Whether it’s used for a unique molding or a chandelier accent, ornamental plaster can make a striking addition to a room. The aesthetic effect loses its impact if the plaster is chipped or crumbling, however. If you manage a building with ornamental plaster accents, you want to maintain them effectively to avoid a deteriorated appearance. Follow the below tips to get started.

How Can You Maintain Ornamental Plaster?

1. Keep Away Moisture

Water expands when it freezes. If moisture penetrates plaster and then freezes, it will crack the material. Freeze-thaw cycles worsen over time, as a small crack allows even more water to come in, encouraging an even bigger crack to form with the next freeze. Keep ornamental plaster away from dampness by ensuring the building is insulated against rain and snow. The roof should be secure, windows sealed, and any plumbing damage must be fixed quickly.

2. Safeguard Against Structural Movement

Buildings can move and settle with time as the ground underneath them shifts. For example, rain might erode the dirt underneath a structure, causing instability. This movement can also create stress cracks in ornamental plaster. Ensure that the building has a strong foundation, a home inspector can check this, to protect both structural integrity and your ornamental plaster.

3. Repair Damage Promptly

If you do notice cracks, chips, or flakes in ornamental plaster, don't delay calling a restoration professional. Such damage will spread and worsen with time. The sooner it's addressed, the better the odds of preserving the original plaster you have. Treatments like shoring and stabilization may be options to ensure the structure is temporarily stable until proper repairs can take place. An expert can also test for potential indicators of future damage, like poor adhesion of the base coat.

Old World Plastering provides expert plastering craftsmanship throughout Cincinnati, OH. Specializing in ornamental plaster restoration and design, owner Greg Colina uses cutting-edge technology and a keen eye for detail to achieve top-quality results. The company also offers stucco restoration. Greg is always on-site personally for every project in order to ensure customer satisfaction. Check out their portfolio of past projects online. Call the stucco and plastering contractors at (513) 481-1122 to discuss your next project.