Cost to Repair Plaster - Notes and General Information

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• Patch A Pool With Plaster Walls Pictures
• Repair Pool Plaster Patch Only

These estimates are for BASIC work performed in serviceable conditions by qualified trade professionals using MID GRADE materials. Work not mentioned on this page and/or work using master craftsman, premium materials and project supervision will result in HIGHER COSTS!

These estimates are NOT substitutes for written quotes from trade professionals. Homewyse strongly recommends that you contact reputable professionals for accurate assessments of work required and costs for your project - before making any decisions or commitments.

1. Patching & Plastering; Walls & Ceilings; Exterior Home Improvement. Masonry, Asphalt, Concrete. Tips for Repairing a Gunite Swimming Pool What You'll Need. Sometimes it is only the surface plaster and that can be repaired with more plaster. Other times the gunite itself has a crack.
2. Sider-Repair – Afiber-reinforced repair mortar formulated to repair cracks, spot-etching and ‘pop-outs’ in concrete surfaces and existing pool plaster. Strong and durable, Sider-Repair can be applied in a single layer up to 1″ (~ 25.4 mm) and is recommended to repair concrete and plaster surfaces prior to the application of Sider-Proof.

How to Patch Plaster Walls. How to put a fresh face on brown, blistered, water-damaged drywall How to Patch a Ceiling. In this how-to video, learn to patch holes with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva. How to Patch Plaster. Shopping List. 3/8-inch-thick drywall.

The cost estimate includes:

• Costs for local material / equipment delivery to and service provider transportation to and from the job site.
• Costs to prepare the worksite for Plaster Repair, including costs to protect existing structure(s), finishes, materials and components.
• Labor setup time, mobilization time and minimum hourly charges that are commonly included for small Plaster Repair jobs.

The cost estimate does NOT include:

• Costs for removing, relocating, repairing, or modifying existing framing, surfacing, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems - or bringing those systems into compliance with current building codes.
• Costs for testing and remediation of hazardous materials (asbestos, lead, etc).
• General contractor overhead and markup for organizing and supervising the Plaster Repair. Add 13% to 22% to the total cost above if a general contractor will supervise this project.
• Sales tax on materials and supplies.
• Permit or inspection fees (or portion thereof) required by your local building department for your overall project.

Cost to Repair Plaster - Unit Price References

• Unit Pricing Data: Menards Drywall Products and Supplies Menards, Aug 2019, Website
• Unit Pricing Data: Home Depot Drywall Products and Supplies Home Depot, Aug 2019, Website
• Unit Pricing Data: Lowes Drywall Products and Supplies Lowes , Aug 2019, Website
• Unit Pricing Data: ABC Supply Roofing Supply Catalog Do It Best, Aug 2019, Website
• Reviewing 5 Levels of Gypsum Board Finish National Gypsum, Aug 2014, Rodney Burciaga and Tony Fuller
• How to Estimate the Cost of Installing and Finishing Drywall American Society of Professional Estimators, Jul 2011, Estimating Today
• Carpentry and Building Construction, Student Text Glencoe/McGraw-Hill; 6th edition, Jan 2003, Mark Feirer, John Feirer, ISBN 007822702X
• Recommended Levels of Gypsum Board Finish The Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industries, Mar 2012,

Gunite is a concrete material used in the construction of swimming pool structures. The benefit to a gunite swimming pool is its resilience and flexibility, allowing for pools of almost any shape. It is also extremely strong and durable. Gunite is just concrete and sand but it is mixed together with water right before it is applied pneumatically as a spray. Gunite pools are relatively easy to build and therefore, are often cheaper than pools made from other materials. They are also conducive to adding amenities like slides and islands and easy to clean because they can be completely drained to replace the water if necessary.

How Do Gunite Pools Crack?

Over time, however, cracks can form because of weather or other damage. Besides cracks, “pop-ups” can also appear. These are hollow spots in the pool's surface. Pool surfaces sometimes chip as well. It is possible to repair this damage yourself.

Gunite is porous and is sealed from the water by a plaster coating. When the water behind the pool permeates the porous material and changes temperature it expands and contracts and cracks can appear.

Also, if the ground around the pool moves over time, it can crack the surface material. The ground can shift due to various factors like freezing and thawing, water table levels, and earthquakes.

If you see a crack, sometimes it is only the surface plaster and that can be repaired with more plaster. Other times the gunite itself has a crack. This also can be repaired.

Step 1 - Clean

Make sure the pool is completely dry and, using the broom, sweep any loose dirt away from the area of the crack.

Step 2 - Use a Grinder

Use the grinder with the diamond blade to widen and deepen the crack. Use a low setting on the grinder and place it in the crack to accomplish this. Move the grinder around carefully until the crack is made a few inches deep and wide.

Use the rag to wipe the gunite dust. Wet the area with the hose. This will prevent the gunite from extracting moisture from the cement.

Step 3 - Mix Cement

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In the bucket, mix three parts cement and two parts white sand. You can also add an acrylic cement bonding agent if you desire. This can be purchased at any home improvement or pool supply store. Slowly add in one part water until the mixture is pasty but not dripping, like peanut butter.

Step 4 - Caulk

Using the putty knife, first line the walls of the crack with the mixture. Alternatively, you can put a bead of caulk and spread it along the length of the crack leaving space to let the cement cover the caulk. You should leave about ¼ inch. Allow the caulk to dry.

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Then, fill the crack entirely with the cement, sand, and water mixture. Any excess should be removed. Smooth the top using the trowel.

Step 5 - Plaster

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Once this had dried, complete the plaster coat over the surface.