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TRUSTED BY VAN METER, IA HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.7
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon37
    Verified plaster repairs reviews

Find Plaster repair specialists in Van Meter

Avatar for Rocket Patch Drywall Repair
Rocket Patch Drywall Repair
5.0(
33
)
Plaster - Repair

Serving Van Meter, 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%
25 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Rudy's Drywall Services, LLC
Rudy's Drywall Services, LLC
4.6(
25
)
Plaster - RepairPlaster - Repair - For Business

Serving Van Meter, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"His care and quality of the work were appreciated. The ceiling repair was done well and worked to blend well with the rest of the room. Very pleased with his work overall but lacked consistent logistics and communications a few times during the process. Overall, very happy with his work"
Bament
Kitchen repair
Flood Damage
Basment
Basment texture

+34

Response time1 day
Recommended by88%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 41
Plaster Repair questions, answered by experts

Yes, you can speed up the time it takes for plaster to dry, but it's important to do so carefully to avoid issues like cracking or crumbling. Proper ventilation is key; open a window or use a fan to circulate air in the room. Heat can also accelerate drying, but be cautious, as too much heat can cause the plaster to dry too quickly and crack. Check the plaster's packaging for the recommended drying temperature and set the room's thermostat accordingly. While managing humidity is important, avoid using a dehumidifier, which can remove moisture too aggressively and result in crumbly plaster.

You can skim coat plaster, but it’s better to repair the plaster itself. A skim coat is a thin coat of drywall joint compound spread over the surface of a wall. The result is a flat finish that looks pleasing, but part of the appeal of plaster is its imperfections and aesthetic. Skim coating is best when limited to drywall applications.

Whether you can install or repair plaster yourself depends on the project's size and your comfort level with DIY projects. It's possible to handle small repairs on your own, but for larger projects like a room restoration or a full installation, it's often best to hire a local plaster professional. The final appearance, even coverage, and durability of the plaster depend heavily on proper wall preparation and application. If you are not 100% confident in your ability to achieve a professional result, letting an expert handle the job is a worthwhile investment.

Technically speaking, you can use drywall primer over plasters. However, oil-based primers work the most effectively on wall plasters. Meanwhile, water-based primers work just as well with drywalls. Nowadays, there are also universal primers suitable for drywall and plaster. Overall, you will be fine as long as you are using a trustworthy brand.

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.

The Van Meter, IA homeowners’ guide to plaster repairs

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