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If you suspect black mold is inside your walls, do not punch a hole in the drywall yourself to look. Call a mold inspection expert to help you. Some signs of a potential black mold infestation inside the wall include an unexplained musty, damp smell. Some people liken it to rotting vegetables. You may smell it most strongly through a wall outlet. If you and your family are experiencing constant coughing or symptoms that feel like an unexplained allergy, it could indicate black mold behind a wall.

Plaster is a beautiful finish but is labor-intensive to install and remove. It’s vulnerable to cracking and more sensitive to moisture variance than drywall. Installing plaster on a new wall is an expensive process that can take days to weeks, depending on the scope. Removing a plaster wall can also be quite expensive and time-consuming.

To hide drywall edges, you need to properly apply drywall tape and multiple layers of joint compound. These materials hide the seams between drywall sheets and fill the holes from drywall screws, leaving behind a smooth, flat finish to paint over. Apply joint compound smoothly, and finish the job by sanding the walls to make sure you fully hide drywall edges and other imperfections.

All plaster walls will crack over time due to normal house settling and expansion and contraction from temperature and moisture changes. Small, thin hairline cracks are generally not serious and are mostly a cosmetic issue. However, larger or more significant cracks can indicate structural problems.

Here's how to tell the difference:

• Cosmetic Cracks: Cracks that are 0.5 cm (0.2 inches) or thinner are typically cosmetic.

• Structural Cracks: Cracks wider than 0.5 cm, excessive or deep cracks, multiple cracks in the same area, or cracks that span around corners can signify a structural or foundation issue. Cracks along the joints where walls meet the ceiling also warrant attention.

For cracks wider than 0.5 cm, structural repair is needed. If a crack is 2.5 cm (1 inch) or wider, or if you notice any signs of a structural problem, it is best to contact a plaster repair professional to assess the damage.