Hit the Nail LLC provides reliable handyman and home repair services in Twin Falls and the surrounding Magic Valley area. We handle small repairs, painting, drywall, trim, fixture replacements, maintenance tasks, and light renovation work with honest communication, fair pricing, and quality workmanship. Licensed, insured, and ready to help with projects big or small.
Plaster is a beautiful finish but is labor-intensive to install and remove. It’s vulnerable to cracking and more sensitive to moisture variance than drywall. Installing plaster on a new wall is an expensive process that can take days to weeks, depending on the scope. Removing a plaster wall can also be quite expensive and time-consuming.
It’s not a good idea to plaster over broken plaster (unless by broken you’re referring to cracked, in which case that’s perfectly fine). However, broken plaster can be a sign of a larger underlying issue like foundation damage or severe damage to the lath holding up the plaster, so it’s worth investigating before you simply plaster on top of the damage.
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.
In most cases, plaster repair will improve your home’s energy efficiency because a solid barrier of the insulative material helps keep conditioned air inside your home. Major plaster repair jobs like repairing large cracks or crumbling sections of plaster or applying a skim coat might make a noticeable difference in your heating and cooling bills. Not only can plaster repairs improve efficiency, but they can also reduce strain on your HVAC equipment, potentially saving you money on maintenance and repairs.
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.
The Jackpot, NV 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.
