PLASTER REPAIR SERVICES CAIRNS

Fixing a large hole in the plaster is very similar to repairing a small one. The main difference is that we need to cut out a rectangular opening that is as wide as the studs' width to facilitate the new filler's fixing securely to the studs on either side.

For even larger holes or surface damage, it is often easier to replace the whole plasterboard sheet. However, consideration needs to be given to additional rectification to surrounding areas such as joins, corners and cornice. Replacing an entire sheet usually results in a better, well-rounded repair, but at the expense of a higher cost. At Cairns Plaster Professionals, we'll always advise on the most economical solution to having the larger holes in your walls or ceilings repaired.

When water damages or destroys plaster, it can make the product unsafe and often requires removing other damaged parts. This is because Gyprock has a way of soaking up moisture as if they were a sponge, making it more prone to breakage when dry. For this reason, when dealing with bulging, water-damaged plasterboard surfaces, we need to keep in mind that we should replace the damaged plasterboard and any surrounding areas before restarting construction work on those same spots.

Another important consideration is the moisture content of your plasterboard in the vicinity of the repair. If there's any residual water left, it may be necessary to use a moisture reader with an infrared sensor to check. If so, we need to wait a few days before proceeding with the installation to dry entirely before commencing the repair. Otherwise, our new plaster might react negatively against moist areas of your old wall or ceiling.

The best way to prevent cracks in plaster from reemerging is by determining their cause, but it can be complicated because there are so many different causes.

Repairing cracks in plaster may seem as simple and straightforward as filling up the crack with appropriate material and let it dry out completely before painting over it. However, for any cracked plaster repair, it's critical to determine the cause of the damage in the first place to avoid the issue from reoccurring after the repair is carried out.

Possible causes of cracks in plaster include:

• House subsidence
• Building structure expansion and contraction due to temperature variations.
• Limited support behind wall or ceiling joins.
• Sub-standard workmanship.

Sometimes small cracks can be filled and sanded. Other times, the cracked plaster needs cutting out altogether. Then a new filler patch applied of similar size with support behind, followed by the application of paper tape and three layers of plaster (comprising base coat + top coats). Once dry, the repair is sanded to a smooth surface.

A cornice is the decorative moulding installed where the top of the wall meets the ceiling. The most crucial consideration in repairing plaster cornices is whether the same profile is still made and available for purchase. If the same shape is still obtainable, the repair is relatively simple (by cutting out the old cornice section and replacing it with new). However, if the cornice profile has been discontinued, it's necessary to replace all the cornice in that room with the new profile.

There are many causes for bulging plasterboard walls or ceilings including :

• Settling of the building or movement in joists, beams and rafters.
• Movement due to water damage such as leaks from a roofing problem that may have been left unattended for some time.
• Plasterboard has been glued or screwed incorrectly to the wall studs or ceiling battens.
• Pressure applied to the ceiling or wall surfaces from items stored in the ceiling or bulging insulation inside the wall cavity (often when insulation too thick for the wall cavity has been installed).
• A lack of sarking or anti-condensation layer under the roof sheeting or tiles causing excessive heat in the ceiling space or condensation falling onto the plasterboard ceiling below.

An experienced plasterer with a keen eye will quickly spot the cause of any damage and undertake the appropriate type of repair.