Plaster walls have been a popular choice in homes and commercial buildings for centuries.
Plaster is a highly durable and aesthetically pleasing material that offers numerous benefits over other wall materials, such as drywall.
However, like any construction material, plaster has both advantages and disadvantages that should be carefully considered before deciding to use it in your home.
In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of plaster walls to help you make an informed decision for your Australian home.
Let’s get straight to the point
Plaster walls are durable, soundproof, fire-resistant, and pest-resistant, offering a high-end aesthetic and energy efficiency.
They are also resistant to mould and mildew. However, they are more expensive, time-consuming to install, prone to cracking, difficult to repair, and challenging for hanging items.
Plaster may also not be ideal for humid climates due to potential moisture damage.
What Is Plaster?
Plaster is a building material that has been used for thousands of years to create sturdy and visually appealing walls and ceilings.
It is typically made from a mixture of lime, sand, and water, which is applied in layers over a substrate like a lath or a wire mesh. As it dries, plaster forms a hard surface that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
There are several types of plaster, including:
- Gypsum plaster: A common choice due to its easy application and smooth finish.
- Lime plaster: Known for its breathability, making it ideal for areas with moisture issues.
- Venetian plaster: Used for decorative finishes, mimicking marble’s appearance.
Now, let’s dive into the advantages and disadvantages of plaster walls.
Advantages of Plaster Walls
Durability
One of the most significant advantages of plaster walls is their durability. When properly applied, plaster forms a hard and long-lasting surface that can withstand everyday wear and tear better than drywall.
The water in the plaster mixture evaporates during application, resulting in a chemical reaction that strengthens the material. This makes plaster walls less prone to dents, dings, and damage.
In modern construction, steel lath or hard backing boards are often used to further reinforce plaster walls, making them even more robust.
Soundproofing
Plaster walls excel at soundproofing due to their dense composition.
The thickness of plaster helps to absorb and diffuse sound, making it a great choice for environments where noise reduction is a priority, such as apartments, offices, or even home theatres.
In fact, the higher mass of plaster walls means they are more effective at reducing noise transfer between rooms compared to drywall.
Pest Resistance
Plaster walls also offer natural pest resistance. Their solid construction and seamless finish make it harder for pests like insects and rodents to find entry points.
Additionally, plaster has low moisture retention, further reducing conditions that might attract pests. This makes plaster an excellent choice for homes where pest control is a concern.
By addressing any cracks or damage in plaster walls promptly, you can maintain their pest-resistant properties and reduce the risk of infestations in your home.
Resistance to Mould and Mildew
Another significant advantage of plaster is its resistance to mould and mildew. Due to its low moisture retention properties, plaster walls are less likely to support the growth of mould, making them a healthier option for indoor environments, particularly in areas prone to moisture.
Fire Resistance
Plaster is inherently fire-resistant. It does not burn easily, making it a safer choice for both residential and commercial buildings.
In fact, plaster walls can help to slow the spread of fire because they act as a physical barrier.
Additionally, plaster emits fewer toxic vapours during a fire compared to other materials, such as drywall.
Easy to Clean
The smooth surface of plaster makes it relatively easy to clean. Plaster can be sanded down to a fine finish, allowing for easy removal of marks and stains. Its non-cracking nature further adds to its low-maintenance benefits.
Aesthetic Appeal
Plaster walls offer a unique and elegant appearance. Whether you are aiming for a traditional or modern look, plaster can be styled and painted to suit various design preferences.
The smooth, seamless finish of plaster provides a high-end aesthetic that is hard to achieve with drywall.
Breathability
Plaster walls are porous, allowing air and moisture to circulate. This breathability is important for regulating humidity in a building, especially in climates with high moisture levels.
It helps prevent the growth of mould and mildew, contributing to better indoor air quality.
Energy Efficiency
Plaster walls are typically thicker than drywall, with most plaster walls being around 7/8 inches thick.
This added thickness provides better thermal insulation, making plaster walls more energy-efficient by helping to regulate indoor temperatures.
Disadvantages of Plaster Walls
Despite the numerous advantages of plaster walls, there are some disadvantages that should be considered.
Cost
One of the main drawbacks of using plaster walls is the higher cost. Plaster requires skilled labour for proper application, which can drive up the cost of both materials and labour.
Additionally, plastering is more time-consuming than drywall installation, further adding to the expense.
Time-Consuming Installation
Plastering is a labour-intensive process that involves several steps, including applying a base coat and a finishing coat. Each layer must be allowed to dry before the next is applied, which can take several days.
As a result, the installation of plaster walls is more time-consuming than alternatives like drywall, potentially delaying construction projects.
Prone to Cracking
While plaster is durable, it can be prone to cracking over time. Structural shifts, changes in humidity, and even normal wear and tear can cause plaster walls to develop cracks.
These cracks may need to be repaired promptly to prevent further damage. In some cases, more extensive repairs may be required, which can be costly.
Difficult to Repair
Repairing plaster walls can be more challenging and expensive than repairing drywall.
While small cracks or holes can be patched relatively easily, larger areas of damage may require more extensive repairs or even full replacement.
Finding skilled contractors to repair plaster walls can also be more difficult and costly.
Painting Challenges
Painting plaster walls can be a bit more complicated due to the material’s porous nature. It may require more than one coat of paint to achieve a uniform finish.
Additionally, plaster may need to be primed before painting to prevent the paint from being absorbed unevenly.
Difficulty Hanging Items
Plaster’s hardness, while an advantage in many ways, also makes it more difficult to hang items such as heavy picture frames, mirrors, or televisions.
Anchors and pilot holes are often needed to secure objects to plaster walls, which can be an inconvenience compared to the ease of hanging items on drywall.
Not Ideal for Humid Climates
Plaster walls are not well-suited for very humid environments. High moisture levels can cause plaster to deteriorate over time, leading to cracking and crumbling
. In areas with high humidity, such as coastal regions, plaster walls may require more maintenance to prevent moisture damage.
Conclusion
Plaster walls offer numerous advantages, including durability, pest resistance, soundproofing, fire resistance, and a timeless aesthetic.
These benefits make plaster a great choice for both residential and commercial buildings, especially in Australia, where pest control and sound insulation are often a priority.
Plaster also provides better energy efficiency and is less likely to suffer from mould and mildew.
However, plaster walls do come with disadvantages, such as higher installation costs, time-consuming application, and the potential for cracking.
In addition, they are not ideal for very humid climates, and repairs can be more expensive than other wall materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plaster Better Than Drywall?
Plaster walls have several advantages over drywall, including durability, aesthetic appeal, versatility, and soundproofing. However, they can be more expensive and time-consuming to install and prone to cracking and unsuitable for humid climates.
How Long Do Plaster Walls Last?
Plaster walls can last for decades with proper maintenance. They are strong and resistant to impact and wear.
Can Plaster Walls Be Painted?
Yes, plaster walls can be painted or stained to match any decor. They can also be finished in a variety of textures and finishes.
How Do You Repair A Cracked Plaster Wall?
Repairing a cracked plaster wall can be difficult and expensive. The damaged area may need to be cut out and replaced with new plaster, and the surrounding area may need to be re-textured and repainted to match.
Are Plaster Walls More Or Less Durable Than Other Types Of Wall Finishes?
Plaster walls are generally more durable than other types of wall finishes, such as drywall or wallpaper. However, they can be more prone to cracking if the underlying structure of the building shifts or settles over time.
