Scrap Off Rockstone Before Plastering?

[Cyberkinetic 0]

Hi,

would like to find out if it is necessary for rockstone walls to be scrapped clean of the the rockstone surface before plastering is done to smoothen the walls?

My contractor says there's no need to do that and he can just plaster OVER the rockstone surface. I'm not sure if he is pulling a fast one on me as I noticed that there's quite a few areas of the rockstone surface peeling due to removal of previous(i bought a resale flat) fixtures like wardrobe and tv console. I just feel that logically if the rockstone that is peeling ain't removed before plastering, it may cause problems over in the long run.

Anyone with knowledge of plastering of walls can help? Many thanks in advance!

[happywolfie 0]

My resale EM had the same surface, and it costs me 3.1k just to plaster the whole house. Don't think it's a problem, they just smear plaster over everything, don't think anything can go wrong.

[lawry 3]

I'm not sure how mine was done, but smearing plaster over the pimply rockstones, doesn't that increase the thickness of the walls by a little? I noticed the edges near the door frames and window frames are slightly bulgy, I'm not sure if it were done the same way.

[Cyberkinetic 0]

Spoke to contractor again about removing the rockstone surface... he said not possible but they will scrap off those loose/flaky pieces before plastering.

Happywolfie: I'm just worried abt possible cracks in the plastered surface due to the air pockets of those loose flaking rockstone layer..

lawry: Yup..definitely increase a little but probably not significant as the contractor told me it's a thin layer that they are applying.. i would believe so too as a thicker layer equals more cost... hehe... in such challenging times... i'd say they will apply as THIN a layer as they possibly can...

The next thing that I'm pondering over is whether to have my aircon pipings and electrical wirings done before they plaster or the other way around... Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[lawry 3]

Cyberkinetic, the aircon pipings and electrical wirings should be after the plastering, it's not part of the wall in the first place.

[mrspiglet 2]

hi cyberkinetic, i've explored the possibility of scrapping off the rockstones instead of plastering. What i understand from >10 IDs/contractors, these days, they do not do scrapping anymore, more work more labour and i suppose will end up with more cost.

My resale flat came with rockstone as well, everything in fact, including ceilings, sewage pipes and even the DB box. The plastering turned out very smooth and nice, so far no cracking as the pockets u r concern is actually very small. In fact, what i read from others' T-blog, some who had their kitchen walls plastered instead of tiling had to punch holes in the wall to allow the plastering to stay on. I chged my DB box, but forgotten abt pipes n its too late to regret now. U may wanna take note of these small details?

Electrical wiring to be done b4 plastering, if u want them to plaster the fine lines/groove between ceiling and cable tray. Else, it doesnt matter if they plaster 1st or wire 1st. Aircon, i suggest doing after the plastering. In case next time for any reason u wanna chge the trunking/fancoil position, u'll not have a bare wall with unplastered rockstones in these original positions.

[Cyberkinetic 0]

Hi Lawry and MrsPiglet,

thanks for the advice. Noted duly...

Meeting contractor this sunday morning to sort all these out..

Let's see how things turn out..

Best regards.

[selinakitty 0]

Spoke to contractor again about removing the rockstone surface... he said not possible but they will scrap off those loose/flaky pieces before plastering.

Happywolfie: I'm just worried abt possible cracks in the plastered surface due to the air pockets of those loose flaking rockstone layer..

lawry: Yup..definitely increase a little but probably not significant as the contractor told me it's a thin layer that they are applying.. i would believe so too as a thicker layer equals more cost... hehe... in such challenging times... i'd say they will apply as THIN a layer as they possibly can...

The next thing that I'm pondering over is whether to have my aircon pipings and electrical wirings done before they plaster or the other way around... Any suggestions?

Thanks.

You should do your aircon pipings before you plaster the wall if you intend to do concealed piping

[leiao 0]

Hi Lawry and MrsPiglet,

thanks for the advice. Noted duly...

Meeting contractor this sunday morning to sort all these out..

Let's see how things turn out..

Best regards.

HI Cyberkinetic,

Just to check how's your issue with the rockstone as i am facin g the same issue.

So you just do plaster over it? or they have someone to remove the rockstones?

CHeers

[archee74 0]

HI Cyberkinetic,

Just to check how's your issue with the rockstone as i am facin g the same issue.

So you just do plaster over it? or they have someone to remove the rockstones?

CHeers

Mine too.. seems like a trend for the older units. Mine is 36yrs old resale

[vinder79 0]

Mine too.. seems like a trend for the older units. Mine is 36yrs old resale

To remove is more costly than to plaster i paid 1800 to plaster my whole 4 rm wall and ceiling.

[wolflet 1]

my unit also came with rockstone. paid 1850 to plaster whole house including ceiling (5rm)

Before and after of plastering

[vinder79 0]

my unit also came with rockstone. paid 1850 to plaster whole house including ceiling (5rm)

Before and after of plastering

Sorry sorry i also cement scread the wall first cause can see it uneven.

[wolflet 1]

Sorry sorry i also cement scread the wall first cause can see it uneven.

won't it make the room smaller?