Interior plastering has been considered to be the best option over drywall because it provides better fire resistance, a more elegant aesthetic finish, superior sound insulation, and improved temperature regulation because of its thicker, denser composition. This makes plaster a more durable choice for high-quality interior walls, particularly in historic restoration projects or areas where soundproofing is essential. Let’s dig and find out why Norfolk MA homeowners are choosing interior plastering over drywall.
Plaster Vs. Drywall
Compared to drywall, plaster often lasts longer and is more durable, with better mold and fire resistance. It can look fantastic without priming or painting since it dries to a strong, glossy sheen.
Plaster is not a good choice for novice do-it-yourselfers because it is more expensive and more difficult to install than drywall. The excellent sound and heat insulating properties of plaster may make the work worthwhile, but plaster is also more difficult to repair than drywall.
Pre-cut drywall panels are comparatively simple to install. It works well with contemporary homes with regular stud spacing and is typically less expensive than plaster. Drywall is a great option for homes in colder regions since it is fastened directly to the wall studs, leaving gaps between the studs where insulation can be placed. Although drywall is more prone to mildew, fire, abrasive damage, and impact damage, it is also simpler to repair than plaster.
Benefits Of Plaster
Durability and Hardness: After setting, plaster creates a resilient surface that may easily sustain unintentional knocks without breaking.
Exceptional Sound Insulation: Plaster provides excellent sound insulation, which significantly lowers noise transmission between rooms and improves the quietness and tranquility of your house.
Plaster Types And Their Uses
For the majority of home building and remodeling jobs nowadays, drywall may be the preferred material, however plaster is sometimes required. Understanding all of the types of plaster that are available and when to use them will help you select the best material for your project, whether you’re rebuilding an existing house or starting from scratch.
Cement Plaster
Although cement plaster can be used on both exterior and interior walls, it usually has a rougher texture than gypsum or lime plaster, making it less than ideal for smooth walls. Compared to gypsum or lime plaster, cement plaster is also less pliable and breathable. It might work best on the outside walls of newer homes.
Clay Plaster
Sand, water, and clay are combined to create the substrate for clay plaster. In order to avoid painting the walls once you’re done, you can also add pigments to the clay plaster mixture.
The plaster is not suitable for bathrooms or other high-humidity locations because clay absorbs water rather easily.
Gypsum Plaster
Gypsum plaster is usually the preferred plaster for modern building and remodeling projects because of its cheaper price. This plaster comes in powdered form and is produced from calcium sulfate dihydrate. Gypsum plaster is less suited for usage in older homes or high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens since it doesn’t breathe as well as lime plaster.
Lime Plaster
Lime plaster is appropriate for use on kitchen and bathroom walls because it is pliable and permeable, which allows it to release moisture. It is less likely to crack because of its flexibility, which allows it to move as a house settles.
Although lime plaster was the preferred plaster for centuries, other plaster kinds are now more widely utilized. It costs more than gypsum plaster and requires more time to apply, which raises labor expenses.
Why Choosing Interior Plastering Over Drywall Is Best
Depending on your needs, tastes, and desired design, there are several benefits to using interior plastering rather than drywall. Plastering could be a preferable choice for your interior for the following reasons:
Appealing Design
Plaster can provide a smooth, elegant finish and a more conventional, upscale appearance. It is perfect for making distinctive wall treatments because of its smooth texture and capacity to be molded into complex forms. Special elements that are hard to duplicate with drywall, like arches, curved walls, or ornate molding, can be achieved.
Durability
Plaster has a long lifespan and is quite durable. It is far more resilient to dents, cracks, and wear and tear than drywall, which is more vulnerable to impact damage. When properly laid, plaster walls may tolerate a certain amount of dampness better than drywall.
Environmental Considerations
Because plaster lasts longer and requires less maintenance than drywall, some contend that it is a more environmentally friendly material. Furthermore, unlike certain kinds of drywall, it doesn’t emit any dangerous chemicals.
Fire Resistance
Plaster is resistant to fire. Unlike drywall, which can cause a fire if it isn’t treated with specific fire-resistant chemicals, the material doesn’t burn easily.
Historical Preservation
Plastering is frequently the greatest option for preserving the authenticity and integrity of the original design in historic structures or houses undergoing renovation.
Long-Term Investment
Plastering is a long-term investment, even if it may cost more upfront than drywall. Over time, it needs less upkeep and repairs, which results in long-term cost savings.
Moisture Resistance
Plaster is more moisture-resistant than drywall when put correctly. It is less prone to absorb moisture, which lowers the possibility of the growth of mold or mildew. This makes it a fantastic option for places where humidity can be an issue, such kitchens and bathrooms.
Personalization
Plastering is available in a wide range of textures and finishes, enabling bespoke designs that drywall just cannot match.
Soundproofing
Plaster absorbs sound more effectively than drywall, making it a great soundproofing material. If you want to lessen noise transfer between rooms, this might be a significant consideration, particularly in older houses or apartments.
Temperature Regulation
Plaster can help regulate temperature more effectively than drywall because it has a higher thermal mass. It maintains a constant room temperature by absorbing heat throughout the day and releasing it at night.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several compelling factors why more and more Norfolk, MA homes are choosing interior plastering over drywall. Compared to drywall, plaster has more soundproofing advantages, is more durable, and has a classic look. For homeowners looking for long-lasting results, its ability to produce smooth, seamless walls without the use of joint treatments or tape makes it an alluring choice. Plaster also enables greater personalization with complex textures and finishes, which adds to a distinctive and superior interior design.
