There are many different methods of plastering. The most commonly used and known about is “skimming”. This refers to walls or ceilings being plastered on to an existing surface, for example over artex or other patterned surfaces, direct on to plasterboard or indeed a fresh smooth skim over uneven walls.

Other methods include a float and set system, this refers to the procedure when the wall or ceiling needs something before applying a top coat plaster for example a newly build block wall would need to be floated out using a backing coat plaster to achieve a flat level surface ready for top coat plaster.

This method is also used when areas of an existing wall has blown plaster meaning it would be removed back to the original brick work and re plastered some time know as solid plastering.

Rendering is generally a sand and cement based product used to achieve a smooth finish to the exterior of a property.

It is common to use lime within the mix along with additives to protect the render from water ingress as well as frost.

Traditional render is made up of several different coats before achieving the flat smooth finish.

Although there are many silicone based renders and through colour renders available on the market, we try to use the traditional sand and cement method which is tried and tested for hundreds of year.

We consider the silicone base render to be not ideal for the UK climate, and as such a noticeable algae will appear on the render not long after install.

( next time you drive pass a new modern block of flats or office blocks, check it out).

A lot of people these day have a miss conception about damp, and damp proofing.

It is not commonly know but there are only 3 possible types of damp (real damp not leaks from pipes).

1- Rising Damp,

Damp will appear at the lowest point of the wall and start to rise up, the most common cause for rising damp is the outside ground level has been raised above the dpc (damp proof coarse). Some older houses don't have a dpc, and may have had slate instead which can breakdown after a number of years and fail.

Soil or concrete hard up against a property can also play a big part in rising damp.

2- Penetrating Damp,

The main reason for penetrating damp is due to failed render (cracks within the render), or blown pointing between the brick joints, once water finds it's way into a wall it will generally track it's way to the coldest internal point of the wall before being visible internally, unless there is clear evidence of the route of the problem this normally takes a bit of investigation work to find the point of entry.

3- Atmospheric Damp.

Our homes hold a lot of moisture there’s days and the need to keep a house well vented is key to avoiding atmospheric damp (most commonly know as black spot mould).

The most common reason for black spot mould to appear is poor ventilation, this can be caused for something as simple as a steamy hot shower, or leaving wet washing out to dry on airer’s without having a window open.

If a house is vented correctly you would only ever see minimal black spot mould if any at all.

On the rare occasion when water has found it’s way into an area from the outside or a leak. The area becomes wet with no ventilation this can also cause black spot mould, for example behind a kitchen unit or behind a bath panel.

One of the most common things as a plasterer we get asked is, is it possible to plaster over the crazy 70’s 80’s trend of artex?

The simple answer is yes, We have never come across a pattern yet, that we haven’t been able to cover completely leaving a smooth finish, however some times they may be the need for a little more prep work before plastering.

For years now we have be scrapping back the heavy artex patterns and plastering over the top, in more recent years we have learnt that some (not all) artex in fact contains asbestos, this can result in the need to be removed by specialist contractors prior to plastering. Sometimes on ceilings the need to overboard is recommended before plastering.

Any splits or crack in an existing artex finish could compromise new plaster curing correctly and allow moisture in behind the artex resulting in the peeling of the artex along with the new plaster.

With over 25 years experience in the building industry, we have had the opportunity to take on some larger renovations from extensions, loft conversions and full house refurbishment's from start to finish, as well as offering our clients a full design and build service for garden projects.

Wherever possible we try to carry out most of the works ourselves, but understand and respect the need to sometimes bring in specialists trades for certain jobs, for example gas works, electrics, bespoke carpentry etc.

It’s rare to hear a builder say no to a project, but we are not afraid to say No, if we feel the project isn’t a viable option or indeed is something we feel we can not deliver on time or to the desired finish our client is looking for. We pride ourselves on client satisfaction and we keep that promise at all times .

We like to work with our clients throughout every step of the project, keeping you informed of everything that is happening and making decisions with you.