The arrival of colder November weather will be forcing many people to finally start using their central heating. They may also find they need to do more maintenance to tackle condensation on windows, ceilings, and walls. If they don’t, they may have issues with mouldy plaster. As one of the leading plasterers Sheffield has, we want to take a closer look at this problem and how to tackle it.

Why does it happen?

A number of different problems can cause these issues. The most common is poor ventilation. Lots of people will close their windows to stop cold air from getting in. However, this also prevents moist air from leaving. What can happen then is it can condense in the coldest parts of a room, including around the window and on ceilings and exterior walls. This can lead to mould.

Problems can also occur because of issues within the walls themselves. For example you may have cavity wall insulation. This can trap moist air in the property, especially if you are not using heating to warm up rooms. There could even be a problem with your damp proof course. If so, moisture can penetrate the walls and cause mould inside the property.

What to do about it?

As long as the issue is only condensation it should be a relatively simple fix. What you need to do is ensure you maintain the ventilation, keeping windows open slightly even when it is cold. You should also check vents to make sure they are not blocked so the property can breathe.

If there is mould, you should clean it off as quickly as possible. There are lots of products you can use here that can get rid of it and provide protection against regrowth. If there are black marks after this you may need a new coat of paint or two. Just make sure the surface is dry before you do it. In some cases you may even need to sand back to the plaster to get rid of all traces.

It is also a good idea to check the condition of your plaster. You may find that it is still in good condition, free of cracks. If so, everything should be fine. However, if the plaster has been wet for a long time, it may have blown. What happens here is it comes off the surface below. It can result in cracks and crumbling. If this is the case you will need to remove all the weakened material. You can then patch or replaster.

Work with the top plasterers in Sheffield

Any kind of plastering project is trickier in winter because of the cold weather. The low temperatures can mean it takes much longer for it to cure. What you may need to do is use your central heating to maintain a stable temperature while the curing takes place. You should also maintain the ventilation to ensure there is no moisture build up.

The best thing to do here is to hire a professional. G Lee Plastering is the perfect choice any time you want the best plasterers Sheffield can offer. We tackle any kind of job, from small repairs to replastering an entire home. Our prices are excellent and we always work with the conditions in mind so the surfaces are sturdy and smooth.

So, if you want a first rate service, rely on us. You can get in touch to arrange an appointment and get a quote.