Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

adappergentlefolk t1_iyc5kf5 wrote

Reply to comment by tacotimes01 in How to fix hole in plaster? by elysiansaurus

depending on the backer and the composition plaster can definitely lose structural integrity from damp. things like gypsum on brick can get absolutely shredded by salt migration from the brick. then instead of dealing with moldy drywall you have to deal with a wall section that has disintegrated into fine sand, ymmv what you prefer

even lime plaster on lathe can disintegrate if damp is trapped in the plaster behind an impermeable layer like thick paint or wallpaper

definitely source of water intrusion needs to be fixed before any repairs are done to the area. simply a waste of money and effort otherwise

10

tacotimes01 t1_iyd3fnx wrote

Thanks, completely agree you have to fix the moisture issue. I’ve definitely had plaster repairs fail in this way when leaks persist. I guess my point was that it’s been preferable in my experience to go the plaster route and deal with this rather than the effects of mold growth in the walls. You always “think” you fixed the underlying cause of a leak in an old building, but sometimes it’s less apparent or there are multiple causes. I’m getting PTSD thinking about managing this leased 120 room 1909 San Francisco nightmare.

1