Plaster Ceiling: Four Fundamental Tips for Replacing Damaged Sections

If your plaster ceiling is damaged, you should plan for immediate replacement of the affected sections. In general, this type of ceiling can be long-lasting. However, deterioration can occur if the plaster is exposed to moisture due to leaks. When this form of damage occurs, you must ensure that the ceiling is repaired. This will prevent gradual crumbling and falling of plaster pieces. Besides, there will be a lower risk of mould growth in the house. Here are some basic guidelines on repairing the damaged parts of your ceiling.

Identify the Cause of Problem

You should look for the source of moisture in your house before beginning the process of repairing the plaster ceiling. If you replace the damaged material without addressing the cause of the problem, the issue will recur. This will necessitate constant repairs and subsequent high costs. Therefore, you should begin by inspecting the house. Check the roof in particular because the moisture could be flowing from perforations in the structure. You should also assess any pipes concealed in the ceiling.  

Remove Damaged Material

When you resolve the source of moisture, you can proceed with the replacement of the ceiling plaster. This process should begin with the removal of the compromised plaster. You can pull the damaged material with your hands if it is extremely loose. However, if this is not possible, you can use a putty knife to pry out the plaster. Focus on sections which are crumbling or show signs of moisture damage. Ensure that all the remaining plaster is solid and stable.

Apply the Patching Material

You should patch up the areas from which the damaged plaster has been removed to restore your ceiling. In general, the patching material will depend on the size of the damaged section. If the area is small and localised, you can acquire a joint patching compound. This is an economical choice for filling limited areas. If the compromised ceiling area is large, you will need to use fresh plaster to replace the entire section. This will ensure stability and durability while minimising the costs.

Sand and Paint the Ceiling

Finally, you should plan on sanding the replaced parts of the plaster ceiling after the repair. This process will create a smooth surface and match the new area to the rest of the ceiling. For the best results, you should use a pad sander on the dried plaster. When the ceiling is adequately smooth, you should paint the entire surface for great aesthetics. 

Contact a plaster ceiling repair contractor to learn more.


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