What is the function of plaster on basement walls

[thx1138]

I have gone and bought an old cottage where the plaster on the basement walls has started to fall off. Do the walls need to be replastered, or can I just knock off everything that is loose and feel at ease? What function does the plaster actually have besides the aesthetic?

 

[thx1138]

The house has been abandoned for a couple of years at least, but it will now be heated year-round, if that makes any difference.

 

[justusandersson]

The most important function of plaster is to make the wall airtight. This is significant if the space is heated.

 

[thx1138]

okay, so if it's just going to be a water pump and water heater there, I can skip the plastering? last winter the basement never went below 5° even though the house was only kept at 10° when it was coldest, so I don't expect to need heating.

 

[Grillen]

No problem leaving it without plaster where it has fallen off. The rest that is still attached can stay there anyway.

Missed that it was almost 1 year since the post was created, :X