Plaster and render problems
Blown plaster, cracked ceilings, sagging lath and plaster, Artex and hollow render — what each finish fault usually means.
Blown Or Hollow Plaster On A Wall
CautionA patch of wall sounds hollow when tapped, bulges slightly, or crumbles away when you press it.
Cracks Across A Ceiling
CautionOne or more cracks have appeared across a ceiling and you want to know whether it matters.
Sagging Lath And Plaster Ceiling
High riskAn old ceiling has dropped, bellied downwards, or sounds hollow and gritty when tapped.
Hairline Cracks In Newly Plastered Walls
Low riskFine cracks have appeared in a wall or ceiling within days or weeks of it being plastered.
New Plaster Will Not Dry Out
CautionWeeks after plastering, a wall is still dark in patches instead of drying to an even pale finish.
Artex Ceiling You Want Removed Or Skimmed
High riskA textured swirl or stipple ceiling you want flattened, and you have heard it may contain asbestos.
Crumbling Lime Plaster In An Old House
CautionSoft, sandy plaster in an older property is falling away, often where a modern repair meets it.
Hollow Or Cracked Render Outside
CautionExternal render sounds hollow when tapped, is cracked, or is coming away in patches from the wall.
Cracks Along Plasterboard Joints And Nail Pops
Low riskStraight cracks run along board joints, or small round bumps and chips appear over each fixing.
Wavy Or Uneven Plastered Walls
Low riskA newly plastered wall shows hollows, ridges or trowel marks, usually worst in low sunlight.