How to Tell if Your Walls Need Replastering

Signs Every Homeowner Should Know

If you’re a homeowner in Stratford Upon Avon or anywhere across Warwickshire, you’ve likely glanced at your walls and wondered: “Do I need to replaster this?” Cracks, bumps, flaking, or just tired-looking finishes can all raise questions—and rightly so.

At Cooper Plastering, we’ve worked in homes across Wellesbourne, Warwick, Barford, Kenilworth, Redditch, and many more surrounding areas. From newly purchased properties to renovations of 150-year-old cottages, we’ve seen it all.

So how do you know when it’s time to replaster your walls? Here’s a helpful guide to spot the signs—and what to do next.

1. Cracks in the Plaster – Cosmetic or Structural?

Hairline cracks are common in older properties or after settling. But deep or spreading cracks may indicate:

Dry shrinkage or movement
Water damage
Poor initial plastering work
Failing lath/plaster base (in very old properties)

👉 If cracks are reappearing after painting or patching, it’s time to get a professional to inspect and consider a full skim.

2. Blown Plaster – The Hollow Wall Test

A classic sign your plaster is blown is when it sounds hollow when tapped. This means the plaster has detached from the wall beneath (brick, block, or plasterboard).

Look out for:

Flaking or bulging areas
Loose sections that move when pressed
Dusty plaster when scraped or drilled

Blown plaster can’t just be painted over—it will keep deteriorating. At Cooper Plastering, we remove, repair, and reskim walls so they’re flat, solid, and paint-ready.

3. Discoloured or Damp Patches

Damp is a plaster killer.

If you’ve had a leaking pipe, roof issue, or condensation problems, your walls might show:

Brown or yellow staining
Bubbling or peeling paint
Salt-like crystals on the surface

Water-damaged plaster often needs to be removed and replaced—especially if it smells musty or crumbles easily. We regularly deal with ceiling leaks, rising damp issues, and internal wall water damage, especially in villages like Bearley and Lower Quinton.

4. Uneven or Wavy Surfaces

If your walls aren’t flat, it might be due to:

Previous poor plastering
Multiple layers of paint and filler
Old lath and plaster losing strength

Homeowners often notice it when light hits the wall from a window or after fitting new skirting, sockets, or wardrobes. If tiling or decorating, flatness is critical. Skimming over with fresh multifinish plaster gives a perfect, smooth result.

5. Flaking or Powdery Finish

If you run your hand across your wall and it feels chalky or dusty, you might have an issue with paint not bonding properly to old plaster.

This could mean:

The plaster wasn’t sealed or primed properly
The wall is degrading underneath
You’re dealing with lime-based plaster or old gypsum

We assess the condition, remove damaged areas, seal the surface (using PVA or blue grit), and apply fresh coats for a longer-lasting result.

6. Decorating Nightmare? Paint Just Won’t Stick?

Fresh paint that:

Peels
Cracks
Slides off with water or steam

…is a sign your wall surface isn’t stable. If previous work wasn’t prepped or if you’re dealing with years of filler or wallpaper adhesive, a fresh plaster skim is the only way to reset and get a finish that paint will love.

🛠 When Should You Replaster vs Patch?

While small cracks and holes can sometimes be patched, large or recurring issues often need:

Full reskimming (for a smooth final coat)
Bonding repairs (if the wall beneath is uneven)
Complete replastering (if backing is damaged or blown)

Each home is different. We offer free assessments across Stratford and surrounding towns, advising on the most cost-effective and lasting solution.

🌍 Common Replastering Work We Do in Warwickshire

Here are just a few local examples:

Warwick – Full reskim of a 1930s semi before new kitchen install
Kenilworth – Artex removal and fresh ceiling plaster in a large bedroom
Bidford on Avon – Replastered walls in a lounge after a chimney breast removal
Solihull – Decorative wall paneling replaced and plastered in a modern home
Henley in Arden – Repair after leak damage on the first-floor ceiling

We travel up to 25 miles from Stratford Upon Avon, so whether you’re in Alcester, Redditch, Southam, or Whitnash, we’re happy to help.

⭐️ Why Choose Cooper Plastering?

✅ Over 20 years’ experience
✅ Fast, tidy, and highly rated
✅ Local to Stratford Upon Avon
✅ All types of walls, ceilings, and properties
✅ Excellent reviews on Checkatrade, MyBuilder, and Bark

📞 Get in Touch Today

If you think your walls might need replastering—or just want peace of mind—call Andrew at Cooper Plastering today on 07802 493234 or email: info@cooperplastering.co.uk

👉 Visit our homepage here for more about our services, testimonials, and recent projects.