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TRUSTED BY AMES, IA HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.8
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  • Verified reviews icon24
    Verified plaster repairs reviews

Find Plaster repair specialists in Ames

Avatar for Rocket Patch Drywall Repair
Rocket Patch Drywall Repair
5.0(
33
)
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%
27 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
26 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by88%of homeowners
Avatar for Juan Rodriguez
Juan Rodriguez
5.0(
9
)
Plaster - Repair

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Juan was absolutely a professional! He asked to come over and look at the project so he could give me an accurate estimate and came over the same day and then had an estimate to me within the next hour. He started the job 2 days later and had the job done in a day and a half. Very courteous and cleaned up so well after the job. I would highly recommend him and if I ever need more work done he will be my first call. Photos are from my patchwork drywall and his mudding, knockdown and finishing work."
Response time1 day
Recommended by50%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 33
Plaster Repair questions, answered by experts

Plastering and skimming are two different techniques for finishing walls. Plastering involves applying a thick layer of a plaster mixture—typically containing gypsum, lime, cement, sand, and water—to create a new surface. This process often requires multiple coats and is used for repairing significant damage or creating decorative textures. Skimming, on the other hand, is a technique that involves applying a thin layer of drywall compound or joint compound over an existing surface to smooth it out, covering minor imperfections, small cracks, or uneven textures for a polished look. Plastering is generally more costly and labor-intensive than skimming. Although some people use the terms interchangeably, they refer to different processes and materials.

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.

Applying plaster to a wall will usually cost between $2 and $10 per square foot for both the material and labor. The cost will vary based on the quality of the plaster you’re using and whether or not prep work is required before the work begins. Wall prep can add up to about 10% to your total costs. Plastering exterior walls can be more expensive in many cases because they are taller and require scaffolding and safety equipment.

There are several warning signs that a ceiling crack is connected to a larger issue. For starters, if the crack is wider than 1/8 inch or longer than 12 inches, you might have a more serious problem. The same applies if you have multiple smaller cracks or cracks going across the ceiling and down the wall. In any of these situations, you should ask a professional to assess the damage.

If your premixed drywall mud is dried out or has begun to set in the bucket, you may be able to revive it by adding warm water and stirring. However, the first and most important step is to scrape off any hard, dried bits of drywall that may have accumulated toward the top of the container and throw them away because they will not easily reconstitute back into the drywall mud mix.

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.