Plastering Your Way to Perfection: Top Advantages of Plastering Your Walls

We partnered with A Design company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

In-home renovation and design, plaster stands as an unsung hero. It may not be something you think about often, but whether you're constructing your dream castle or renovating your current abode, it's time to acknowledge the importance of wall plaster. But what makes it worth your while? To find the answer, let's explore the numerous benefits of plastered walls.

Unravelling the Charm: The 'Whys' of Wall Plaster

Let's delve into what distinguishes a house with freshly applied exterior plastering in Auckland from an ordinary house down the street.

Have you ever craved peace only to be disrupted by a crying baby next door? You'll be surprised to learn how much soundproofing a simple layer of plaster can provide! This magical solution is an acoustic barrier, offering sound insulation between rooms and homes. Say goodbye to tiptoeing around or wishing for quiet spells like they do in Harry Potter.

The Beauty Beyond Surface Deep

While we've all heard the saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover," plaster's value extends beyond aesthetics. It not only lends a sleek finish but also boasts several undeniable advantages, with strength being a notable champion.

The added durability provided by this thin veneer puts the endurance of "The Three Little Pigs'" brick house to shame. It may seem like an exaggeration—bricks are known for their resilience against big bad wolves. However, don't underestimate the protective layer that plaster provides against everyday damage. From energetic children playing ball indoors to accidental bumps from furniture during lively living-room charades, plaster is a faithful protector.

Fire Disaster No More

Renovation experts often discuss plaster's impressive fire-resistant capabilities, offering homeowners in Auckland and beyond invaluable peace of mind, knowing their homes have an additional defence against fire disasters.

Plaster grants us precious extra minutes (which feel like hours) for safe rescue operations! By slowing down the spread of flames, we buy our loved ones vital seconds in case of emergencies. They say disaster strikes when you least expect it! Let's hope none of us will need these benefits personally. Nevertheless, having them certainly provides comfort.

Enter the Energy Efficiency Mastermind

This energy-saving ninja often goes unnoticed daily but leaves undeniable imprints on our monthly bills. Whether the exterior or interior wall finish, plaster excels in thermal properties, significantly improving insulation capabilities.

Countless stories of homeowners witnessing a significant drop in heating expenses after transitioning to plaster, bidding farewell to the energy-sucking phenomenon known as "heat loss." It's no fun watching numbers grow monstrously on every bill, is it?

While some may complain about the tediousness of the task, others joyfully roll up their sleeves, armed with buckets and trowels, embracing the journey. Whichever party you resonate with, remember this: the rewards far outweigh the anticipated trade-offs.

So there you have it—top reasons to sing the praises of wall plaster, offering a perfect blend of beauty and practicality. Isn't that like hitting two birds with one stone?

From enhanced noise control that guarantees peaceful sleep even amidst neighbourhood chaos disguised as late-night barbecues to heightened defences that bid farewell to minor scuff-related headaches and heavy-duty protection against unforeseen fire incidents, plaster plays a crucial role as a silent warrior. It maintains the charm of our homes while ensuring uncompromised family safety.

Happy renovating, everyone, because life is too short to live amongst boring, non-plastered walls after discovering today's revelations!

How to Properly Repair Your Home's Cracked Walls

Houses settle over time--this is a natural process that happens as the ground beneath the foundation shifts. No matter how normal, though, when you find a crack in your home, it can feel a bit unsettling. Here are a few tips on how to handle the situation.

Evaluating the Crack 

The first step in repairing a cracked wall is to evaluate the crack to determine how serious it is. If the crack is less than 1/4 inch wide, then it is most likely a superficial crack that has occurred as your house has settled. These cracks are not a structural concern and can be repaired relatively easily. 

If the crack is wider than 1/4 inch, then it may be indicative of a more serious problem with your home's foundation and should be evaluated by a professional. If the crack seems to be getting wider, or if you see cracks in other areas of your home, then you should definitely have a professional take a look at it and determine whether or not you need foundation repair. 

Repairing Superficial Cracks 

To repair a superficial wall crack, you will first need to clean out the area around the crack. Use some sandpaper to remove any loose paint or plaster flakes from around the crack. Once you have done this, use a vacuum and then a damp sponge to wipe away any dust or debris. 

Once the area is clean, apply a spackling compound to the area with a putty knife. Be sure to smooth it out so that it is level with the rest of the wall surface. Allow the spackle to dry for 24 hours before sanding it again until completely smooth. After this, you can top it off with paint to blend in with the surrounding wall.

Remember that while small, isolated cracks in your walls are often not cause for concern, larger cracks may indicate a more serious problem with your home's foundation. If you have any cracks in your walls that are wider than 1/4 inch, or if you see cracks in several areas around your house, then you should have a professional take a look at them. For superficial cracks, follow the steps above to get your wall looking good as new. Taking care of issues like this early can prevent them from getting worse over time, so remember to be proactive when it comes to home maintenance.

How to Use Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper to Transform Your Home

We partnered with a design company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a type of wallpaper that uses a thin layer of adhesive to stick to the wall. You can remove it without damaging the surface attached, making it an environmentally friendly option.

This type of wallpaper has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional wallpaper because it can be easily removed and reused.

Another reason why it’s becoming more popular is because it also provides a way for people to decorate their homes without spending too much money.

Looking for more creative ways to apply this wallpaper in your home? This article can help you do just that.

Use on accent wall

One of the easiest ways you can use peel and stick wallpaper to transform your home is making it an accent wall.

An accent wall with peel-and-stick wallpaper is a great way to add color and style to any room. It’s also an easy way to change up your home’s decor, especially if you’re looking for something new and different.

