Complete guide to maintaining and repairing your external wall plaster

Plaster walls give your house a great external look. To extend their life, it is crucial to inspect and spot the signs of wall damage in a timely manner. These maintaining and repairing tips will help you look after your external wall plaster in the best way possible.

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Plastered walls have become increasingly popular in India, and for good reason. They look great, are easier to repair, more durable, environmentally friendly, and long-lasting. 

However, like any surface exposed to the elements, exterior plaster requires regular care. Timely maintenance, the right waterproofing solution, and early exterior plaster repair can help keep your walls in excellent condition. In some cases, using a specialised waterproofing chemical further strengthens protection.

Let's go through five maintenance tips and repair steps to help you maintain your exterior walls effectively.

4 Tips to properly maintain your exterior walls 
 

Below are some regular maintenance habits that you should follow to keep your walls in good condition and safe from damage.  

1. Regular inspection for wall damage
   
   A well-maintained home lives longer than an overlooked one. Inspecting your walls regularly is crucial. Look out for these signs during the inspection of external walls.
   • Cracks in the plaster 
   • Paint layer peeled off  
   • Water leakage 
   • Dampness 
   • Small, big holes 
   • Poor surface sealing 
      
2. Seal the cracks immediately 
   
   If you spot any cracks, holes, or gaps in your walls, fixing them as soon as possible is better. The more time you take to fill the cracks, the more their chances of getting bigger and eventually escalating the damage.
    
3. Stain removal with gentle cleaning agents
   
   Cleaning your exterior walls is crucial. Stains or dirt not only affect the appearance of your house but also, in some cases, lead to structural damage, like corrosion. But remember to use a mild detergent solution for cleaning. Rough, abrasive cleaning agents can damage the wall plaster.
    
4. Give your walls a retouch.
   
   Sometimes, all your exterior walls need to regain their shine is a fresh coat of paint. Painting or retexturing your walls can vastly improve the appearance and elegance that faded away due to the discolouration of the last layer. Adding a waterproofing solution like the Dr. Fixit Raincoat range before repainting is a smart, protective step to include in the process.
    
5. Ensure proper drainage around exterior walls.
   
   Poor drainage can gradually lead to dampness, weaken plaster, and increase long-term repair needs. Check and clear key areas such as gutters, downpipes, and ground slopes that are prone to water pooling. The key is to keep water flowing away from the building rather than towards it.

How to repair damaged exterior walls? 

Proper maintenance is an excellent way to minimise damage and exterior plaster repair. However, you must also be aware of repairing techniques to deal with some common problems, like -​

• Small hairline cracks
  
  These cracks mostly appear due to weathering. Cracks can also occur if the thickness of internal and external wall plaster is more than needed. While hairline cracks may seem like no danger, they can quickly allow moisture to enter and escalate the damage. It is recommended that you consult a professional for the best advice.
   
• Efflorescence  
  
  Efflorescence means the deposition of salts on unsealed surfaces, such as brick, cement, stone, concrete, etc., when exposed to water. These problems are generally seasonal and peak during the monsoon. To remove efflorescence from your walls, you can use diluted vinegar, efflorescence cleaners, brushes, or pressurised water. After that, an ideal long-term solution would be to adopt waterproofing solutions.
   
• Loose plaster or peeling paint
  
  Another typical problem homeowners face is a peeling paint layer and loose plaster that falls off. To fix this, the loose plaster is first scraped off, and then the area is cleaned. Make sure the area is dry. Invest in a good bonding agent for the best adhesion before applying a fresh layer of plaster. Hire certified contractors to repair the damage; taking it up yourself can cause accidents and ineffective waterproofing.
   
• Dampness and water leakage
  
  Moisture can corrode plaster and walls, and dampness in your home can have many health implications. Some common reasons for dampness or leakage may be improper drainage, loose plaster, water seepage, foundation cracks, etc. Fix the water leakage issue as soon as you find out the reason to avoid further damage to the walls.

Waterproofing is a must.

Lack of external wall waterproofing might also be a reason for plaster damage. Instead of temporary fixes to water leakages, adopt the right waterproof solution to avoid any inconveniences in the future. Dr Fixit provides a whole spectrum of waterproofing products for your exterior walls. Visit the website to know more. You can fill out the form given below to contact Dr. Fixit.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. How do you repair exterior plaster walls?
   
   Exterior plaster repair begins with identifying loose areas, removing weakened plaster, ensuring the surface is dry, and preparing it for fresh application. Given how incorrect handling can worsen damage, it’s best to rely on professionals who use the right exterior plaster repair techniques and compatible waterproofing products.
    
2. How to make external walls waterproof?
   
   Waterproofing external walls requires sealing cracks, treating damp areas, and applying a durable waterproofing solution formulated for long-term protection. Instead of attempting temporary fixes, rely on expert-led external wall waterproofing systems that use purpose-designed waterproofing chemical combinations for strong, lasting defence.
    
3. What is the best waterproofing method for exterior walls?
   
   Choosing the best method varies based on surface condition, construction type, and exposure to weather. Multi-layered waterproofing solutions are evergreen for covering cracks and blocking moisture ingress. Given the expertise needed, a professional survey from specialists like Dr. Fixit ensures the right approach for your walls.
    
4. Which exterior paint is waterproof?
   
   Waterproof exterior paints like the Dr. Fixit Raincoat range offer high flexibility, crack-bridging ability, and strong weather resistance. They perform best when paired with comprehensive systems that include the right blend of waterproofing chemicals designed for deep protection beneath the paint layer.
    
5. Which is better, interior or exterior waterproofing?
   
   Both are essential. External wall waterproofing blocks water before it enters the structure, protecting walls from rain and seepage. Interior waterproofing manages moisture that appears indoors due to hidden leaks or rising damp. Implementing both is what creates a complete defence system that keeps the home dry and healthy.