Get matched with top plaster repair specialists in Lecompte, LA

Yes, you can install drywall over plaster, but there are important factors to consider. While it can create a smooth, flat surface, it is often not the best approach. Installing drywall over plaster will increase the wall's thickness, which can cause issues with existing window and door frames that may no longer fit. You might also need to adjust power outlets to keep them accessible. A better, though more expensive, option is to remove the old plaster and lath entirely before installing new drywall. Drywalling directly over plaster seals in the old material, and if any problems arise later, you will need to remove both layers down to the structural beams for repairs. Given the potential complications, this job is best handled by professionals.

The cost to repair a ceiling after a water leak can vary, with averages ranging from $419 to $1,359, or $45 to $55 per square foot. Smaller patches may cost around $150. The final price depends on the size of the affected area and the extent of the damage. Remember that you will also need to repair the source of the leak, such as roof damage or a plumbing issue, which can cost an additional $200 to $1,550. Depending on the situation, you might also face costs for repainting or repairing floors. For an accurate estimate, it is best to get a quote from a professional.

If you’re looking for a reliable plaster repair company, you should start by researching local companies in your area and reviewing their status with the Better Business Bureau. Next, you can contact the potential companies to ask about experience levels, get a list of references, and ask for examples of past work. If you have a textured wall, consider asking if they have examples or references for that particular texture. This method should help you narrow your search even further. You may also want to ask each company if they provide a warranty for their work.

If your home was built before the 1940s and was not remodeled in the past 50 or so years, you probably have plaster walls. Aside from assuming, there are some practical ways to tell if you have plaster walls, including the following: If you knock on the wall and it feels solid, not hollow, if you can’t insert a thumbtack easily, if there are cracks that look like spiderwebs, or if your home has curved, arched, or swirled walls, doorways, or window openings.

If you have an unfinished basement or attic, you could examine the backs of any finished walls to check, too.