Question:

My circa 1941 home has original? plaster walls. Those in downstairs bathroom are crumbling (in places) beneath the paint - in some places, I push - a "pocket" gives, and I have a spiderweb crack. Some peeling paint reveals plaster literally turning to powder. HELP?!?!?

Answer:

My guess is that you have had years of excess moisture problems in that bathroom. Contributing factors may have been poor or no insulation in the walls, lack of a vapour barrier and inadequate ventilation. When we run into a situation like this we typically remove the existing plaster, install new insulation and vapour barrier and install new drywall. It is a big job with a lot of refuse that needs to be disposed of and you may want to consider a professional to take on that job. Unfortunately, trying to remove the deteriorated plaster and patch it is only going to be a bandaid solution. You should consider installing an exhaust fan in the room as well. Bob Bathrooms First www.bathroomsfirst.ca

Answered By: Bob Steele

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