Gypsum Plastering in Historic Restoration

 Buildings of historic importance and cultural significance around the world suffer from wear and tear due to pollutants, adverse temperatures, natural calamities, pests, dampness, over usage, aging, etc. If such buildings and assets are not repaired periodically, they might deteriorate and lose their significance. While repairs are imperative to stop their deterioration, it is equally important to maintain their historic integrity and do only a minimal amount of repairs. Sometimes intensive rehabilitation and restoration attempts cause damages unnecessarily. 

It is beyond the realms of possibility to undertake restoration activities with the same historic materials that were used in their construction. Usually, architects and builders choose materials that are closely compatible with the historic materials to avoid unanticipated damages or adverse chemical reactions. Plaster is an important aspect of interior design and the decorative features of historic buildings are lost when there is water infiltration or accumulation of dirt on the plastered surface. One of the major tasks in historic restoration and preservation is replacing the plaster that was originally used on the building walls. 

Lime plasters were the most commonly used plaster in the construction of historic buildings. Those days, making quicklime by heating limestone was a simple tradition. 

Though a lot of people in the construction industry think that gypsum plasters are new and modern construction material, it has been used in several countries since the 16th century along with lime in floors, ceilings and walls. Lime and gypsum are materials with very different properties- for gypsum settles down spontaneously by crystallization and when it settles it expands.  While lime settles down slowly by absorbing CO2 from the air, it shrinks as it gets dried up. Thus historic buildings and their conservation activities relied on using lime and gypsum, to get the best out of both the worlds- lime plasters were applied directly to the masonry walls as they could survive water and moisture better than gypsum plasters, and gypsum plasters were added to avail the smooth, decorative finish.

Thus gypsum plasters tend to be an appropriate plastering material for renovating the interior plasters used in old, historic buildings.  

1. Gypsum plastering reduces cracks

Cement plasters are unsuitable in restoring damaged plasters in old buildings as they are prone to cracks from movement and vibrations. Such cracks absorb moisture, producing dampness damaging the originality, strength and fabric of the historic building. Gypsum plastering produces a uniform, smooth, crack-less surface and hence is the best choice for restoration. Their maintenance requirements are also low when compared to other plasters. 

2. Gypsum plasters work as natural disinfectants

Cement plasters produce moist grounds that aid in microbial growth. This impacts the quality of buildings. Gypsum plasters do not accumulate moisture and act as a natural disinfectant hampering the growth of bacteria or fungus. Beyond, they provide a healthy interior making room for optimal moisture content, humidity, and air quality. 

Pest management and eradication is a humongous task for governments and institutions that are involved in maintaining historic buildings. Gypsum acts as a natural repellent against pests, reducing the cost of maintenance in such buildings. 

3. Gypsum plasters are resistant to wear and tear

Historic buildings draw a large number of visitors and tourists from across the world. Using sand cement plasters or other plasters available in the market may damage the surface of the walls and interiors in due course of time. On the other hand, gypsum plasters are resistant to wear and tears that result from a high volume of people movement. The corrosion resistance property of gypsum adds to its significance, particularly for usage in historic, old buildings.  

4. Gypsum is a fire-resistant material

Unanticipated fire accidents have damaged a lot of historic buildings. Incorporating fire safety measures and mechanisms have been challenging for the management because such arrangements require a major alteration in the existing structure. Such alterations might damage the historical significance of the building. The chemical composition of gypsum (CaSO4. 2H2O) is such that it increases the fire resistance capacity of the walls and buildings. The hydrous calcium sulfate slows down the speed of fire progression and studies show that buildings that use gypsum stay resistant to fire for up to 2 hours. 

Thus gypsum plasters have proven to be an effective material for use in old buildings of historic importance owing to their ability to improve the strength, and durability of the interior with minimal interventions. They are also at times used along with lime plasters, to increase the compatibility with the already used plaster. Selection of compatible plastering materials complemented by the application of compatible methods, resources, and skills shall ensure a successful restoration of damaged old buildings.

Gypsum plastering company helps to construct the building at cheap cost and affordable prices. Kanish plasters is the india's trusted gypsum plastering compamy. contact us to get appointments.