Get matched with top plaster repair specialists in Garrison, MD

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.

Plaster repair costs range from $4 to $10 per square foot for refinishing, while skim coating can be less expensive, usually between $2 and $5 per square foot. The price you pay for plaster repairs will depend on the extent of the damage, the type of plaster you have on your walls, and the accessibility of the damage. Plaster repair on the exterior of your home tends to be more expensive, as there’s a higher chance that ladders or scaffolding will be necessary to carry out the repair.

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.

Only use spackle on plaster walls when the imperfection is small. It’s best used for nail holes or small dings in the plaster. Spackle dries quickly, allowing you to continue the repair process shortly after using it. Plaster can be tricky to repair, though, so if you run into issues, call a pro so that you don’t risk further damage.