While plaster ceiling or walls might not be a common sight in new constructions nowadays, they are a defining feature of older homes, where the traditional method of using lath (thin strips of wood) and plaster to create walls is prevalent. This construction technique, although durable, is particularly vulnerable to damage from exposure to moisture or high humidity levels. Water can seep into the smallest cracks and crevices, causing the plaster to weaken, crumble, and eventually deteriorate, which not only affects the aesthetic appeal of a room but can also compromise the structural integrity of the building.

Therefore, it’s of utmost importance to be vigilant in recognizing the early signs of water damage in plaster ceiling or walls, such as discoloration, peeling paint, or a musty odor, and undertaking the necessary repairs promptly. Addressing water damage in its initial stages can prevent more serious issues down the line, thereby maintaining the integrity and preserving the historical charm of your home. Let’s understand a bit about plaster ceiling.

What is a Plaster Ceiling?

A plaster ceiling is a type of ceiling treatment made from plaster, a mixture of gypsum, sand, water, and sometimes other additives. It is applied directly onto a solid base such as wood or metal lath, creating a smooth and decorative surface overhead. Plaster ceilings can be found in various architectural styles, from classical to modern, and are often adorned with intricate designs, moldings, and decorative motifs. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, plaster ceilings also offer practical benefits such as sound insulation and fire resistance. They are also typically installed to hide electrical wiring for fans and lights, along with ducting for air conditioning units and plumbing pipes.

Exposure to moisture can cause significant damage to plaster ceiling, leading to costly repairs. It’s essential to quickly identify damp plaster walls to prevent further deterioration. Here’s how you can identify water damaged plaster ceiling walls:

• Dripping paint stains: If you have irregular paint stains that have a water-like appearance or drip-like appearance, this typically means that you have a leak in the plumbing or water coming in from the outside. Usually, these are found near a break in the wall.
• Efflorescence buildup: If you have efflorescence buildup on the surface of your plaster walls, this is an indication of a large amount of moisture. You can easily remove efflorescence; however, you will need to find the underlying problem first.
• Paint that is loose or flaking: You can easily identify water damaged plaster walls just by checking if the paint is loose or flaking. Most wall paints are insoluble and when the plaster is wet, the paint can start separating, flaking, and bubbling. Usually, this happens very quickly so if you notice loose or flaking paint, make sure to check the area underneath the paint to see if it is moist.
• Mold infestation: If your home is experiencing a mold infestation, it’s a clear sign of excess moisture. Mold spores proliferate rapidly in moist environments. Observing any signs of mold necessitates promptly contacting a professional to remove the affected plaster. This exposes the underlying area, allowing for effective mold treatment.

What Happens When your Plaster Ceiling Gets Wet?

The answer to this question will depend on how much water is absorbed, so let’s go through each possible scenario:

• Small amount of water on your plaster walls: If you encounter a minor spill on your plaster wall, it’s easily manageable. Simply dab the area with a dry cloth to remove the water. This minor incident should not cause any damage to your wall. For faster drying, consider using a fan directed at the affected area.
• Large amount of water:  A significant amount of water on a plaster wall can weaken and soften the material. Persistent moisture on the plaster’s surface may lead to extensive water damage. Moreover, this can result in mold growth, adversely impacting your home’s condition and air quality.
• Saturation of plaster walls: If your plaster wall has been saturated with water, the wood lath that is behind the plaster can absorb the water and can expand. Once it has expanded, it can push outward, and your wall will crack and weaken. In this case, you will need to get the wall repaired or replaced by a professional.
• Replacement of plaster walls: For optimal results, it’s advisable to dismantle your plaster walls using pry bars and then refinish them with contemporary drywall. During the demolition process, ensure you wear a dust mask and properly ventilate the area. Be cautious, as old plaster walls might be coated with lead-based paint, posing significant health risks.

How to Repair Water Damage on Your Plaster Ceiling?

If you notice signs such as bubbling, flaking, or staining on your plaster ceiling, these are often telltale indicators of water damage. This damage can compromise the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of your walls if not addressed promptly. To effectively mitigate and repair water damage on your plaster walls, it’s crucial to follow a series of detailed steps designed to assess, prepare, and restore the affected areas to their original condition.

Assess the damage

Catching damage early might mean you’re only facing a problem with the outer plaster layer. However, if the damage has been overlooked for some time, you could be contending with water that has seeped through all the plaster layers, soaking the lath beneath. In such instances, it’s crucial to seek professional assistance to address any damaged or decayed wood, or rusted metal, ensuring a thorough and effective repair.

Remove all the damaged plaster

It is important to remove any plaster that has been damaged by water. Make sure all the flaking, bubbling, or peeling material is removed with a putty knife. Also, continue removing layers of damaged plaster until you hit hard plaster.

Clean any dust

After removing damaged plaster, it’s essential to clean the area thoroughly. Use a stiff brush to remove loose plaster particles, then vacuum up any remaining dust and debris. This step ensures a smooth surface for the repair materials to adhere to.

Wash the area around the wall

Washing the area around the damaged wall helps to remove any residual dust and dirt that could affect the adhesion of the repair materials. Dip a sponge in clean water and gently clean the surrounding area, then allow the wall to dry completely before proceeding.

Prime and seal

To guard against stains and shield against any lingering contaminants, it’s crucial to apply an oil-based primer-sealer. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly for approximately one hour before proceeding to the next step.

Repair

Ensure you apply multiple layers of joint compound, spreading it thinly and evenly while removing any surplus. After it dries, sand it to achieve a smooth finish. Repeat this process several times for a proper repair.

Paint the plaster ceiling wall

Professional Water Damage Restoration

If your plaster walls have suffered water damage, you should call water damage restoration experts to provide assistance. Whether the damage is due to a roof leak, a burst pipe, or sewage backup, these professionals will address the source of the water and ensure that the resulting damage is fully restored. Using advanced water extraction and drying equipment, they will remove the water and moisture from the ceiling. Additionally, as part of their reconstruction services, they will repair or replace the ceiling as necessary.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.