FAQ - After your Plastering and Masonry Repairs
General Questions:
When will I receive my Invoice?
Your invoice will be emailed within the next 7-14 days, with options for payment via credit card or bank transfer.
My power points were disconnected. When can they be refitted?
It depends a little on the following:
If your electrical points were originally located in your skirting boards, then you will need to wait 4 weeks. And then refit your skirting boards and then arrange for the electrical points to be refitted.
If the electrical points were just on the wall (not located in the skirting board then you just need to give it a couple of days for the plaster to dry a little before arranging for your electrician to return to reconnect any electrical points.
If we arrange this work for you, our electrician will be in touch to arrange refitting. If you haven’t heard from us within 4 weeks, please let us know.
Plastering Questions:
It seems very dusty. Is that normal, and does it continue?
Absolutely dust is expected. Dust particles will be everywhere in the workspace, on all flat surfaces, especially floors and walls, and the fine airborne dust will continue to settle for a few days once the work has been completed. Here are some steps we suggest to get rid of that construction dust:
- Open all windows and doors to circulate air. Turning on a ceiling fan in the rooms that have been worked in can also be beneficial.
- Vacuuming is one of the best ways to get rid of dust. One tip: I found out the hard way, however, is that this is only suitable if you have a vacuum cleaner with a bag. Check with your vacuum manufacturer on its suitability for vacuuming up construction dust.
- Using a damp, clean cloth with water and a gentle cleaner is probably your best cleaning solution. Consider using a barely damp cloth that is rinsed thoroughly throughout your wipe-downs as the perfect option. Make sure the cloth isn’t too damp. The aim is not to re-wet the newly repaired areas.
- Damp mopping any hard floors after the final vacuum will help to remove that last layer of dust. You may need to repeat these steps a few times.
Why is there a gap near the floor?
This gap ensures that your new plaster does not cover the newly installed damp-proof course. This gap will be hidden by your skirting boards and tiles.
How long does it take for the plaster to dry?
The plaster will normally take approx 4 weeks to dry, depending on its thickness. Fresh plaster is like a sponge and soaks up moisture, so it is important to wait this time prior to painting or wallpapering the wall.
Speaking of skirting boards, when can they be refitted? Can you recommend someone to do this?
We suggest waiting at least 4 weeks prior to reattaching any of your skirting boards. This is to ensure that the walls are fully dry. Make sure to avoid using wooden wall plus. Please give our office a call for any trade suggestions.
Can I hang pictures or shelves on newly plastered walls? If so, when?
Again, we would recommend waiting a minimum of 4 weeks before hanging anything on the newly plastered walls.
Why is the new plaster cracking?
As the plaster dries, it naturally shrinks a bit, which can lead to small, fine cracks appearing on the surface of the plaster. Dry shrinkage cracks are a normal part of the drying process and are mainly a cosmetic issue.
How should I prepare my newly plastered walls before decorating?
Before decorating, ensure the plaster is thoroughly dry, usually after 4 weeks. “Feather” out the joint between old and new plaster with topping compound and sand smooth.
When can I repaint after plastering?
You can start sealing and painting once the plaster has dried properly, which we recommend waiting for about 4 weeks.
What should I do if I notice moisture or dampness after the repairs are completed?
If you notice any moisture or dampness after the repairs are completed, please get back in touch with us. It could be a bleed out of residual salts or it could mean there are some other damp issues also occurring in this area not related to salt damp.
What is the best way to clean newly plastered and masonry-repaired surfaces?
Use a very slightly damp cloth. Make sure the cloth isn’t too damp. The aim is not to re-wet the newly repaired areas.
Stonemason Questions:
How do I care for the areas treated with masonry repairs to ensure longevity?
We would recommend ensuring that the wall areas remain free of damp. Ensure adequate drainage and refrain from placing pot plants against the wall that may need watering. Keep any water spray from sprinklers away from your walls. Also, ensure regular maintenance of downpipes and gutters to prevent any issues from these sources.
Will we see any more salts on our walls?
While we’ve removed much of the old mortar and salts, some may still emerge. But this is a good thing This is because our masons prefer to use a softer lime mix to allow the walls to “breathe”. If salts reappear, a vinegar wash (diluted) should dissolve them.
The mortar colour does not seem the same. Is that normal?
This can occur for a couple of reasons. One it is wet at the moment and will dry to match your existing mortar as best possible. Our stonemasons are experts in colour matching, so you should find in a couple of months, the difference will be almost not noticeable. Secondly, our old mortar has been there for many, many years and has been discoloured by pollution and age. The new mortar will need some time to blend in with the old.