Get matched with top plaster repair specialists in Monroe, UT

Repairing plaster walls or ceilings is almost always worthwhile. It restores the appearance of your home, and if it's an exterior wall, the repair can improve curb appeal and provide a great return on investment when selling. Plaster repairs can also reinforce the wall, preventing minor cracks from spreading, and improve your home’s energy efficiency by fixing gaps in the insulative material, potentially lowering your heating and cooling bills. Additionally, hiring a professional allows them to check if the damage is from a serious underlying issue, such as foundation instability. Catching a problem like this early could save you thousands.

Damp plaster does dry out, although the drying time depends on several factors, including the type of plaster, the surrounding temperature, moisture content, and the extent of the dampness. Sometimes, it can take weeks or months for wall plaster to dry naturally.

Although they have similar applications, spackle and joint compound are not the same. Their primary differences lie in their composition, consistency, and ideal use cases.

Spackle is composed of gypsum and binding agents, making it thicker than joint compound. It dries quickly and is easy to sand, which makes it ideal for small wall repair projects like filling nail holes or patching minor damage.

Joint compound, also known as drywall mud, consists of limestone and gypsum. It is primarily used for large-scale projects, such as taping and finishing the seams on newly installed drywall. It tends to shrink more than spackle and can be more difficult to spread.

While both products can be used to fill small depressions and cracks, spackle cannot replace joint compound for taping and mudding new drywall. Conversely, you can often use joint compound for small patching jobs typically done with spackle.

While it is possible to repair minor plaster cracks or holes yourself, it is generally not recommended for larger jobs or if you want a professional result. Plaster repair can be difficult in practice; proper wall preparation and achieving a smooth, seamless finish that blends with the existing wall requires experience, especially on textured surfaces. Hiring a professional ensures the repair will be durable and last longer, potentially saving you money over time. A pro can also determine if the cracks are from normal expansion or a more serious underlying issue.