Plaster Blowing Off Walls – What Causes It?
Plaster blowing off walls is a common sign that moisture is affecting the structure of a wall. When damp enters masonry, it can weaken the plaster bond and cause sections of plaster to crack, blister or detach from the surface.
Homeowners may notice hollow sounding plaster, cracks forming in decorative finishes or areas where plaster appears loose or crumbling.
Although damaged plaster can sometimes be repaired, it is important to identify the underlying moisture problem before carrying out any repairs.
What Does Blown Plaster Look Like?
Blown plaster often appears cracked, bulging or loose on the wall surface. In some cases the plaster may crumble easily when touched or fall away from the wall completely.
Other signs may include bubbling paint finishes, damp patches on surrounding surfaces and salt deposits forming on plaster walls.
Blown Plaster Caused by Rising Damp
Rising damp can cause significant damage to plaster on ground floor walls. As moisture travels upward through masonry, it carries salts that accumulate within plaster.
These salts can damage the plaster structure over time, causing it to blister, crumble or detach from the wall.
Blown plaster near the base of walls is often associated with rising damp or moisture bridging the damp proof course.
Blown Plaster from Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp occurs when water enters a building through external defects such as damaged brickwork, leaking gutters or roof problems.
When moisture repeatedly soaks into wall materials, the plaster may begin to deteriorate and detach from the wall surface.
This type of damage may worsen during periods of heavy rainfall.
Plaster Damage Caused by Condensation
In some homes, prolonged condensation problems can also affect plaster surfaces. High humidity levels may allow moisture to accumulate on walls, weakening plaster and encouraging mould growth.
Condensation-related plaster damage is often found on external walls and in poorly ventilated rooms.
Plaster Blowing on External Walls
Blown plaster on external walls may indicate penetrating damp caused by defects in brickwork, render or roof structures. Water entering the wall from outside can gradually damage internal plaster surfaces.
Plaster Blowing Near Skirting Boards
When plaster begins to blow near the base of walls or around skirting boards, it may indicate rising damp or moisture affecting the lower sections of the wall.
Plaster Blowing After Heavy Rain
If plaster damage becomes worse after rainfall, it may indicate penetrating damp entering the property through external defects.
When Blown Plaster Should Be Investigated
If plaster continues to deteriorate or fall away from walls, it is important to investigate the cause of the moisture problem.
A professional damp survey can identify the source of moisture and determine whether condensation, penetrating damp or rising damp is responsible.
Book a Damp Survey for Blown Plaster Problems
If plaster is blowing off walls in your home, Dampline provides professional damp surveys across Durham and surrounding areas.
Our damp surveys identify the exact cause of moisture problems so the correct solution can be recommended.
Book a damp survey today to investigate plaster damage and other damp symptoms in your property.