Owning a listed building comes with responsibility. A common question that people ask is whether or not they can re-plaster any damaged walls or ceilings in their listed building. The answer is yes, however there are a few rules to follow.
Listed buildings are often protected because of their historic or architectural significance. As such, any work you carry out should fit with the character of your property. While the principles are the same as plastering a modern home, there are a few key differences.
Here at Corinium Plastering we carry out plaster repairs and restoration work on period properties around Cirencester, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Bristol, Swindon, Witney and the Cotswolds. Our aim is to ensure our customers’ properties stay special for years to come.
What Makes a Listed Building Different?
Typically, a building becomes ‘listed’ because of its historic or architectural features, and many of them were constructed using traditional methods and materials which have stood the test of time.
For this reason, all repairs should match the existing property, rather than installing modern alternatives. Where possible, old plaster will be repaired rather than replaced.
Can You Replace Plaster in a Listed Building?
You can replace plaster in a listed building but you may not always need to. For instance, old plaster may be repaired rather than replaced.
Again, this allows you to preserve as much of the original building as possible. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to seek professional advice, and you should also check whether you need Listed Building Consent before undertaking any major work. You can find out more and apply through your local council website.
Why is Lime Plaster Often Recommended?
Many older properties will have been finished with lime plaster, as opposed to modern gypsum plaster.
Lime plaster is permeable, allowing walls to breathe and moisture to evaporate through the fabric of the building. By contrast, modern plaster tends to be much less permeable which can cause problems with damp, cracking and timber decay in older properties.
Repairing or replastering using lime plaster helps to overcome these problems.
Can Decorative Plaster Features be Repaired?
Yes, they can. Whether it’s cornicing, ceiling roses or decorative moulding, our experts can repair or recreate these features using traditional methods and materials.
Replicating old features can be difficult, but our team has plenty of experience of restoring original features in older properties. If damaged features are left as they are, they can have a big impact on the character of your property.
Do All Cracks Mean The Plaster Needs Replacing?
If you have cracks in the plaster of a period property, it doesn’t necessarily mean it needs replacing.
While cracks can be common with older buildings, they don’t always mean the plaster has failed. Localised damage can be repaired without needing to replaster entire walls or ceilings.
Choosing The Right Plasterer for a Listed Building
In conclusion, plastering a listed building is slightly different to plastering modern properties. It’s important to choose a plasterer who understands traditional building methods and can advise you on the right repairs for your property. Additionally, you should always make sure that you have Listed Building Consent before carrying out any work.
Here at Corinium Plastering, we take pride in our experience working on older properties throughout the region. Whether you’re looking for someone to repair lime plaster in Cirencester or restore decorative mouldings in Cheltenham, we’re here to help.
We work with listed property owners in Swindon, Gloucester Witney and across the Cotswolds, helping to preserve the character of their properties through high-quality plastering services.
Need Advice About Plastering a Listed Building?
If you’re looking for advice about re-plastering or repairing a listed building, give us a call. We can advise on the most appropriate plastering method for your property and find a solution that matches your budget and expected finish.
Contact Corinium Plastering today to talk about your listed building project.