An historical building is made up of raw materials that tell a story. Some say an historical building is like a family album. It gives us clues to who the original occupants were. The artisans who built the building have left a little of themselves in it. Whether it is a modest farmhouse or a grand building, plaster has traditionally been used to finish the inside walls. To restore the workmanship of these old buildings, plaster contractors who have had years of training and special tools will be needed.
Plaster is a very versatile material and was applied over stone, half-timer, brick or frame construction. It was durable and easy to clean. It could be applied to flat walls as well as curved walls and ceilings. Stenciling, wallpaper, decorative painting and whitewash took well to plastered walls. Because of its versatility and adaptability, plaster was used as the wall surfaces of almost all the buildings up until the 1940’s.
There are very good reasons to save historical plaster. It has three coats which makes it unmatched in strength and durability. It is fire resistant and cuts down on sound transmission. Replacing plaster is expensive to do. The condition of the existing plaster must be inspected carefully because it may not be in as bad of shape as it originally appeared.
Preservationists feel like the original lime and gypsum plaster with its smooth troweled or textured surfaces and subtle contours bring forth the presence of America’s earlier craftsman. Original plaster can serve as a plain surface for irreplaceable decorative finishes that would be lost if it is replaced. These are the reasons why original plaster walls and ceilings contribute to the historic character to the interior of these old building and if at all possible should be left in place and be repaired if possible.
If major structural problems are the cause of plaster damage then the structural problem should be corrected. Some structural repairs can be accomplished by removing just a small amount of plaster in sections to gain access. Cosmetic damage can be repaired and restored without complete demolition. If there is moisture concerns they also need to be addressed before any repair work can proceed.
Much of a building’s history is revealed in the layers of paint and paper that is often found covering plaster. For buildings that have decorative painting, the conservation of historic flat plaster is of even greater importance. Plaster contractors have the skill and the special tools to repair and restore these historical buildings so we won’t lose what those original craftsman left for us to see and enjoy.