Plastering in Charlestown.

Charlestown homes and the work they need

At the 2021 Census, 76% of the 5,302 occupied homes in Charlestown were separate houses, 15% were semi-detached houses, terraces or townhouses and 9% were flats or apartments. Jobs here range from ceiling replacement and cornice repairs in the houses to patching, ceiling repairs after a leak and acoustic linings in the townhouses.

Plastering requirements for local housing types

The mix of dwellings in this area brings a wide variety of wall and ceiling systems. With 76% of occupied homes being separate houses, many jobs involve traditional cornice repairs or full ceiling replacements in larger family residences. These older structures often have different settling patterns than newer builds.

The presence of townhouses and apartments introduces different needs, such as acoustic linings to reduce noise between units. We handle the sheeting and setting required for these multi-residential layouts, focusing on the specific linings needed for shared walls and ceilings to improve privacy for the residents.

Square set edges in townhouse updates

Many homeowners updating a townhouse choose to remove old cornices in favour of square set edges. This involves creating a clean right angle where the wall meets the ceiling. It is a precise process that requires careful taping and jointing to ensure the line remains straight across the entire room.

When changing to square set, existing walls are often not perfectly plumb. This requires extra attention during the setting process to hide irregularities. The result is a modern look that suits the layout of semi-detached homes and terraces without the bulk of traditional mouldings.

Fixing ceilings after upper unit leaks

In flats and apartments, a leak from the unit above often leads to sagging or brown stains on the ceiling. Once the plumbing issue is resolved and the area is dry, the damaged plasterboard usually needs to be cut out and replaced. We install new sheets and blend the joints to match the existing surface.

Water damage can compromise the structural integrity of the plasterboard, making it soft or crumbly. Replacing the affected section is the only way to ensure the ceiling is stable. We handle the relining and finishing so the surface is ready for a painter to restore the original colour.

Updating separate houses with VJ panelling

Homeowners in larger houses often choose VJ panelling to add detail to hallways or living areas. This involves installing vertical grooves that provide a different look to standard flat walls. We can install this panelling over existing walls or as part of a full room relining project.

The installation process requires precise spacing and secure fixing to the wall studs. Once the panelling is in place, the joints are finished to ensure a clean appearance. This is a common choice for those wanting to move away from plain plasterboard without changing the room layout.

Managing cracks in semi-detached walls

Semi-detached homes and terraces often experience movement where two buildings meet. This movement frequently causes vertical cracks to appear in the plasterboard of shared walls. Simple patching is sometimes enough, but deeper cracks may require the installation of reinforced joint tape to prevent them from returning.

The severity of the crack determines the method of repair. For minor settlement, we rake out the crack and apply a fresh layer of jointing compound. For larger gaps, we may need to remove a section of the sheeting and reline the area to provide a more stable base for the finish.