Style & materials 06/02/2024
Plaster: types and functions in the building world
If you are renovating or building your flat from the beginning, Ermetika gives you the main information about one of the most commonly used materials in construction: plaster.
Plaster: what is it and what are its characteristics?
Plaster is a protective coating that is applied to masonry in order to protect it from external agents and damage.
It consists of a mixture between a mortar and a binder (hardener) that allows the plaster to adhere to the wall.
Furthermore, depending on your needs, additional substances can be incorporated into the plaster, such as plastics and cellulose, coloring, heat-insulating, water-repellent, dehumidifying, fireproofing and waterproofing materials.
Types
There are different categories of plastering, classified according to the type of binder used and the type of target environment. These include:
- Gypsum plaster, a preferred solution for environments that need more classic and decorative finishes. This is the case of historic and old buildings;
- Lime-based plaster, a solution with lime as binder, perfect for environments whose masonry often comes into contact with water;
- Cement-lime plaster, a solution consisting of lime and Portland cement, which offers perfect versatility, resistance, robustness and impermeability.
The types of this material are therefore different and for this reason it is important to inform yourself and know how to choose the right type to meet your needs.
The Functions of Plaster
As already mentioned, its primary function is to protect the masonry from damage by filling gaps and cracks between one brick and another, thus giving the wall greater stability.
Another important function that plastering can perform is to waterproof the walls, making them as immune as possible to the action of external factors, such as mould and humidity.
Finally, the aesthetic function of plastering should not be underestimated: through the use of particular substances or dyes, it gives the walls a certain type of color even before the colored paint is applied. The same goes for the choice of masonry texture: depending on your preference, you can decide to get a perfectly smooth and polished wall or a rougher and grainier one.
Plaster is also perfect for the installation of Ermetika's internal doors, both for the Absolute Line, which includes frameless systems, and for the Classic Line, consisting of classic and eternally elegant sliding doors. They are all versatile products, perfect for any type of interior design.
