Plaster Repair
What is the best way to repair/replace old cracked plaster walls and ceilings? In the past I have had it ripped out and replaced by sheetrock, but it is expensive (labor intensive) Is there a cheaper way with an end result that looks as good (or almost as good)???
Thanks
Not sure if they use a thin wall application in your state but if so plaster the cracked walls much like you would thin wall.
Put mesh tape over the cracks first and you will be fine...
[addsig]
Are plaster walls the really really hard walls found in old houses?
yes...i have seen these in older properties I have had. this one was built in 1923 and I just finished the same thing that was built in 1920....
I think if the ceiling is cracked its hopeless to try to repair it...but perhaps walls have a better chance of being repaired...
hatemyboss-
I plastered some cracked walls last year. You want to remove the cracked plaster and the weak area around it and apply 3 seperate layers of patching plaster (allowing each to dry). Here is a link to site that explains:
http://www.oldhouseweb.com/stories/How-To/Walls_And_Ceilings/Repairing_Old_Plaster/
Or just google "Repair Plaster Walls" for other sources.
How about some big stretch caulk?
That was going to be my suggestion- it is much easier and cheaper to just drywall over the plaster than to rip it out first. Of couse your rooms are just a bit smaller, but it looks brand new- perhaps because it is!
I did this out of high school twenty years ago.
The ones we tried to patch never really looked good but I was never around to see them in a year or two.
The ones we sheetrocked over looked great but was a lot more work than a regular rock job. Never had beams where they were supposed to be.
The way my boss really liked to do it was to tear out the old ceiling. Um, yeah, that was my job. But anything that needed to be looked at was right there and could be taken care of.
So on a flip just rock over it, on a long term might be worth the dust.
PLASTER WASHERS ARE AWESOME - try them and you will be able to repair any crack or loose plaster in 10 min. You just put one on a drywall screw and power drive them into the old plaster. Then put some mesh tape and spackle over that, sand, and paint. Google them on the web to find an online retailer.
If the place falls through, you might want to consider getting a more experienced/better RE agent before you make an offer on another place.