The Consequences of Water Ingress: Defective Plaster Removal at St Phillips Church
St Phillips Church in Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, a village just past Leek in Staffordshire, recently faced a pressing issue with its plasterwork. Water ingress had caused the plaster to fail, resulting in large sheets falling off the walls and posing a significant risk to the congregation and visitors. As traditional lime plasterers, we were called upon to remove the defective plaster and assess the underlying situation.
A Warning Sign: Trapped Moisture and Failing Plaster
Upon inspection, it became clear that the water ingress had caused the plaster to deteriorate beyond repair. Our team carefully removed the failed plaster, taking care not to cause further damage to the surrounding area. However, as we progressed, we discovered that the issue ran deeper than initially thought.
The materials underneath the plaster appeared to have been damp-proofed, but this had inadvertently trapped moisture, causing the binder to dissolve and the plaster to fail. This raised concerns about the potential for deeper problems, such as structural issues or hidden damage.
Deep Cracks and Hidden Dangers
During the removal process, we noticed deep cracks on the surface of the plaster beside the main window, which suggested that there may be more extensive issues at play. These cracks, combined with the trapped moisture, led us to recommend a thorough survey to identify the root cause of the water ingress and assess the extent of the damage.
The Importance of a Thorough Survey: Uncovering Deeper Problems
We strongly recommended that the church undergo a thorough survey to identify the root cause of the water ingress and assess the extent of the damage. This will enable the church to address any underlying problems and prevent further deterioration.
As traditional lime plasterers, we understand the importance of using breathable materials and techniques to prevent moisture buildup. However, in this case, the use of modern materials and methods had created a situation where moisture was trapped, leading to the plaster's failure.
