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  • Verified reviews icon24
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Find Plaster repair specialists in Ames

Avatar for Rocket Patch Drywall Repair
Rocket Patch Drywall Repair
5.0(
32
)
Plaster - Repair

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Tim and his crew tore out my cracked plaster ceilings and replaced them with drywall. He showed up when he said he would, met the timeline he provided, and they did a nice job cleaning up after themselves."
Response time3 hrs
Response rate91%
30 neighbors recently requested a quote
Trevino Drywall LLC
5.0(
9
)
Plaster - RepairPlaster - Repair - For Business

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"I had a very high stairwell that I needed painted. I also had a section of popcorn ceiling that needed to be repaired. Both of these projects were completed perfectly and didn't cost as much as I thought it would. Would definitely recommend this company!"
Response time2 days
28 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by88%of homeowners
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Plaster Repair questions, answered by experts

Although they have similar applications, spackle and joint compound are not the same. Their primary differences lie in their composition, consistency, and ideal use cases.

Spackle is composed of gypsum and binding agents, making it thicker than joint compound. It dries quickly and is easy to sand, which makes it ideal for small wall repair projects like filling nail holes or patching minor damage.

Joint compound, also known as drywall mud, consists of limestone and gypsum. It is primarily used for large-scale projects, such as taping and finishing the seams on newly installed drywall. It tends to shrink more than spackle and can be more difficult to spread.

While both products can be used to fill small depressions and cracks, spackle cannot replace joint compound for taping and mudding new drywall. Conversely, you can often use joint compound for small patching jobs typically done with spackle.

Plaster ceilings can sag for several reasons. In some cases, the plaster and other building materials shift and come apart over time, which is why you’ll commonly find drooping plaster ceilings in older homes. Improper installation, foot traffic, and water damage—often from a leaky roof or a broken pipe—can also cause plaster ceilings to sag.

Plaster is a pretty tough surface, but it can still sustain damage from things like bumping against it, water issues, dampness, extreme humidity changes, and plain old age. Most plaster walls last hundreds of years and will only be taken down to the base layer when major repairs are required. Being cautious around the wall, not placing furniture against it, and ensuring stable humidity are all great ways to reduce possible damage.

Your walls are likely cracking due to fluctuations in the temperature outside. Drywall tends to expand and contract when temperatures and humidity levels change, and this repeated movement can lead to cracks in your walls, particularly around door frames. If you have multiple diagonal cracks, you may want to have your foundation inspected, as cracks can also be a sign of a bigger issue.

The tool you use to sand plaster will depend on the size of the project. If you’re just working on a small section of your wall to get rid of an uneven spot on the surface, hand-sanding might work. However, for larger projects, a drywall sander can make a huge difference when it comes to both time and elbow grease—and an orbital sander can help for detailed areas such as around ceiling fans.

The Ames, IA homeowners’ guide to plaster repairs

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.