What is the most effective method for repairing falling plaster skim on an exterior brick wall in the UK before mold worsens?
Asked by Sotero Vieira 
6 months ago
Last Updated: June 26, 2024
Hey there,
I’ve run into a bit of an issue with the plaster skim on my wall starting to fall off after changing the windows. I’ve managed to remove all the loose bits, and the remaining parts seem pretty solid.
Do you have any suggestions on the best way to fix this? I’m not sure which product would be the most effective for finishing it off. There’s also some mold starting to show up since it’s an outer wall, and I’d like to tackle it before it gets worse. Luckily, I haven’t had any problems in other areas of the house.
Just to give you a heads up, the wall is brick, and I’m based in the UK. Any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
That area should be removed and examined to check if the damage has spread elsewhere. Let’s hope it hasn’t, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Mold is a serious problem that requires attention. I suggest starting by removing that section, treating it with a mold-killing solution, letting it dry, and then replacing it once it’s completely dry. Just ensure the leak has been fixed, or you’ll encounter the same issue again in the future. Best of luck to you.
Is that raw wood that’s visible? If it is, square it off and attach a piece of quarter-inch drywall, then apply tape and joint compound.
‘t forget, it’s brick behind that.
If it’s moist or wet, it’s best to investigate the issue further and address it first. If the problem has been addressed, wait until it’s completely dry before removing any more loose material and skimming over it.
Seems like it has been moist for quite a while. You should investigate to find where the water is getting in. I’m guessing the outer windowsill may not have been caulked properly or there are gaps between your bricks allowing water to seep in.
So they mentioned not to patch it until you locate and fix the leak. Simply covering it up won’t make it disappear.