
Finding expert plaster repair Mississauga services is critical for owners of historic homes. If you live in Port Credit, Streetsville, or Clarkson, your walls are likely made of traditional lath and plaster—a material known for its character, soundproofing, and unique challenges.
Unlike standard drywall patching, restoring these century-old surfaces is an art form. This guide explains how our plaster repair Mississauga team preserves the charm of your older home while fixing cracks, water damage, and loose keys.
Drywall vs. Plaster: What is the Difference?
Many homeowners assume all walls are the same, but plaster repair Mississauga projects involve a completely different structural system than modern homes:
- Lath & Plaster (Pre-1950s): Walls are built by nailing thin wood strips (lath) to studs and coating them with multiple layers of wet plaster. The plaster squeezes through the gaps to form “keys” that hold the wall together.
- Modern Drywall (Post-1960s): Pre-manufactured gypsum panels screwed directly into studs.
Attempting to patch a plaster wall with a simple drywall square often fails because the materials expand and contract at different rates, leading to re-cracking within months.
Common Signs You Need Plaster Repair
If you own an older home, watch for these specific warning signs that indicate your lath and plaster system is failing:
1. Hairline Cracks
Small, spiderweb-like cracks are common as older homes settle. While cosmetic, they can widen if not properly stabilized with mesh tape and a setting-type compound.
2. Delamination (Sagging)
If the plaster feels “spongy” when you push on it, or if it is pulling away from the wood lath behind it, the keys have broken. This requires re-securing the plaster using special washers or adhesive injection systems.
3. Water Damage
Brown stains or bubbling paint often indicate a leak. Unlike drywall, which turns into mush, plaster is resilient but can detach from the lath if left wet for too long.
Our Plaster Restoration Process
We treat your home with the respect a historic property deserves. Our process focuses on preservation rather than “rip and replace.”
- Assessment: We determine if the wall is stable or if the plaster keys have failed.
- Stabilization: We secure loose plaster back to the lath to prevent further crumbling.
- Bonding: We use a bonding agent to ensure the new repair material adheres permanently to the old surface.
- Skim Coating: We apply a smooth finish coat to blend the repair invisibly with the surrounding texture.
However, if the walls are too far gone or you are planning a major renovation, we may recommend a full replacement. See our Mississauga Drywall Repair Services page for details on wall resurfacing and replacement options.
Why Choose Us for Plaster Repair Mississauga?
General contractors often rush to tear out old plaster, creating a massive dust cloud and destroying the character of your home. A specialist knows how to save the wall.
Preserve Soundproofing: Lath and plaster is denser than drywall, offering superior sound dampening between rooms—a feature worth keeping.
Maintain Value: In heritage areas like Port Credit, original architectural details add significant resale value.
Serving Mississauga’s Historic Neighborhoods
We are proud to offer specialized restoration services for the city’s mature communities:
- Port Credit: Restoring lakeside cottages and century homes.
- Streetsville: Expert repairs for “The Village” heritage properties.
- Clarkson: Maintaining the character of mid-century and older estates.
- Cooksville: Repairing solid plaster walls in post-war bungalows.
If you need plaster repair Mississauga experts to fix cracks, holes, or water damage, do not let just anyone hammer away at your walls. Trust the team that understands the difference between a patch and a restoration.
