Why are cracks appear in the plaster, and how to eliminate them with your own hands

For any homeowner, plaster cracks can be a frustrating problem. These flaws can ruin the look of your walls and ceilings, whether they’re tiny hairline cracks or bigger, more noticeable gaps. Fortunately, you can maintain the structural integrity of your home and the immaculate appearance of your plaster by understanding why these cracks occur and how to repair them.

There are multiple factors that lead to the development of cracks in plaster. Plaster can expand and contract in response to changes in humidity and temperature, creating stress that can lead to cracks. Poor craftsmanship, the natural aging of materials, and settling or movement in the building’s structure can all be major factors. Applying the proper repair and averting further problems require determining the cracks’ underlying cause.

Although it may seem difficult, you can repair plaster cracks with a few simple tools and supplies. While larger cracks may require more extensive treatment, small cracks often only need a small amount of filling and smoothing. The secret is to take a methodical approach: before repainting or reapplying plaster, clean the area, apply a suitable filler, and sand it down to a smooth finish.

You can preserve the elegance and toughness of your interior surfaces by appropriately and quickly treating plaster cracks. This will not only make your house look better, but it can also support the preservation of its general structural integrity. It is possible to eliminate those ugly cracks with a little time and work.

The causes of cracks

Both new and old buildings have the potential to develop a series of tiny cracks or significant flaws. The primary cause of damage to old houses’ decorations is thought to be the settling and deforming walls, as well as general wear and tear on the structures. In newly constructed buildings, the issue may arise from a variety of plastering mistakes in addition to the normal shrinkage of the main components. However, there can be a number of precise reasons why cracks occur, and the master’s job is to identify and remove those reasons.

Wall processing in one layer

The process of wall leveling is done in phases. Plastering is a difficult process that involves applying two to three layers of solution to the surface with varying textures and consistency. In this instance, there is less chance of cracks because the technology will be monitored. If the plaster is applied in a single layer, it may become covered in a web of flaws once it dries.

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Neglect of a primer

Every plastering project starts with a careful base preparation. Prime the surface by cleaning it first and then applying the primer. This tool has antiseptic and fungicidal additives in addition to plaster, which increases the base’s clutch force. Plastering should be done after the primer dries deeply. The plaster could break if you neglect to apply the primer.

Soil is known as the average plaster layer, and it comes after spraying, among other things. It strengthens the surface and grows well with the wall. Since the primer bears the majority of the load when shrinking the walls, it is also impossible to skip this step of the process.

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The use of a poor -quality or old mixture

The use of new plaster, which has a typical expiration date, is necessary to ensure high-quality work. Older mixtures may lose some of their properties, which will lower their adhesion, strength, and wear resistance. When the expiration date approaches, it’s best to find a different building mixture.

The emergence of cracks could also be caused by poor plaster quality. The amount of cement in the solution must meet the requirements and not be more than one-third of the total mass. Conversely, a tiny quantity of cement causes the wall’s solution to dissolve. Adding polymer components to the plaster is a good idea. This mixture is more expensive but far more elastic and less prone to cracking.

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Incorrect mixing of the solution

The package for dry building mixtures always includes comprehensive kneading instructions. You must carefully control the volume of the water you use to prepare the composition, using only pure, uncontaminated water. It’s also crucial to quickly mix the plaster with a construction mixer after adding small amounts of dry mass to the water. Following the initial kneading, the material must be left under the lid, beaten again after a few minutes, and then applied as directed. Should you deviate from the prescribed ratios or manually combine the plaster, the application will be inadequate and may eventually crack.

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Lack of reinforcing frame

Оогда штукатурка наносится на непрочные основания, а такье на поверхности со швами, укрепления она может растрескаться. When plastering drywall, it is considered necessary to glue the Serpi. Other materials are required when decorating beneath the wallpaper. The net will lessen the chance that the solution will exfoliate and that cracks will show up after drying. The reinforcing fabric should be stronger the thicker the layer. The most widely used fiberglass materials are available for purchase, along with serpins made of plastic and even metal.

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Pollution on the walls

Причиной нередко слуѶит плохая подготовка стен перед нанесением раствора, как штукатурка трескается при высыхании. Dirt, dust, and leftover fat deposits lessen the material’s adherence to the substrate, which causes it to start exfoliating. Thus, it’s crucial to thoroughly wash the walls with water and a detergent or solvent before applying plaster.

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Clay and sand plaster

Because of the characteristics of clay, clay-sand building mixtures are regarded as fat. They are not always sufficiently adherent, are rarely applied to the walls, and are smeared poorly. It will be difficult to align the wall with such plaster if it has many irregularities, and the material will completely exfoliate in areas where there are bulges. It is advised to first create black using cement solutions, and then to use clay.

Certain rooms exhibit a consistent rise in humidity or noticeable variations in temperature. Since clay plasters cannot withstand moisture, it seems more likely that cracks will occur in such circumstances. It is preferable to use them exclusively in dry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens where moisture-resistant cement or polymer compositions are used to finish the walls.

A common error made by novices is to apply a plaster layer that is too thin (less than 0.5 cm). Moisture quickly evaporates when it dries, preventing the material from gaining the required strength. The layer needs to be thickened (from 1 cm) in order for the process to move more slowly and evenly. This will lessen the possibility of the solution relaxing and crackling.

Ultraviolet and heat

The plaster should be applied, and the wall should get stronger and stronger. The ideal conditions in the room are as follows: there are no drafts and the temperature stays below +25 degrees. Direct sunlight occasionally shines on the coating; facade works are particularly susceptible to this.

