Plastering Problems And How To Avoid Them.
Plastering is considered on the most important tasks in the finishing works, as it plays a vital role in protecting and enhancing the appearance and functionality of buildings.
Properly applied plaster can improve the look and feel of a space, provide insulation and fire resistance, and help to protect surfaces from damage.
Here in this blog, we will determine the top 6 problems in applying plaster and how to avoid them.
Plastering common problem
Plastering problems are issues that arise during or after the application of plaster to a surface. Some common plastering problems include:
- Cracking: This is one of the most common plastering problems. Plaster can crack due to a number of factors, including improper mixing, uneven application, and changes in temperature or humidity or unproper curing.
- Peeling: Plaster may start to peel off the surface if it was not applied properly or if the surface was not prepared correctly. This can also be caused by exposure to moisture, or unproper bonding application.
- Bubbles: Air bubbles can form in the plaster during application, leading to weak spots and eventually to cracking.
- Sagging: Plaster may start to sag or droop if it was not applied evenly or if it was applied too thickly.
- Shrinking: Plaster can shrink and crack as it dries, causing cracks or separations from the surface.
- Having walls that are not at a perfect 90-degree angle, this problem can have a huge impact on the tiling and the furniture layout of the room.
It is important to note that these problems can be avoided, If we follow proper preparation and application techniques, use high-quality materials, and maintain proper conditions during and after application, and that is the topic of the next section..
Preventing plastering problems
To prevent plastering problems, we should follow these steps:
- Prepare the surface: Make sure the surface is clean, dry, and free of any loose material or debris and rough enough to handle the plaster layer (we can apply a first layer of a mix of sand cement and water which will be sprayed on the block and make it rough enough). Repair any cracks or damage to the surface before applying the plaster, we have to make sure that the block had cured properly.
- Use the right materials: Use a high-quality plaster mix ( or use the right parentage with the right type of sand of the mix if the material is not ready for mix) that is suitable for the surface you are covering. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and applying the plaster.
- Make sure to use the metal mish on the areas which fall in the intersection between the concrete elements and blocks, and on the edges and corners to avoid any cracks in the future.
- Make sure to apply the level dots (small areas which will be considered as our final surface level), and measure the level using a straight edge settled between any two dots on the X-axis or Y-axis and the level tool on top of the straight edge, and to measure the 90 degrees between two adjacent walls using two straight edges on the dots of each wall on the Y axis and 90-degree ruler toolset on top of the edges.
- Apply in thin layers: If the walls are slightly out of square, it may be possible to apply the plaster in thin layers, gradually building up the thickness until the desired finish is achieved while keeping each layer that will be added up as rough as possible.
- Use a straight edge: When applying the plaster, use a straight edge or trowel to ensure that it is applied evenly and smoothly. Pay extra attention to areas that are not at a perfect 90-degree angle, making sure to smooth out any ridges or valleys.
- Apply evenly: Apply the plaster evenly, using a trowel to smooth it out. Avoid over-working the plaster, as this can cause air bubbles to form, leading to cracking.
- Control the temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature in the room where the plaster is being applied. Extreme changes in temperature can cause the plaster to crack or peel.
- Avoid moisture: Keep the room well-ventilated and avoid exposing the plaster to moisture or humidity. This can cause the plaster to soften and eventually lead to cracking.
- Wait for proper curing: Allow the plaster to cure properly, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid sanding or applying any finish before the plaster has fully cured, as this can weaken it.
- The final smooth layer application ( which shall be done using a mix of fine sand and cement) has to be done using a straight edge and finalized with a soft sponge to smoothen the surface, but we have to make sure the sponge is not applied with pressure to avoid any an even surface for the plaster.
- Sand and finish: Once the plaster has dried, sand it down to a smooth finish. Use fine-grit sandpaper and take care not to sand too aggressively, as this can weaken the plaster and cause it to crack.
The plaster problems are considered one of the most common problems during construction, and special care shall be taken to avoid the said problems.
One of the maxims that are known in the construction industry is that the plastering can cover all the building’s skeleton problems and its problems cannot be covered (especially the walls 90 degrees and uneven problems).
Finally, workmanship plays a vital role, we at Phi Contracting realized that and we follow a complete quality check for all the workmanship and execution, contact us by visiting our website: https://phicontracting.net/, and we will be happy to serve you in your next project.