The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
Care And Repair Of The House
Bulged or Hanging Plaster.
If the plaster is bulged or hanging it is best to remove all of the loose plaster around the break and apply new material. In case the lath, or backing, has drawn away from the joists, it will have to be refastened before new plaster is applied. If the patch is an unusually large one, it is generally best to employ a plasterer, as this work requires so much skill that it is difficult for an amateur to make a neat-looking job.
Mixing the Plaster.
All mixing boxes and utensils should be clean, and clean water should be used in the mix. Particular care should be taken that no traces of old set plaster have been left in the mixing box.
The water should be placed in the mixing box before the dry plaster is sifted into the water. The mix should then be stirred thoroughly to dissolve all lumps. It should be of such a consistency that the putty may be picked up on a broad-bladed knife and forced into the crack or break in the wall.
Plaster of Paris.
If only a small amount of fresh plaster is needed, plaster of Paris alone may be used. Plaster of Paris sets very quickly. If it is to be used without a retarder, only so much should be mixed at one time as can be put in place in 10 minutes or less.
To Retard the Setting of Plaster.
If the plaster sets too rapidly, and difficulty is found in getting it into place, the hardening may be retarded by the addition of small amounts of ordinary glue dissolved in the mixing water. Commercial patching plasters usually contain retarding material so that they may be worked for a longer period than the ordinary plaster of Paris. They may also contain other ingredients to improve the working qualities of the plaster.
2. PREVENTING DAMP SPOTS ON WALLS
Damp spots or more generally wet conditions on inside surfaces of exterior walls are usually caused by leakages around window frames or by condensation of moisture on the chilled surfaces of the plaster. Occasionally, however, there may be leakages through a masonry wall, but they are generally traceable to defective joints. Damp spots may also be caused by leaking pipes and on ceilings, by sweating pipes.
The question is sometimes raised as to whether water coming through brick walls penetrates the brick themselves. It has been fairly well established that a wall made of a good grade of brick will transmit little moisture through the brick. A thin brick wall may become frosted through to the inside surface during unusually cold, wet weather, and moisture which is often regarded as leakage, may be melted frost running down inside the wall.
