Sheetrock over Plaster??
Yesterday my contractor pt up sheetrock over one of my plaster walls in my front parlor and in my entrance hall. I was very upset when I saw this as I had not imagined he would repair the walls this way. parlor wall was opened to install a split system A/C unit. He said the…
Yesterday my contractor pt up sheetrock over one of my plaster walls in my front parlor and in my entrance hall. I was very upset when I saw this as I had not imagined he would repair the walls this way. parlor wall was opened to install a split system A/C unit. He said the sheet rock was the best option because of the condensation risk. The hallway wall was partially rotted from water damage over many years from original radiator. He did not demo these walls just put the drywall over the existing damaged plaster. Was this the best solution? What would others recommend? He got very defensive when I asked him to walk me through the reasons why he chose that solution. I had anticipated a classic plaster repair job.
Be careful with replacing plaster walls with drywall. It will decrease the value of an old house.
HELLO CONTACT MR LUIS HE ARE MASTER PLASTER RESTORER AND ORNAMENTED luisenrique0571_62@hotmail.com
One thing to look out for: Make sure your contractor does not use pre-mixed joint compound for the taping and/or skim coat. It will look disgusting and make the repaired section even more obvious. It will not adhere to the plaster and basically crack and flake off. I personally use durabond/ sandable 90. You have to work quickly with it as it hardens similarly to concrete, however it does create a more “plaster-like” appearance. Good luck.
Drywall is not good for areas with condensation problems. it will absorb the moisture and start to mold. If moisture is present in the plaster, in less than a year the back of the drywall will be black. This is a problem you will have to readdress in less than 5 years. Plaster has a high PH lvl and mold will not grow on it.
Plaster is best but sheetrock is cheap so go with sheetrock and dont worry, it works. Use the blue kind just to be safe against water damage.
good luck
I’m not surprised that your contractor didn’t explain how he was going to fix the problem. He’s just thinking about how to get it done quickly, inexpensively and make it look good enough that in 6 months you won’t call him complaining.
I had water damaged ceilings in one of our bedrooms (we live in a 1840’s brownstone). The contractor was going to simply plaster the cracks and re-paint. In this case, we WANTED sheet-rock, to cover the entire ceiling. Sure it meant lowering the ceiling by 1/4″ at most, but when the building settles another 1/2″ this year, the plastered cracks, won’t start showing up. Maybe your guy took the cheap route but perhaps, it will work out in the end? And, if you haven’t yet paid for the work, you can ask your contractor to finish the job in a manner that is satisfactory to you. If he agrees, throw him a bonus when it’s all said and done.
Order plaster washers online:
http://www.charlesstsupply.com/plaster_washers/
It sounds to me that your contractor should have told you his plan of action. I’m a contractor and I’m surprised that this wasn’t explained to you in detail. Anyway, I don’t think there is anything wrong with sheetrock over plaster however I like the look of plaster better. Plaster repair takes more time and skill to do it right and you will pay more for a high quality plaster job than any sheetrock job. Many contractors just want to get in and out of your house asap and sheetrock is faster and cheaper than skim coating. About plaster washers, they’re great and many walls can be saved if you use them right, You can get them here in Brooklyn at Modern Way Lumber on Flatbush ave.
Adding to 9:43’s comment: One reason plaster feels so much more “solid” – its denser – more like stone.
In my book, one reason plaster is better – Plaster has great sound deadening qualities. A house with plaster walls carries less sound room to room, between party walls, or from the street. Sheetrock/drywall tends to feel (to me, anyway) hollow, thin and almost carries sound.
I currently use USG’s Diamond Veneer Plaster over plaster weld for big jobs in my 1910 rowhouse. Incredible results once you get the hang of mixing the stuff and the trowel.
a question for fellow plasterers – where can I get plaster washers for securing loose plaster back to lathe before skimming?