Get matched with top plaster repair specialists in Checotah, OK

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.

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.

Although they are used for similar tasks, spackle and joint compound are not the same. Joint compound, also known as drywall mud, consists of limestone and gypsum and is primarily used for large-scale projects like taping and finishing seams on new drywall. Spackle is composed of gypsum and binding agents, making it a thicker compound best suited for small wall repairs like filling nail holes or cracks, as it dries quickly and is easy to sand. For small repairs, either product can be suitable. However, you can use joint compound for small jobs in place of spackle, but you cannot use spackle for large-scale taping and mudding projects.

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.