Are you noticing unsightly streaks or mold growth on your interior plaster and stucco ceiling? This may be a sign of water damage.

As tempting as it may be to ignore evidence that your plaster ceiling has been damaged by water, there are several important reasons why this job should be done immediately by a skilled and certified expert.

Untreated leaks can cause severe water damage to your property and assets in the long run.

In this article, we will run you through everything you need to know about water-damaged ceiling plaster repair.

Understanding How Delicate Plaster Is

To know what you should do about water-damaged plaster ceilings and repairs, you should first understand why plaster ceilings get damaged in the first place and why you should hire a professional to complete the task correctly.

Plaster doesn’t retain moisture as well as other materials. Thus, water usually gets trapped beneath the stucco on your plaster ceilings, walls, or other surfaces. 

The weakening of the construction materials and the potential of mold and mildew growth along the home’s framework are consequences of trapped moisture.

Plaster is a great sound and heat absorber in a building, keeping it insulated and quieter. However, any cracks and other surface problems due to water damage can make your home less insulated than before.

Because it’s installed or coated in layers, this material is also quite heavy. The damage to plaster can migrate to the bottom layers of stucco. This might cause even more harm to the building’s structural integrity. If the house’s structure or even just the ceiling is made of heavy plaster, it may eventually give way and collapse.

Hazards of Plaster Ceiling Water Damage

Ignoring water damage on your plaster ceiling can cause various risks, including:

  • Plaster ceilings that have been severely weakened may collapse.
  • Ignoring water damage beneath plaster increases your home’s chance of mold development.
  • Water damage leaves streaks and stains that are unattractive.
  • Softened plaster is more prone to cracking and further harm.
  • Water-damaged plaster does not insulate a home as well as plaster that’s in good shape.

Other than this, water damage, especially on plaster ceilings, may also lower the value of your initially pricey plaster structure. This can be detrimental, especially if you are planning to resell your home.

Why You Should Contact a Professional for the Job

Repairing a water-damaged plaster ceiling cannot be done by the average homeowner. It’s not the same as patching up softened or otherwise damaged drywall. You must treat the cause of water damage before making repairs. Otherwise, your home will be infested with mold and mildew, and the fresh plaster will also be ruined.

A plaster repair firm in your area will send a team of experts to inspect your home for leaks in the plumbing, roof, and ventilation systems and any potential causes of water dripping behind the plaster.

Plaster is not a solid material, unlike drywall, which may be attached to a wall with nails or screws. It is applied skilfully in layers.

Plaster installation contractors are trained and experienced in waterproofing, leak detection, and repair. They will be able to put new layers of plaster in areas that have significant damage. They can also ensure that the new plaster merges seamlessly with the existing stucco.

Conclusion

Although you might think that water-damaged plaster on your ceiling is not something to worry about, it can eventually cause severe structural damage to your property.

It’s best to contact professionals immediately. If you have a water-damaged ceiling plaster restoration, you’ll have a safe and secure framework over your head and a beautiful and authentic plaster ceiling.

Are you looking for waterproofing, leak detection, & repair in the San Francisco Bay Area? One Stop Plastering has over 60 years of experience in residential and commercial stucco and plastering services. Give us a call to learn more!