The Benefits of Plaster for Exterior Walls

When building or renovating your home, one of the many choices you’ll face is choosing the right surface for your exterior walls. At West & Sons Construction, we recommend plaster for exterior walls for its numerous benefits. Not only does its design aesthetics happily meet functionality. It also provides a durable, long-lasting surface that stands strong under the variable Auckland climate conditions. It’s especially important up on the Hibiscus Coast and North Shore, where we proudly live and work. Read on to discover a few tips on why plaster for exterior walls might just be the perfect choice for you. 

What is Plaster for Exterior Walls?

Exterior wall plaster is a protective and decorative coating applied to the outer building surfaces. It is usually made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water, though modern formulations often include polymers for enhanced performance. Plaster material creates a smooth, durable finish that not only improves the aesthetic appeal of a property but also acts as a shield against weather elements, such as rain, wind, and sunlight.

The Benefits of Plaster for Exterior Walls

Plaster offers a range of practical and aesthetic benefits that we will explore in detail.

Durability and Longevity

One of the principal advantages of using plaster for exterior walls is its durability. Plaster has an incredible ability to withstand the elements, making it a confident choice for the often-unpredictable Auckland weather. We all know Auckland is known to have four seasons on one day. Plaster for exterior walls can handle all weather conditions including heavy rain, strong winds, and intense sunlight. The strength of this material will produce a longer lifespan for your exterior walls, as well as reduce the need for frequent ongoing repairs and maintenance.

Aesthetic Appeal

Plaster for exterior walls can often produce a timeless, sophisticated aesthetic for your home. It provides a textured or smooth, seamless finish that can be adapted to suit a range of home design styles. This versatility makes plaster for exterior walls a popular choice if you’re looking to increase your street appeal. 

Energy Efficiency

Another significant benefit of plaster for exterior walls is its energy efficiency. Plaster can function as an adaptable temperature insulator, helping to keep your home warm in winter and cool in the summer. This can lead to a reduced power bill. Choosing plaster for exterior walls can be a smart and sustainable choice in a world that’s becoming increasingly more energy efficient. 

Fire Resistance

Safety should always be a top consideration in your construction plans. Plaster for exterior walls offers excellent fire resistance. Plaster is a non-combustible material, meaning it does not catch fire easily. This provides an added layer of protection for your home and peace of mind for you and your family. In the unfortunate event of a fire, plaster for exterior walls can help slow the spread of flames, allowing more time to evacuate safely.

Low Maintenance

Maintaining some exterior wall finishes can be a time-consuming and costly task. However, plaster for exterior walls requires minimal ongoing maintenance. In this damp Auckland climate, it is resistant to mould and mildew, providing cleaner air quality in your home. This is always a bonus if your family suffer respiratory issues such as asthma and frequent colds and coughs. Plaster is also pest resistant, limiting any unwanted house guests and reducing the need to worry about pest control measures. Additionally, any minor plaster cracks or damages can be easily repaired, keeping your walls looking pristine for a lifetime.

Sound Insulation

If you live in a busy neighbourhood or near a noisy road, plaster for exterior walls can be a game changer, especially when coupled with double glazed windows. Plaster has excellent sound insulation properties, reducing any outside noise entering your home. 

Eco-Friendly Option

Plaster is made from natural materials, such as lime, sand, and water, which have lower toxicity levels and lower environmental impacts compared to synthetic materials. At the end of its life cycle, plaster is recyclable and can be repurposed making it a sustainable choice that’s good for the planet. 

Cost-Effective

Admittedly the initial cost of plaster for exterior walls may be slightly higher than some other materials. However, it is a cost-effective option in the long run. The long-lasting durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency of plaster for exterior walls can lead to significant savings over time. This equates to less spending in the future on repairs, maintenance, and your energy bills. 

Versatility in Design

Plaster for exterior walls offers incomparable versatility in design. It can be applied to multiple surfaces, including brick, concrete, and wood. Whether you want a smooth, polished finish or a textured, rustic appearance, plaster for exterior walls can be tailored to suit your style. 

Popular Plaster Styles

Homeowners have a variety of plaster styles to choose from, each offering unique benefits and aesthetic appeal:

1. Traditional Sand and Cement Plaster: This classic style provides a strong, weather-resistant finish that is ideal for Auckland's varied climate. It’s also well regarded for its robustness and durability. 
2. Acrylic Plaster: Acrylic plaster is an opportune material selection for modern homes with its flexibility and resistance to cracking. It can be versatile, offering a broad range in a range of colours and textures. 
3. Lime Plaster: Lime plaster for exterior walls is an ideal choice for those looking for an eco-friendly option for older homes. Allowing moisture to evaporate, preventing dampness and damage it offers breathability with its natural composition. 
4. Insulated Plaster Systems: These systems are suitable for enhancing energy efficiency and reducing heating and cooling costs. By combining insulation materials with plaster, it will improve the thermal performance of your home. 

For our plastering services, we use a three-coat mesh plaster system, offering additional thickness durability. Many preferred products we work with can offer product guarantee as well. 

Ready to Begin?

At West & Sons Construction, we believe in using high-quality materials that stand the test of time. Plaster is one such material that offers numerous benefits, from durability and energy efficiency to aesthetic appeal and low maintenance. If you're considering a new construction or home renovation in Auckland, we highly recommend exploring the advantages of plaster for exterior walls. 

We’d love to help you decide if plaster is the right choice for your project and handle the plastering process with precision and care. With our expertise and commitment to quality, we’ll ensure your walls look stunning and stand strong for years to come.