The finish dries unevenly due to the rapid loss of moisture caused by a solution, in addition to the negative effects of UV radiation. After drying, the result is the emergence of a crack of cracks. In cloudy but dry weather, plastering should be done outside on the street, and inside the home, windows should be tightly closed with curtains.

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Moisture hit

Any form of excessive moisture is harmful to plaster because it seriously compromises the coating’s quality. Water can reach the finish in the following ways:

  • From the solution, if a lot of liquid was added during its breeding;
  • from the wall that remained wet after priming or applying the previous plaster layer;
  • from the air (if the humidity indicator exceeds 70–75%);
  • In case of non -compliance with the vapor permeability coefficients and finishes.

Any of the factors mentioned above has the potential to cause violations during the plaster layer’s drying process, which will cause it to lose its integrity.

Cracks in case of damage to supporting structures

This typically occurs in homes that have seen a lot of wear over their ten-year operation. There are times when the severity of the situation justifies overhauling the housing stock, including any supporting structures. The walls must first be assessed for damage before being strengthened and the finishing process can start. A weak base will cause the decorative layer to break easily.

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Foundation deformation

Issues with the foundation can be the source of cracks in private homes. Its deformity will unavoidably impact the walls’ condition and appearance. In an instance such as this, you will need to fix the foundation because all efforts to seal the fissures will fail.

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Saving structure

New concrete and brick buildings have a tendency to shrink for a period of one to two years. Plaster can break because even a layer of solution acting as a sealer between blocks can dry out. Such issues won’t arise if super-elastic compounds are used to decorate new homes.

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Plaster cracks can be annoying, but you can save time and money by learning why they happen and how to fix them. Cracks are frequently caused by temperature fluctuations, moisture problems, or your home’s natural settling. Luckily, you can fix them yourself. Just clean the damaged area, fill it with high-quality filler, and smooth it out with paint and sanding. You don’t need professional assistance to return your plaster walls to their original state if you have the right supplies and a little perseverance.

How to prevent the appearance of cracks

You must closely monitor plastering technology throughout all phases to ensure that there are no issues with the finished wall decoration. Experts provide novices with the following advice to help avoid cladding on cladding:

  1. The air temperature in the house should be optimal – from +10 to +25 degrees. If the air is too heated, any plaster will crack. It is strictly forbidden to use thermal guns, thermal cores and other devices to accelerate drying: they contribute to uneven drying of the walls.
  2. Drafts, direct sunlight in the plastered room should be strictly excluded. Otherwise, the quality of the finish will drop sharply.
  3. Cement plaster is applied with a layer of about 2 cm. For gypsum plaster, this indicator can be slightly lower – 1.5 cm. If you plan to make thicker layers of the mixture, all work is done after installing the beacons. The use of the reinforcing mesh will increase the efficiency of the work, which will increase the strength of the plaster adhesion with the substrate.
  4. There are norms in terms of layer thickness and relative to the material of the base. For example, even strong polymer compositions when applying to stone, concrete, brick should have a thickness of more than 5 mm. If the tree is plastered, the minimum indicator increases to 9 mm.
  5. Before applying each next layer of finishing, they check how firmly the previous one grabbed, whether it was cracking. It is not worth hoping for lighting cracks in a new portion of the solution: they need to be eliminated and redistributed.
  6. Different types of plaster have their own characteristics in mixing, breeding, applying, drying, care. The manufacturer always indicates them on the packaging. Do not ignore such tips so as not to know the problems with the operation of the finish.

Causes of Cracks in Plaster How to Fix Cracks in Plaster
1. Drying Shrinkage: As plaster dries, it can shrink and cause cracks. 1. Fill and Sand: Use a filler to cover the cracks, let it dry, and then sand it smooth.
2. Structural Movement: Building settling or vibrations can lead to cracks. 2. Reinforce and Repair: Apply a flexible joint compound or mesh tape before filling to prevent re-cracking.
3. Temperature Changes: Expansion and contraction from temperature swings can cause plaster to crack. 3. Control Temperature: Ensure stable temperatures or use flexible fillers that can handle changes.
4. Poor Application: Improper plaster mix or application can create weak spots. 4. Apply Properly: Use the right mix and apply evenly to avoid weak areas.
5. Moisture Problems: Water damage can lead to cracking plaster. 5. Address Moisture: Fix leaks and use water-resistant plaster or sealants.

Plaster cracks can be an annoying and unsightly issue, but the first step in fixing them is figuring out what causes them. These cracks frequently result from a multitude of factors, including temperature changes, building settling, and incorrect plaster application. Finding the root of the problem is essential to fixing it and keeping cracks from recurring.

With the correct equipment and supplies, repairing plaster cracks can be simple and doable once the cause has been identified. For a seamless finish, small, hairline cracks can frequently be filled with a high-quality filler and sanded smooth. In order to ensure durability, larger cracks may need to be filled with a joint compound or patching plaster that is applied in layers and reinforced with tape.

It’s crucial to appropriately prepare the surface for a long-lasting repair. Before applying the repair materials, make sure the area is dry and thoroughly clean the crack, removing any loose debris. To guarantee the best finish, give the repaired area enough time to dry completely after filling and smoothing the cracks. Then, paint over the area.

By following these instructions, you can return the plaster to its original condition and give your walls a smooth, faultless appearance. Maintaining the general health and appearance of your plaster surfaces can also be accomplished by routine inspection and timely repairs, which can stop small cracks from becoming larger problems. You can maintain the best possible appearance for your walls and treat plaster cracks on your own with a little work and the appropriate technique.

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Daria Yakovlev

Interior designer, author of online color design courses. I will help you create a harmonious interior using color.

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