Why Does Plaster Crack?

by | Nov 9, 2022 | Plastering Services

Cracks can be an indication of damage to your plaster. In addition, they can also be a sign of structural weakness in the property. If not fixed, it can result in more issues down the line.? 

One thing to note is that plastering doesn’t have the most flexible composition. This means they tend to crack easily. Usually, these cracks are caused by contraction, expansion, or rapid changes in home temperature.? 

So, what are the most common reasons for the plaster to crack? Before you?hire plastering services in Hornchurch, here are several things you should know about plaster cracks. 

Expansion 

One of the main reasons why plaster cracks are expansion. It’s usually a moisture-related issue that you can easily prevent during the initial stages of the process. 

The cause of moisture is due to consistently high ambient humidity, improper air circulation, or wet wall coverings.? 

If the damage has already happened, you must remove the plaster and apply a new one. Also, professionals might recommend you use breathable plaster to avoid this issue in the future. 

Popping 

Popping usually forms from the plaster when contaminants are present in the mix. The popping creates conical fragments that break out of the plaster’s surface. This results in holes that differ in size. 

Popping usually happens due to moisture as well. You can easily fix the issue by applying cement filler and paint to cover the damage. 

Lack of Hardness 

Low-quality cement mortar usually results in less durability and cracking. This is because these materials contain an excessive amount of dust and sand.? 

To avoid this, you must make sure you use high-quality water. It’s also ideal to avoid adding excess water to the mix.? 

Grinning 

Grinning is a common issue with plaster. The problem is that the plaster doesn’t adhere to the wall properly, so it starts to separate at the seams. This can cause gaps, allowing air and water to get in.? 

These gaps are called “grins.” Grins can be repaired by patching the plaster with drywall compound or mesh tape. However, it’s important to ensure that the patch is big enough to cover the entire grin. Otherwise, you’ll just end up with a bigger grin. 

Structural Cracks 

Structural cracks are a common issue with plaster walls. These forms of cracks typically form in diagonal, vertical, or straight lines.? 

The most common type of plaster wall is the lath and plaster wall. This type of wall is made by attaching wood strips, or laths, to the studs in a wall.? 

The space between the laths is then filled with a plaster mixture. As the plaster dries, it shrinks and forms a bond with the laths.? 

Over time, the bond between the plaster and the laths can weaken, causing the plaster to crack. Plaster walls can also break due to settlement or foundation problems.? 

If you notice any cracks in your plaster walls, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage. If you don’t, you might end up with expensive issues down the line.