Homes are constantly settling as different construction materials expand and contract at different rates.
Filling cracks in plaster walls.
And certain key areas such as above and beside doorways and windows are classic areas of cracking.
Expansion and contraction of the wood studs as they shrink and expand with changing humidity levels can cause the plaster to crack.
If you are patching a large crack then undercut it remove all the loose plaster and dampen the surface like similar to small crack.
Using a 3 16 inch masonry bit drill a hole in the plaster about 2 inches from the crack.
Some like a small hairline crack usually aren t a big deal.
But plaster walls respond to inevitable foundation shifts and climatic changes and can begin to crack.
For more about how plaster walls are built see plaster wall construction over time these.
For finishing you ll need primer and paint.
Drill into the plaster photo by david carmack.
How to repair plaster walls 1.
When you hit lath stop the bit won t go through wood pull out the bit and drill another hole about 3 inches from the first and about 2 inches from the crack.
No matter what the cause.
This will hide the repaired area and gives a fine smooth finishing.
Treat minor cracks in plaster similar to a drywall crack with joint compound.
Mix a batch of plaster and fill the.
Cracks can appear for a number of reasons.
To repair small cracks in plaster you ll need patching compound medium and fine grit sandpaper a sanding block a putty knife a masonry chisel a paintbrush a rag and a screwdriver.
There are a couple of reasons why cracks can form in plaster walls.
Whether drywall plaster or concrete walls are susceptible to cracks even walls in newly built homes are prone to cracks which normally occur from settling.
Once repaired patch dried apply prime coat over the filled in crack and surface surrounding area.
Everyday life with its bumps and bangs also takes its toll on plaster walls.
Plaster applied to wood lath is held in place by the keys that form when it squishes through the lath.
However if the plaster separates from the lath or the structure of the wall it s called blown plaster and it requires a more extensive repair.
Expert advice and detailed instructions on repairing the most common plaster wall and ceiling problems including cracks holes and sagging.
Plaster repair is much.