"Micah is a wizard with plaster color and texture. He fixed our Variance plaster, matching it perfectly. He was punctual, professional, and did an amazing job fixing our rotunda, which is the showcase of our residence. We had been told that there was no way to match the texture and color and we would have to pay thousands of dollars to replanted the entire rotunda. Micah was able to fix everything for a fraction of the cost. We highly recommend Illusions for any work of this type."
"The crew showed up every morning on time. They patched/drywalled and textured numerous small areas. The texturing was so good, that it is almost impossible to detect where the repairs where made. They also framed, drywalled and textured the kitchen area for recessed lighting installation. They repaired an area where there was a shower leak. They replaced the drywall and textured an area where a closet had been removed. On every part of the project, they exhibited superior workmanship. And at the end of every day, they cleaned up after themselves. Hire them again? Definitely yes! "
"Bob Reule and his staff worked with me throughout the entire process, While I knew that the house needed new stucco and the color needed updating I was not certain of much else. Bob and Jay, one of his staff, were extremely helpful and patient in helping me with color choices for the stucco and the trim. As so often happens with older homes, as they progressed with the prep work, it became apparent that some other things also needed attention. I ended up replacing three exterior doors in the back of the house prior to the re-stuccoing. As a result, the Reule staff had to coordinate their work with additional workmen. It required adjustments in scheduling, but they were very cooperative in doing so. Reule did the re-framing and installation of a new side side door in the garage, replacing an old weathered door. A large bush had caused a great deal of damage to a yard wall. This caused misalignment of the side-gate and made securing of the gate difficult. Once the bush was removed, the men repaired the side wall and realigned the gate. The yard walls, bordering the front yard, were waist high and stucco. Due to time and weathering the stucco was in need of some cosmetic work. Minor repairs were done, the stucco was patched and color match the house. A stucco half wall, serving as a base for a long flower box, extended from a structural pillar near the front door along the entryway walk. It had severe water damage and "imploded" down into the base. It was decided to remove that structure up to the pillar. The structural pillar was just a few feet from the front door and had an open level portion under the eve. Pigeons had begun to roost there and were making a mess. After discussing the problem with the workmen, it was decided to extend the stucco up an additional few inches and eliminating the perching area. Problem solved (so far!). The paint mixture designed to match the stucco color, turned out to not be an exact match for the garage doors and the trim around them. It took a few attempts, but Jay kept working with it and was able to come up with a paint "recipe" that matched the stucco. Jay and the workmen were always on time, did what they said that they would do (sometimes more) when they said they would do it, stayed on schedule, were courteous, easy to work with and very helpful. Bob stopped by intermittently to see how things were going, and was kept updated through Jay, as well. While this ended up as a much bigger undertaking than I had initially anticipated, everything that was done was long overdue and with an eye on resale one day. Everyone I dealt with at Ruele Sun Corp was incredibly helpful. Bob and Jay were a terrific help throughout the process.I love how my house now looks and would readily recommend Ruele Sun Corp for re-stuccoing.
"Bill did an excellent job of filling, sanding, and painting the columns, vigas, and latillas. For the wood under the portal where we wanted to maintain stain, he did a beautiful job of matching the wood and making the filled areas look natural. He also painted our ductwork and other metal components to color match the stucco, repairing the stucco in a few places along the way. Bill is extremely reliable, meticulous in his cleanup, and fairly priced. Our next door neighbors saw Bill's work and hired him for their project."
"Sergio arrived punctually and analyzed the materials he would need for the repairs. He went to a local near-by hardware store and purchased the necessary sheet rock, which I paid for as it was an extra item. In order to get at the damage, he had to pull off a large 4x4 section of peg-board that itself had been torn. We discussed what might be done to replace,the peg-board but made no decision at that time. I left him to do the work, but when I returned, he had removed the peg-board so carefully that it could be remounted and used again, over the now completely repaired and re plastered damage! He also had spied a crack in the garage ceiling that I had overlooked, and repaired it with tape at his own initiative! Impressive work! I would call upon D&R again for this kind of repair. They also do other kinds of construction work, such as replacing cracked sidewalk or worn driveways."
"I made the appointment to redeem my Big Deal with no problem. Even so, no one showed up at the appointed time. A half hour after the service provider was to arrive, I called the owner, Michael Ortiz, who apologized and got off the phone to call his crew. He called me back in a few minutes, and said that he would personally come over and do the job himself. He arrived promptly 20 minutes later and swiftly and expertly completed my drywall repair job. He was very professional and courteous. I will use hime again. "
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.
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.
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.
Ceiling-mounted curtains won’t damage the ceiling if they’re installed properly. Using the right anchors or securing the brackets into joists will ensure the curtain weight is properly supported and prevent damage. However, overtightening screws, using weak anchors, or repeatedly removing and reinstalling hardware in the same spot can cause cracking or sagging over time. In that case, you might have to call a pro for ceiling repair.
Plaster walls typically last between 30 and 70 years, but depending on the quality of the materials and the moisture levels in the building, they can last for over 100 years. With expert application and consistent maintenance, plaster can even last for centuries. To extend its lifespan, it is important to have the plaster professionally installed, address any water damage promptly, and repair small cracks as they appear. Regular inspections by a professional can help identify and address concerning cracks before they become significant issues.
The Hurley, NM homeowners’ guide to plaster repairs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Venetian plaster can add depth and texture to your aesthetic. Learn how much Venetian plaster costs based on factors like square footage and whether you hire a pro to help.
You can find plaster walls in a lot of older homes. What’s behind these walls—whether that’s lath or calcimine—can have an impact on how long they last. Finding out the age of your house can help you determine what you’re dealing with.
Who does plaster work? A plasterer, of course—one who’s gone through years of training to master this subtle construction art. Here’s what you need to know.