The process of applying the wallpaper is straightforward, and it’s not very messy.

Choose a patterned wallpaper and then add it to a wall that you want to emphasize more. It’s great for an otherwise neutral room with equally neutral wall paint colors.

Wallpaper the ceiling

Wallpaper on the ceiling is a practical and affordable way to transform a room. It can also be used as a design element in the bedroom or living room.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is perfect for adding color and style to your home without having to worry about it coming off. This type of wallpaper has an adhesive backing, so you can peel it off and stick it onto your desired surface.

It is a great way to add texture and color to the room without effort. Doing this will make your home feel unique and visually interesting, but don’t overdo it, or you’ll lose that effect.

Closet interior upgrade

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a great way to make the inside of your closet look more polished. You can use it to add a splash of color and texture to the walls or even cover up some ugly paint.

You should start by finding out what kind of wall you want your paper to be on. You will need a primer before applying the peel-and-stick wallpaper if you are painting. There is no need for primer if you are using drywall because drywall does not absorb paint as other surfaces do.

When you add that wallpaper in your closet, you’ll feel like your closet interior was transformed drastically, even if it’s just the addition of wallpaper that’s new there.

Cover the stair risers

Stair risers are a common problem in homes. They can be unsightly, but they are also hard to cover. There are a few different options for covering stair risers, but the most popular one is peel-and-stick wallpaper.

Adding wallpaper to cover the stair risers is an easy way to make your home look better. You don’t even have to worry much about matching colors here and there because you’re adding wallpaper. You’ll be surprised just how prettier your stairs will look when you add wallpaper to the risers.

Highlight an arc

Arches are a vital part of any home design. They add depth and elegance to a room and create the illusion of more space. However, they can be tricky to decorate because they are often hard to reach.

Adding peel-and-stick wallpaper on the wall behind your arch will help highlight it and make it easier for you to decorate around it.

Through the help of the wallpaper, the arch’s details feel like they stand out more, even if you get a patterned wallpaper to highlight it. 

Use as a kitchen backsplash.

Wallpaper is an excellent alternative to paint, and it can be more fun and creative than painting. It is also cheaper.

It would be best to use wallpaper as a kitchen backsplash because it makes your kitchen look modern and chic. It also provides an easy way to change the look of your kitchen without having to do any DIY work.

Wallpaper is also a cheaper option than painting or other decorating methods. It’s important to note that the peel-and-stick wallpaper can be removed and replaced with something new if you decide that it doesn’t match your tastes anymore.

Also, unlike tiles, there isn’t much maintenance that you need to keep up to make your wallpaper backsplash neat.

Line the drawers and cabinets

There are many creative ways to use peel-and-stick wallpaper as home decor that isn’t only about sticking them on a wall.

Wallpaper is a great way to make your drawers and cabinets look more organized. It also has an exceptional quality of changing the color of your room without spending a lot of money.

Cabinet liners and drawer liners are a great way to add personalized style to your home. This is especially true if you have a lot of drawers or cabinets in your kitchen, bathroom, or office.

Cover up ugly tile

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a great way to cover up ugly tile designs in your home. It’s easy to install and remove, and you can use it on any surface.

To make peel-and-stick wallpaper work for you, start by preparing the surface that you want to cover with the wallpaper. You’ll need to clean the surface, prep it with primer or paint, and let it dry completely before applying peel-and-stick paper.

It’s cheaper than having to replace tiles directly to make your home more visually appealing.

All of these tips and tricks can help you make the most out of any peel-and-stick wallpaper that you may have. Whether it’s to create new home decor or to hide bad ones in your home, wallpaper is versatile, so don’t hesitate to use it to elevate the appearance of your home.

What You Can Do to Minimize Your Home Repair Costs After a Flood

Residential floods can happen for a variety of reasons. You might have been unfortunate enough to get hit by a major weather event, or a pipe might’ve burst at the worst possible time. Once water enters your home, time is of the essence for minimizing the financial costs that you’ll face for the repairs. Taking these steps will help you to keep repair costs lower as you work on restoring your home.

Take Action If a Flood Seems Imminent

Many floods are unexpected events, but you might have at least a little warning before one occurs. If so, then do what you can to waterproof your belongings. You might be able to get furniture and other items off the floor. Or, you might be able to wrap artwork or remove delicate items from your home. If you notice a major water leak in your house, then shutting off the water could also prevent the damage from becoming more extensive.

Prevent the Water From Causing Structural Damage

Floods are right up there next to home fires when it comes to disasters that can cause a large amount of damage in a short period of time. A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water quickly, and weather events could affect the majority of your house. Water damage restoration involves removing all of the water and using special treatments to prevent mold growth. Making sure that all of the moisture gets out of the building materials means that you might be able to avoid having to do a major remodel.

Assess the Area After It Dries Out

Your first thought might be to immediately start pulling up carpet and tearing out drywall. However, this might not be necessary if you were able to clean the area fast enough. Once the water removal is complete, do a thorough check of each part of your house that was reached by the flooding. You may find that a large part of the flooring and walls is still salvageable so that you don’t have to pay for major repairs.

Reach Out to Your Insurance Company

Depending upon your insurance policy, you might be able to get at least a portion of the water damage repairs covered. If your policy includes flood damage, then make sure to follow your insurance company’s recommendations for filing a claim. Taking pictures to document the damage could be helpful for helping you to recover some of the cost of the repairs.

Dealing with a flood can leave you feeling overwhelmed, but this is not a time to panic. Instead, take a step-by-step approach that helps you to stop further damage from occurring. Making sure that every drop of water is removed and that you identify the real repair needs helps you to only have to cover the cost of damage that you couldn’t prevent from happening.