What are you seeing?
Holes, cracks and impact damage
Show the size of the affected area and the surrounding surface. Include damaged edges, opened joins or a corner that has been knocked.
Water marks or damaged ceiling plaster
Explain what caused the moisture and whether that source has been addressed. Tell us if the lining is still damp or if a section has changed shape.
Three useful views
- A close-up of the damage
- A wider photograph showing the wall or ceiling in the room
- A view of any cornice, corner or surrounding finish that needs matching
Before the repair
Do I need to know what caused the crack?
Describe what you have noticed and whether it has changed. You do not need to diagnose the cause before making an enquiry.
Does a plaster repair fix a leak?
No. Tell us how the moisture source has been addressed so the lining repair can be discussed separately.
What about painting?
Ask where the plastering work finishes and what preparation or painting needs to be arranged separately.
Guide to wall and ceiling repairs
Repairing a damaged surface usually starts with removing loose or crumbling material. For holes, this means squaring off the edges of the break. For water damage, it involves cutting out the soft or stained sections of the plasterboard until solid material is reached.
Once the area is prepared, a new piece of plasterboard is fitted into the gap. This piece is screwed to the timber framing. If no framing exists, a backing block is installed to support the new sheet.
The final stage is setting. This involves applying jointing compound and tape over the seams. The compound is applied in layers and sanded back to create a flat surface that matches the rest of the wall or ceiling.
Planning your plaster repairs
Timing is important when planning repairs during a renovation. Plastering should happen after electrical wiring and plumbing are finished but before painting. This ensures all holes for sockets and pipes are cut and the surfaces are sealed.
Homeowners should decide if they want to repair a section or replace the entire ceiling. Small patches are suitable for impact damage. However, widespread water damage or sagging often requires a full ceiling replacement to ensure a flat finish.
Clear the room of furniture and cover floors with plastic or drop sheets. Removing curtains and blinds helps provide clear access to the walls and prevents dust from settling on fabrics during the sanding process.
Common challenges in repair work
Cracks often reappear if the underlying cause is not addressed. This can happen due to house settlement or timber movement. Using reinforced tape and specific jointing methods helps manage these movements and reduces the chance of future splits.
Matching the thickness of existing plasterboard is a common requirement. Different eras of home building used different sheet thicknesses. Using the wrong thickness creates a lip or a dip that becomes visible once the wall is painted.
Cornice damage can be difficult to fix without affecting the ceiling. In some cases, a section of the cornice is removed and replaced. In other cases, the gaps are filled and shaped to match the existing profile.
Handling water damaged plaster
Water damage often causes plasterboard to sag or develop brown stains. It is important to ensure the leak is fixed before any repair begins. If the material is still damp, the new plaster will not bond correctly.
In many cases, the damaged section must be cut out completely. This includes any area where the paper has peeled away from the core. Replacing the affected area is the only way to remove deep stains and structural weakness.
For larger areas of water damage, we can install new sheeting and reline the ceiling. This involves removing the old boards and installing new ones, followed by taping, jointing, and sanding to a smooth finish.
Preparing for a quote
To get an accurate quote, provide details on the type of damage. Mention if the wall is an internal partition or an external wall. Let us know if the damage is in a wet area, as these require specific moisture-resistant linings.
Include the approximate size of the repair area. For example, a small hole from a door handle is different from a large crack running the length of a ceiling. Photos of the damage from different angles are very helpful.
Mention any specific finishes involved. Let us know if the room has standard cornices, square set edges, or VJ panelling. This helps us understand the materials and tools needed for the job.
Call or text for a free quote
Tell us about the plastering work you have in mind.
Share your property location and the work involved. We take on work in any suburb within about an hour's drive of Kotara. Beyond that, high-value jobs only, by arrangement.