Plastering is common in older walls, and cracks are common with old plaster walls. Lime putty is a mixture of water, lime and sand that is used on walls or ceilings. The mix varies in consistency, but it is usually spread thin for a smooth finish.
Some cracks can appear in your walls that look nasty. However, they aren’t serious and won’t cause problems in your home. To make sure you don’t have any issues in the future, consult a plasterer.
Causes of Getting Plaster Cracks
To know the reason behind plaster cracks, it helps to consider what is happening inside the wall. As the plaster dries, it shrinks and gets more complicated.
After lath strips are attached to the wall, a few layers of plaster are layered over it. This brittle plaster can easily crack and break if the house settles or bump into it while moving furniture.
Weak Spots in Plaster
You’re most likely to see cracks along the joints between studs and joists, as well as in the ceiling or floor frame. This is also true of walls.
Plaster cracks over time because it’s hard and brittle; it doesn’t like to settle. Instead, it spreads in diagonal angles. Small cracks in a wall are typica from blunt force. Also, cracks in walls can fluctuate seasonally due to temperature changes.
There’s a possibility that corners of doors and windows in the house may have cracks because they absorb the stresses of shifting in place.
Cracks as a Sign of Foundation Issues
If your home has cracks in the walls, a foundation issue is likely to blame. If you see new cracks in the plaster and your basement has cracks in it, your foundation may be settling or shifting.
Check with a structural engineer to ensure the foundation isn’t settling or shifting.
Fixing Plaster with Simple Cosmetic Techniques
If you need to fill a crack with plaster to make it blend into the wall more seamlessly, simply lay a strip of caulk over the damage and then paint over the caulk.
- Use acrylic latex caulk to seal the crack by applying a thin layer in the form of a bead.
- Rub the caulk into the crack with a finger to force it into the crevice.
- Use a damp sponge to wipe off all excess caulk, so it is flush with the wall’s surface.
When Plaster Comes Off in Chunks
When plaster cracks, there is always the danger that the plaster will come off, and water will get in to affect the integrity of your walls. Because of this, it’s vital to investigate new cracks in the plaster.
Plaster not allowed to form keys can crack and fall off the wall, damaging the surrounding plaster.
If you love the plaster walls of your home, don’t worry about them breaking. Plaster is quite strong, which is why it is used in most older homes.
Conclusion
Plaster walls are strong, durable and serve as a moisture barrier. If cracks appear in the walls of your home, most likely they are cosmetic problems. If a crack creates a weak point, additional support may need to be added.
To ensure to seal and repair cracks in plaster, it would be better to reach out to registered plastering company like We Plaster & Recruit. We offer plastering services across throughout Brisbane, Gold Coast and Queensland areas. To get assistance and proper maintenance for your walls, contact us today.