not compromised. This is easy to ascertain by considering what caused the damage. If you suspect the joints of the wall may have been damaged, you should hire an expert.
The other thing to look for is mould; this is particularly important if the damage has been caused by a flood, leak, or damp. If mould is present, it is important that you deal with the problem and do not simply fill it.
Filling
Prepare the area for filling by removing all loose plaster and giving the wall a good wipe with a damp cloth. Minor cracks can be filled directly. Place the filler onto the wall with a filler knife and allow it to dry. After the filler has dried, sand it down with medium sandpaper and then again with fine sandpaper until you have a smooth finish.
If the damage is a small hole or a large crack you will not be able to fill it directly, but will have to patch the gap with plasterboard. Start by cutting around the damaged area to make it square and neat.
Next, cut a piece of scrap plasterboard that is slightly narrower than the hole you have made, but 1 inch longer at each end. Make a small hole in the centre of the plasterboard and secure a piece of string through the hole. Make sure that the string is secure and will not pull though the hole. A good trick is to tie a washer on the back side.
Spread adhesive on the top and bottom 1 inch of your patch and insert it into the hole, pulling forward on the string so that the adhesive spreads and grabs to the inside of the wall.
Give the adhesive some time to set and then fill the hole with a filler and finish the job with finishing plaster. The last step is to sand the finish smooth.
Safety
When you are cutting and dealing with drywall it is important that you use the proper tools and materials, and that you protect your eyes with goggles and your lungs with a mask.
Completing a do-it-yourself task can be rewarding, cost effective and often very enjoyable; but, only when your safety is maintained. Taking on a task that you are not skilled enough to complete can be dangerous and end up costing you more in the long run. For those projects that are not in your do-it-myself future, you can count on trained professionals.
Protect and maintain your home with reliable and professional care from British Gas' many Care and Repair packages. Learn More.
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