Interior and Exterior Plastering
Plaster works form the basis of construction and interior design in Dubai and across the UAE, especially in decorative plaster and gypsum plaster applications. Be it for structural reasons, aesthetic value, or functionality, plastering remains a major process in both building and finishing an interior. Here we are explaining the various industries of UAE where plaster works are employed, types of interior plaster designs, raw materials used, precautions required during plastering, and importance of plaster in building construction. Also, the ways to get in contact with a construction contract service company in the UAE and the contribution of MEP LUMENS in the process of plastering works.
Industries in the UAE Where Plaster Works Are Employed
In the UAE, the uses of plaster works are so vast in several industries, with the most striking one being the construction industry. Plaster of Paris or gypsum plaster is used in a lot of smooth wall finishes, detailed ceiling designs and other decorative works in residential buildings, commercial places, hotels, and retail outlets.
The purpose of the use of plaster in the construction business is basically for functional and aesthetic purposes, including wall and ceiling finishes, fireproofing and soundproofing. It is also used within the hospitality industry, mostly for hotels and resorts of higher qualities, adding beauty to their interior surroundings and giving them touches of sophistication and warmth. Moreover, plaster works are applied in retail to make appealing store designs that attract customers and enhance the shopping experience.
Raw Materials Used in Plastering
Gypsum: The main composition of plaster of Paris, it gives reasons for smoothness and quick-setting properties in the plaster. Lime and Sand: The addition of lime and sand with gypsum provides a strong yet workable plaster mix.
Cement: In certain conditions, cement is added to acquire increased strength and durability in plaster, especially for outer conditions.
Water: In order to mix the dry ingredients, water is added to develop a paste that can be applied with ease.
Additional materials, like bonding agents, pigments, and fibers, may be added to achieve the required property features or to attain certain textures or colors.
Interior Plastering Purpose and Benefits
Interior plastering refers to the application of plaster on the internal walls and ceilings of a building. Interior plastering is primarily resorted to in order to bring about a smooth, even surface that could be painted or decorated to the liking of the occupant. It also performs another significant function, which is hiding the defects such as cracks, unevenness, and joints in order to give the wall an immaculate finish. Beyond aesthetics, interior plastering also involves the process of soundproofing and insulation to make the home comfortable and energy-efficient.
Types of Interior Plaster Design
There are numerous types of interior plaster designs in Dubai, each used for different purposes for architectural and interior decoration purposes. Some of the common types are mentioned below.
Skimming Plaster Services UAE
Skimming plaster is laid to give a leveled smooth finish to walls and ceilings. It is very suitable as a base for painting and wallpaper. Skimming plasters are in wide application in residential and commercial areas to provide blemish-free surfaces.
Decorative Plaster Works Dubai
It deals with the plasterwork for ornamentation purposes on walls and ceilings. This work mainly comprises intricate moldings, cornices and medallions that are normally used in expensive villas and highly costly commercial areas.
Plaster of Paris Ceiling Design
Plaster of Paris finds its usage in making elaborative ceiling designs that include coffered ceiling, domes and customized motifs with a lot of versatility. Plaster work gives class to any interior space.
Gypsum Plaster Works UAE
Gypsum plaster is favored by many due to its smooth finish and fast setting. They use such type of plaster for wall plastering, ceiling designs, arches and niche purposes, among others.
The major materials employed in interior plastering are as follows:
Gypsum Plaster: Gypsum plaster, with its smooth finish and quick-setting properties, is mostly in vogue for interior walls. It is lightweight, easy to apply, and can be molded into intricate designs.
The plaster used in those areas where resistance to moisture is required, such as the kitchen and bathroom area, is cement plaster. It is stronger than gypsum and provides a robust finish.
Lime Plaster: Lime plaster is one of the more common plasters used in heritage buildings because it has a natural appearance and it breathes well. It is also used since it doesn't allow mold to grow due to its antimicrobial properties.
Techniques
The process of internal plastering involves a few steps:
Surface Preparation: The walls will be cleaned, and the paint or debris is removed. A bonding agent may be applied to ensure better adhesion.
Application of Base Coat: The base coat has been a plaster application accomplished with a trowel to the wall. This usually is thicker and is for evening out the surface.
Finish Coat: After the base coat has dried, the finishing coat is done to give a smooth finish. It is thinner and then polished for the required texture.
Drying and Curing: Let the plaster dry and cure. This must be appropriately hardened before painting or wallpaper is applied.
Exterior Plastering Purpose and Benefits
Exterior plastering is rendered to a building's outside walls. The main objectives of exterior plastering include protection of walls from weathering elements such as rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. It also gives good looks to the building by giving an appearance of cleanliness and finish. Exterior plastering prevents the penetration of moisture into a structure and thus contributes toward avoiding structural failure in the structure with time. It also provides thermal insulation and regulates the temperature within a building.
Materials Used
The materials used for exterior plastering should be more strong and resistant to weather conditions compared to interior ones. Common materials are:
Cement Render
Among all cement render is the most popular choice for an exterior one due to its strength and durability. This may resist unfavorable conditions of weather and build a protective layer for a building.
Acrylic Render
Acrylic render is flexible and less prone to cracking, hence ideal for those buildings which are suffering from temperature variations. It also comes in a range of colors to eliminate the need for painting altogether.
Lime Render
Lime render is breathable and assists in preventing the buildup of moisture in older buildings. Thus, it usually finds application in conservation projects, where the integrity and authenticity of the historic structure need to be preserved.
Techniques
The process for executing exterior plastering is described below:
Cleaning the external walls from loose material in preparation for the application of render. A layer of mesh or lath may also be placed on top to hold the render.
