26 June 2026
Not every tired wall needs ripping off and starting again. Knowing the difference can save you money, so here is what we check when a homeowner asks whether they need a patch or a full re-plaster.
Small hairline cracks are usually just movement or old paint and can often be filled or covered with a fresh skim coat. They are rarely a sign of anything serious on their own.
If a wall sounds hollow when you tap it, the plaster may have come away from the wall behind, known as blown plaster. Small blown areas can be cut out and patched. If large sections have gone, re-skimming or a float and set is usually the tidier long-term answer.
Bulges, damp patches and crumbling plaster point to a bigger issue, often moisture. Here it is worth sorting the cause first, then re-plastering the affected area properly rather than skimming over a problem.
If you are not sure which camp your wall falls into, send us a photo or ask us to pop round. We will give you an honest view rather than talk you into more work than you need.
