Specialist Replastering

freephone : 0800 975 2037

phone : 01294 467 025

The use of specialist replastering techniques is essential when undertaking replastering as part of rising damp treatments.

Upon the installation of the Kerelaw Building Preservation Damp Proof Course the removal of salt contaminated plaster should be carried out in conjunction with damp proof treatments, rising dampness, which brings soluble salts into the masonry stone and brickwork migrate through the wall plaster and certain ground salts are hygroscopic and therefore prevent the wall plaster from drying out, therefore the salt contaminated wall plaster requires to be removed and replaced with a salt retardant rendering and plastering system and the use of specialist plastering techniques.

Kerelaw Building Preservation trained, and experienced operatives undertake all replastering using salt retardant specialist plastering products, it is essential that our own operatives undertake replastering treatments in conjunction with rising damp treatments to ensure quality control of the Damp Proof Course system during all stages of the process.

Our specialist replastering treatments are carried out by our experienced and qualified operatives and therefore you can be assured of a level of quality control throughout the whole stage and our Chemical Damp Proof Course and plastering system combined are covered by our guarantees.

Replastering will often be carried out as part of a rising damp treatment. Where plaster has become severely damaged by ground salts there is little argument about the need to replaster.

BS6576: 2005 states that "the function of the new plaster is to prevent hygroscopic salts that might be present in the wall from migrating through to its surface, while still allowing the wall to dry."

More recently, systems have become available that allow plasterboard or insulation board to be used to Replaster walls affected by rising damp. After the existing plaster has been hacked off the wall, a salt and moisture retardant cream is applied to the wall. The plasterboard is then applied to the wall using a salt/moisture-proof adhesive. Such systems have the advantage that they can be decorated straight away, rather than having to wait several days or weeks as in the case with standard plasters. They also provide a warmer surface that is less prone to condensation than would be the case with standard sand: cement render.

Replastering may not be necessary where salt contamination is not severe. BS6576: 2005 states, "Where the plaster appears to be in sound condition, the extent of plaster to be removed may be minimised by delaying any decision to replaster until the drying period is complete." Avoiding the need to replaster in this way can reduce disruption and mess and has the advantage of allowing the original lime or gypsum-based plaster to be maintained.

It is best practice to delay replastering and redecoration for as long as possible following rising damp treatment, but this obviously creates inconvenience to the occupants of the affected building. BRE Digest 245 states, "While the wall should be allowed to dry for as long as possible, replastering can follow, providing porous decorations are selected. These are usually matt emulsions and water-based paints, both of which will allow the wall to breathe. Application of gloss and vinyl paints or wallpapers should be delayed for at least one year.