Application of Scratch Coat: The scratch coat is the very first layer of plaster that is usually applied to a wall. It can be referred to as scratch coat because of its texture, which will be roughly textured with a view to ensuring that an effective key is provided for the next layer.
Base Coat Application: After the scratch coat has dried, base coat application is made. Generally heavier than the scratch coat, this forms the major cover from the elements.
Finishing Coat: The final coat is applied to give the needed texture and look. When needed, this either gets smoothed out or textured according to how it should be to the design specification.
Curing: The render is left to cure, and this may take several days. Proper curing will ensure the plaster sets to become weather-tight
Precautions at Plaster Works on Sites
Plaster works on sites are carried out very carefully and technically by paying attention to safety and quality aspects. Some basic precautions include:
Surface Preparation: Ensure the walls and ceilings are clean, dry, and free from loose debris before commencing plastering. Proper preparation of the surface is quite necessary for good adhesion and a smooth finish.
Correct Mixing: The plaster mix needs to be prepared with the right proportion of ingredients. Poor mixing may lead to cracking, poor adhesion and weak plaster.
Expert Application: This is done by expert labor, which should know the various methods of application needed for functional and decorative plastering. It demands precision in application, especially in works of decoration.
Safety Precautions: Workers must wear masks, gloves, and goggles against dust and fumes. Scaffolding and ladders should be well-placed to avoid any mishaps.
Curing and Drying: Once the plaster has been applied, it must be given prime importance. It must be allowed to cure and dry out appropriately. This would prevent crack development and give a strong, durable finish.
Importance of Plaster Works during Building Construction
Different roles are attributed to plaster works in building construction. First, they smooth the surface, which is durable enough to grace interior views. Skimming plaster services come in especially handy for evened wall and ceiling bases on which other decorative elements would be placed. Plaster also plays an important structural role in buildings. The Gypsum plaster works in UAE are strong, fire-resistant, hence preferred options for safe and durable construction. Decorative plaster works like the plaster of Paris ceiling design add value to properties owing to their uniqueness and added interior appeal.
How to Reach a Construction Contract Service Company in UAE
For plastering services, one should look for a reliable UAE construction contract service company or Cement plaster contractors in UAE. You can also search for the best MEP contractors in Dubai or Sharjah, which deal especially in plastering and general mechanical, electrical, and plumbing-fitting services. We Lumens MEP, deals in all kinds of plastering services, starting from skim application to highly decorative plaster works. It offers solutions according to a particular requirement for residential and commercial projects, ensuring high-quality work.
How Lumens MEP Can Assist in Plastering Works in UAE
We, Lumens MEP is the leading MEP Company in Dubai, offering a plethora of plastering works expertise. Whether it relates to skimming plaster services, plaster renovation services or intricate decorative plaster works, professionals from MEP Lumens can do it with precision and professionalism. They host an excellent team of skilled craftsmen and engineers who ensure that each work they undertake is just done to perfection with attention to every detail, keeping in mind the client's satisfaction.
This work is very crucial in the construction and building interior of Dubai and UAE and involves works such as skimming, decorative and gypsum plaster. Knowing the various types of plaster, materials used, and precaution required during application will serve as assurance for the success of your plastering project. But with the collaboration of an efficient MEP contractor, such as Lumens MEP, one secures impressive durable results, allowing the property to appreciate in value and beauty.
Frequently asked questions about Interior and Exterior Plastering ? (FAQ)
Interior plastering is a process of applying a smooth, protective layer of plaster on the interior walls and ceilings of a building. It helps to provide an even surface ready for painting or decoration, and it adds soundproofing and insulation to the construction.
Exterior plastering, commonly known as rendering, saves your building from weather conditions like rain and wind along with high or low temperature. It also beautifies the outlook and provides thermal insulation.
The usual interior plastering is done by gypsum plaster, cement plaster or lime plaster. Each of them will be used based on the space requirement-whether moisture tight or due to taste.
Gypsum plaster provides a smooth finish and lightweight, quick-setting and may be easily molded into ornamental designs, hence is used for interior walls and ceilings.
It would, in principle, involve variations in materials and methods of application. Interior plastering is more to do with coming up with a smooth finish that can be decorated, while exterior plastering needs a stronger layer that would save the building from weather conditions.
Drying times will depend upon the type of plaster and environmental conditions, but most interior plasters take several days up to a week to dry and exterior renders take even longer, sometimes several weeks with multiple applications.
The surface must be cleaned of dirt, dust or loose material. If for internal plastering, any old paints or wallpapers are removed while for the case of external rendering, it is where loose render is chipped off. A bonding agent may also be applied for better adhesion.
The most frequent problem with regard to plastering is that it might crack, peel or bulge. This could be due to poor surface preparation, poor curing or the wrong type of plaster for that environment.
Plastered wall care involves dusting and cleaning the walls, occasional checking for cracks or breaks and taking quick action concerning moisture to avoid dampness and mold growth.
Based on reputation, interior and exterior plastering experience, and knowledge of different types of plaster materials, a right decision may be made. Additionally, referrals and viewing past projects are always useful to observe the quality of service.
The suitability of lime plaster in heritage buildings lies in the fact that it allows breathing and flexibility; it allows the moisture to evaporate out from the walls without collecting internally, hence avoiding dampness in the structure.
Yes, plastering can be carried out in humid conditions but needs to be managed consequently to ensure proper drying and curing. High humidity may extend drying times; therefore, it is necessary to closely monitor the environment and also use appropriate plastering materials.